Where Were You – Alan Jackson

About the Song

Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” is a poignant and enduring country ballad that resonated deeply with millions in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. Released in 2002 as the lead single from his album Drive, the song offered a poignant reflection on the collective trauma and shared grief experienced by Americans across the nation.

The song’s title itself serves as a powerful rhetorical question, inviting listeners to consider their own whereabouts and experiences on that fateful day. Jackson’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the nation’s collective shock and disbelief, as he recalls the mundane activities of everyday life that were abruptly interrupted by the horrific events of September 11th.

With his signature baritone voice, Jackson delivers a heartfelt performance that captures the raw emotion and vulnerability of the moment. The song’s simple, yet evocative melody allows the lyrics to take center stage, as Jackson poignantly describes the feelings of fear, confusion, and uncertainty that gripped the nation.

One of the song’s most striking features is its ability to transcend partisan politics and unite people from all walks of life. Jackson avoids explicit references to the perpetrators of the attacks, instead focusing on the universal human experiences of loss, resilience, and hope. The song’s message of unity and compassion resonated with people across the political spectrum, offering a much-needed sense of solace and healing in the wake of tragedy.

“Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” quickly became a national anthem, topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earning Jackson a Grammy Award for Best Country Song. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message and its ability to evoke powerful emotions long after the events of September 11th have faded from the headlines.

In the years since its release, “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” has become a beloved classic in the country music canon. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of tragedy and the importance of unity and compassion in the face of adversity. The song’s enduring legacy is a testament to Alan Jackson’s artistry and his ability to capture the spirit of a nation in mourning.

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Lyrics: “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)”

Where were you when the world stopped 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
Risin’ 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
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 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 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 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
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’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

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?