About The Song

In the vast landscape of country music, Alan Jackson stands as a towering figure, a beacon of authenticity and heartfelt storytelling. His songs, imbued with a profound connection to the human experience, have resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him a place among the genre’s most revered artists. Among his many acclaimed works, “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” stands as a poignant masterpiece, a ballad that encapsulates the collective grief and unwavering spirit that emerged in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks.

Released in 2002, “Where Were You” marked a pivotal moment in Jackson’s career, not only for its commercial success but also for its profound impact on the nation’s psyche. The song’s title, a simple yet profound question, serves as a poignant invitation for reflection, prompting listeners to confront their own personal experiences on that fateful day.

Jackson’s lyrics, crafted with a poet’s touch, paint vivid vignettes of ordinary lives forever altered by the tragic events. He sings of the firefighter rushing into the burning towers, the teacher comforting her terrified students, and the family gathered around the television, their faces etched with disbelief and horror. These scenes, unfolding across the nation, are woven together into a tapestry of shared experience, a testament to the collective impact of 9/11.

Amidst the anguish and despair, Jackson finds moments of hope and resilience. He sings of the “heroes” who emerged from the chaos, the ordinary people who stepped up to perform acts of extraordinary courage and compassion. He celebrates the unwavering spirit of the American people, their ability to find strength in the face of adversity.

“Where Were You” is more than just a song; it is a cultural touchstone, a powerful reminder of a day that changed the world forever. Jackson’s music has the unique ability to transcend time and genre, speaking directly to the hearts of listeners, offering solace and a shared sense of humanity. In a world that often feels divided and disconnected, “Where Were You” serves as a beacon of unity, a reminder of our shared experiences and the enduring power of the human spirit.

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Lyric

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?