About The Song
Alan Jackson, a multi-awarded country star, tells us about his real-life experience with his song “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).”
“Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” was penned by Alan Jackson. This track talks about Jackson’s own experience back in September 2001. That day marks the 9/11 terrorist attack. The tragedy has killed a lot of people and most of the infrastructures and the properties were totally damaged. That day, Jackson just finished walking outside his house and he received the news about the attack. He immediately wanted to write a song expressing his thoughts and emotions, but he found it hard to do.
“I didn’t want to write a patriotic song,” Jackson said. “And I didn’t want it to be vengeful, either. But I didn’t want to forget about how I felt and how I knew other people felt that day.”
On October 28, 2001, he finished writing the song. He came out with a harmonious sound and we can see that the words that were put into the song are really full of emotions. At first, Jackson felt squeamish about recording it, much less releasing it, because he doesn’t want the idea of focusing on a tragedy. Afterward, as he played it to his wife and producer, he came out with an amazing rendition.
Jackson released his song in November 2001 as a single from his album, Drive. Upon the release of the song, it immediately entered into country charts and peaked at number 1 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. In addition, the song reached number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song received positive comments from music critics. They have concluded that the song may just be simple, but have truly touched their hearts.
Jackson’s “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” won multi awards at the Academy of Country Music Awards and Country Music Association Awards. With this song, Jackson won his first Grammy Award for Best Country Song. Indeed, Jackson is one of the best country artists of all time.
Video
Lyrics
Where were you when the world stopped turnin’
That September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or workin’ 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, they 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 diff’rence 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 turnin’
That September day?
Teachin’ a class full of innocent children
Or 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 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 watchin’
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 diff’rence 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 diff’rence 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 turnin’
On that September day?