About the song:

Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning): A Song of Resilience and Hope

“Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” is a country music song written and recorded by American singer Alan Jackson. It was released in September 2001 as the lead single from his album Drive. The song was a response to the September 11 attacks, and it quickly became a powerful anthem of resilience and hope in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The song is a powerful ballad that asks the listener to reflect on where they were and what they were doing when the world stopped turning on September 11th. Jackson sings about the shock, fear, and sadness that people felt in the wake of the attacks, but he also offers a message of hope and strength. He reminds listeners that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.

The song’s lyrics are simple, yet evocative. They capture the range of emotions that people felt on September 11th, and they offer a message of comfort and hope. Jackson’s delivery is sincere and heartfelt, and his voice perfectly conveys the song’s message of resilience and strength.

The song’s production is understated, allowing Jackson’s vocals and the lyrics to take center stage. The result is a powerful and moving song that has resonated with listeners for decades. “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” is a song that will stay with you long after you hear it. It is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope in the face of adversity.

Key takeaways:

  • “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” is a country music song written and recorded by Alan Jackson.
  • It was released in September 2001 as a response to the September 11 attacks.
  • The song is a powerful ballad that asks the listener to reflect on where they were and what they were doing when the world stopped turning on September 11th.
  • Jackson sings about the shock, fear, and sadness that people felt in the wake of the attacks, but he also offers a message of hope and strength.
  • The song’s lyrics are simple, yet evocative, and Jackson’s delivery is sincere and heartfelt.
  • The song’s production is understated, allowing Jackson’s vocals and the lyrics to take center stage.
  • “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” is a powerful and moving song that has resonated with listeners for decades. It is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope in the face of adversity.

Video:

Lyrics:

Where were you when the world stopped turnin’That September day?Were you in the yard with your wife and childrenOr workin’ on some stage in L.A.?Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smokeRisin’ against that blue sky?Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighborOr did you just sit down and cry?
Did you weep for the children, they lost their dear loved onesPray for the ones who don’t know?Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubbleAnd sob for the ones left below?Did you burst out with pride for the red, white, and blueAnd the heroes who died just doin’ what they do?Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answerAnd look at yourself and what really matters?
I’m just a singer of simple songsI’m not a real political manI watch CNN, but I’m not sure I can tell youThe diff’rence in Iraq and IranBut I know Jesus and I talk to GodAnd I remember this from when I was youngFaith, hope, and love are some good things He gave usAnd the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turnin’That September day?Teachin’ a class full of innocent childrenOr drivin’ 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 love her?Did you dust off that Bible at home?
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happenedClose your eyes and not go to sleep?Did you notice the sunset for the first time in agesAnd speak to some stranger on the street?Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrowGo 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 strangersStand in line to give your own blood?Did you just stay home and cling tight to your familyThank God you had somebody to love?
I’m just a singer of simple songsI’m not a real political manI watch CNN, but I’m not sure I can tell youThe diff’rence in Iraq and IranBut I know Jesus and I talk to GodAnd I remember this from when I was youngFaith, hope, and love are some good things He gave usAnd the greatest is loveI’m just a singer of simple songsI’m not a real political manI watch CNN, but I’m not sure I can tell youThe diff’rence in Iraq and IranBut I know Jesus and I talk to GodAnd I remember this from when I was youngFaith, hope, and love are some good things He gave usAnd the greatest is love
And the greatest is loveAnd the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turnin’On that September day?