Singer / songwriter Alan Jackson performed the song “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” at the 2021 National Memorial Day Concert; in honour of the then upcoming 20th anniversary of the American 9/11 attacks.
These same lyrics are filled with the same deep, full, reverberating message in relation to what is happening today, in our world of 2022.
Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)?
Lyrics by American singer/songwriter Alan Eugene Jackson.
Where were you when the world stopped turning,
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 neighbour,
Or did you just sit down and cry?
Did you weep for the children, that lost their dear loved ones,
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 with pride for the red, white, and blue
And the heroes who died just doing 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 can 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 stopped turning
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 love her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened?
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset for the first time in ages?
And 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 watching?
And turn on I Love Lucy reruns?
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers?
Stand in line to give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family?.
Thank God you had somebody to love?
I’m just a singer of simple songs.
I’m not a real political man.
I watch CNN, but I’m not sure I can 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.
And the greatest is love
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning,
On that September day?
END
VERY NICE