Today, as I was listening to the radio, a song came on that I never heard before. I know it's been around for a while and I am sorry that I am just now hearing it for the first time. It's such a powerful song, whose lyrics seem to really hit almost every thought and emotion I had upon learning what was happening on September 11, 2001.

I really don't like the song by Lee Greenword, God Bless the USA. It seemed like it only became so popular and the poster child for 9/11 because nothing else was close to it. But what I heard today, by Alan Jackson, should be adopted as our country's tribute to 9/11. It's really a very beautiful and powerful song.

Here is it - both the video and the lyrics



Where Were You by Alan Jackson

Where were you when the world stopped turning
that September day,
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Or workin on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock
At the sight of that black smoke risin' against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger and 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 dont know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below
Did you burst out in pride for the red white and blue
And the heros 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

*Chorus*

Im just a singer of simple songs
Im not a real political man
I watch CNN but im not sure i can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
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
Teachin' a class full of innocent children
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
Speak to some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out an buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'
And turn on 'I Love Lucy' re-runs
Did you go to church and hold hands with some stangers
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

*Chorus*
*Chorus*

And the greatest is love

And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stoped turning,
that September day