About the Song
Ah, times of trouble can bring about some of the most powerful music. Today, we’re going to take a listen to a song that resonated deeply with folks in the aftermath of a national tragedy. Released in 2002, Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” became an instant classic, capturing the shock, grief, and search for meaning many Americans felt after the horrific events of September 11th, 2001.
Now, Alan Jackson is a country music singer known for his warm baritone voice and his songs that often center around everyday life, love, and faith. But with “Where Were You”, he tackled a subject far heavier than most. The song doesn’t shy away from the raw emotions of that day, but it also offers a sense of comfort and a reminder of the enduring strength of love and faith.
Something to keep in mind as we listen is the way Jackson uses a conversational style in the lyrics. He asks a series of questions, painting a picture of where people might have been and what they might have been feeling on that fateful day. It’s a powerful technique that allows each listener to reflect on their own experience. So, whether you vividly remember September 11th or are hearing this song for the first time, “Where Were You” is a moving tribute to a day that changed us all.