Thursday, September 11, 2008

WHERE WERE YOU WHEN THE WORLD STOPPED TURNING?

On Friday, November 16, 2001 Alan Jackson had the lyrics of his song "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning" read into the Congressional Record by His Honor, Congressman Mac Collins.
HONORABLE MAC COLLINS of Georgia
House of Representatives
Friday, November 16, 2001

"On September 11th, 2001 our nation suffered a cataclysmic attack of unprecedented proportion. More than 6,000 Americans lost their lives in less than 1 hour's time.

In the two months following that tragic day, our citizens have struggled for ways to accept and deal with such a horrific loss. We have held candlelight vigils, all night prayer groups, talked of memorials and rebuilding. We have launched a major military campaign to seek justice for those victims. But one young man, whose name is known to many of this body and many of the American people, has found a way to genuinely memorialize those victims and that day in song.

Alan Jackson was born in Newnan, Georgia in 1958. Since that time he has grown into one of the nation's most loved Country Music stars. Some have called him the conscience of Nashville for his actions and the type of music he makes.

On November 7th. at the Country Music Awards, Alan sang a song he wrote, which more than any other that I have heard, expressed the wide range of emotions experienced on September 11th, 2001. I would like to read those lyrics to you now. "



Where Were You [When The World Stopped Turning]
By Alan Jackson



Where were you when the world stop turning on that September day

Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.

Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Rising against that blue sky

Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know

Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin' what they do

Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man

I watch CNN but I'm not sure I could
Tell you the difference in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stop turning on that September day

Teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate

Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone

Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her
Did you dust off that bible at home

Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
And you close your eyes and not go to sleep

Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street

Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun

Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns

Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Stand in line and give your own blood

Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love



"I would like to take this opportunity to commend and congratulate my former constituent, a great American who has used his gifts as a songwriter and performer to lift the American spirit in this great pursuit for justice. Alan Jackson has crafted a thoughtful memorial to the victims of September 11th and serves as an example of how all Americans can help heal our nation from the wounds we suffered on that tragic day. Thank you Alan, for helping us to remember those we lost and for helping to keep their memory alive."

11 comments:

cinnamongirl93 said...

I know the song well. As a matter of fact that sound has been in my head all week long. Remembering. Thinking about what happened that awful day. Pondering about how much all of our lives changed on that tragic day. Alan Jackson put our feelings into song. At the time that song came out it helped me heal too. I agree with your post! I will never forget what happened. I'm sure know one else will either. We will always remember.

walk2write said...

I have been just kind of puttering around today, not able to focus much on anything, and grieving for everyone affected by that day. I'm not just talking about the people who lost their loved ones but all of the children who witnessed that horrible scene over and over again on television. They will carry a burden about for quite some time and probably not even realize why. A lot of people would rather forget that day ever happened. I get so irritated with hearing (and otherwise sensing): Focus on the positive, not the negative...Cut the negativity out of your life...Ignore the people who bring up the painful past and leave them behind you...I think we may be headed toward another and maybe final holocaust when I hear (or otherwise sense) words like that.

Eve said...

Someone once said," If we ignore history, we are condemned to repeat it"...we need to remember, there is a group of people out there who would love to see us destroyed. We can't afford to forget.

Skeeter said...

That is a powerful song Alan Jackson wrote! I am sure each of us can realte to at least one line or two within... I know I can and NO, I will NEVER FORGET....

Lib said...

Hi Eve,
I will always remember!
Great post !
Hope you're having a great week.
Blessins',Lib

Cindy said...

I can feel the sorrow today as if it were yesterday. As much as it hurts to remember, it's that important, for we must stay diligiant.

Susie said...

I won't ever forget that day. I'm sure no one will. The words to that song are wonderful. He did a great job!

Carla said...

Thank you for sharing this song today!

tina said...

I was sleeping and never will forget when hubby called me to say we were under attack. We just knew we'd be sent over there. Good song for the date. Just for info, Frances changed her url and I am not sure if you have the new one. I have it on my blog or you can go to her old blog and get it there too.

Eve said...

Thanks Tina, I change it.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing Alan Jackson's beautiful song with us. I'll never forget that day or where I was or how I felt.