Introduction
Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” stands as a poignant reflection on the collective grief and introspection following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Written in the early hours of October 28, 2001, Jackson was inspired by a melody and lyrics that came to him at 4 a.m. He recorded his thoughts to preserve them and completed the song later that day while his family attended Sunday school. Jackson aimed to express the emotions surrounding the attacks without resorting to overt patriotism or vengeance, focusing instead on shared human experiences and feelings.
The song debuted publicly at the Country Music Association Awards on November 7, 2001, where Jackson’s heartfelt performance received a standing ovation. Released as a single later that month, it topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for five weeks and reached number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100. Critics praised its simple, apolitical stance and emotional resonance. The song earned Jackson several accolades, including the Grammy Award for Best Country Song and the CMA Awards for Song of the Year and Single of the Year.
“Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” continues to be a significant part of Jackson’s live performances, often eliciting strong emotional responses from audiences. Its enduring impact lies in its ability to capture a moment of national tragedy with sincerity and compassion, offering solace and reflection through music.
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?