Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)

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Alan Jackson

About Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)

"Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" is a song written and recorded by American country music singer Alan Jackson. It was the lead single from his tenth studio album, Drive (2002), released on Arista Nashville. The song's lyrics center on reactions to the September 11 attacks in the United States, written in the form of questions. Jackson desired to write a song capturing the emotions surrounding the attacks, but found it difficult to do so. He debuted the song publicly at the Country Music Association's annual awards show on November 7, 2001. It was released that month as a single and topped the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for five weeks; in addition, it reached number 28 on Billboard's all-genre Hot 100 chart. The song received largely positive reviews from critics, who appreciated its simple, largely apolitical stance. The song won multiple awards at the Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Awards, including Song of the Year, and also earned Jackson his first Grammy Award for Best Country Song. more »

Year: 2002 5:06 10,712 Views 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?

Alan Jackson

Alan Eugene Jackson (born October 17, 1958) is an American country music singer, known for blending traditional honky tonk and mainstream country sounds and penning many of his own hits. He has recorded 14 studio albums, three Greatest Hits albums, two Christmas albums, one Gospel album and several compilations, all on the Arista Nashville label. More than 50 of his singles have appeared on Billboard's list of the "Top 30 Country Songs". Of Jackson's entries, 35 were number-one hits, with 50 in the Top 10. He is the recipient of 2 Grammys, 16 CMA Awards, 17 ACM Awards and nominee of multiple other awards. He is a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2001. Jackson has sold more than 60 million records worldwide. more »

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Written by: ALAN JACKSON

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12 facts about this song

Song Origin "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" was written by American country music artist, Alan Jackson. He wrote the poignant song as a response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States.

Release Date The song was released on November 7, 2001, as the lead single from his tenth studio album, "Drive" (2002).

Composition Alan Jackson wrote the song himself, composed it in the country genre, and it had a length of 5 minutes and 5 seconds.

Performance Debut Jackson first performed "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" at the Country Music Association's annual awards show on November 7, 2001, less than two months after the 9/11 attacks.

Chart Performance The song reached a peak position of No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks and also made its way to the Top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also became Alan Jackson's biggest hit in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at No. 28.

Awards The song swept up multiple awards after its release. It won "Song of the Year" and "Single of the Year" at the 2002 Academy of Country Music Awards, as well as the Grammy Awards for "Best Country Song" and "Best Male Country Vocal Performance" in 2003.

Public Reaction The song was praised for its handling of the sensitive issue of the 9/11 attacks, choosing to focus on acts of kindness and humanity rather than promoting aggression or revenge.

Influence "Where Were You" has been considered a defining song in Alan Jackson's career and has been highlighted as one of his most impactful performances.

Inspiration According to Jackson, he didn't want to write a 9/11 tribute song, but the idea came to him unexpectedly. He woke up around 4 a.m. one day with the chorus fully formed in his mind.

Production Keith Stegall, a frequent collaborator of Jackson's, produced the song. Stegall produced or co-produced all of Jackson's studio albums during the first two decades of his career.

Music Video The music video for "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" features Jackson performing the song live at the CMA Awards, interspersed with news footage and images from the aftermath of September 11.

Legacy Despite its specific historical context, the song has endured as a powerful memorial not only of the events of 9/11, but also of the impact they had on ordinary people around the world.

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