In October 2004, Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer, and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. At the 2005 Grammy Awards, she made a return to the stage and, although bald from chemotherapy, performed a tribute to Janis Joplin with the song "Piece of My Heart". Etheridge's performance was widely lauded, with India.Arie writing "I Am Not My Hair" about Etheridge. Later that year, Etheridge released her first compilation album, Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled. The album was a huge success, peaking at #14 on the Billboard 200, and going Gold immediately. Her latest release is 4th Street Feeling.
Etheridge is known for her mixture of "confessional lyrics, pop-based folk-rock, and raspy, smoky vocals." She has also been an iconic gay and lesbian activist since her public coming out in January 1993.
Tuesday Morning
Melissa Etheridge Lyrics
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Skippin' and dodgin'
From a 44
10:03 on a Tuesday morning
In the fall of an American dream
A man is doing what he knows is right
On flight 93
He loved his home and he loved his man
But on that bloody Tuesday morning
He died an American
Now you cannot change this
You can't erase this
You can't pretend this is not the truth
Even though he could not marry
Or teach your children in our schools
Because who he wants to love
Is breaking your Gods' rules
He stood up on a Tuesday morning
In the terror he was brave
And he made his choice
And without a doubt
A hundred lives he must have saved
And the things you might take for granted
Your inalienable rights
Some might chose to deny him
Even though he gave his life
Can you live with yourself in the land of the free
And make him less of a hero than the other three
Well it might begin to change ya
In a field in Pennsylvania
Stand up America
Hear the bell now as it tolls
Wake up America
It's Tuesday morning
Come on let's roll
In Melissa Etheridge’s song “Tuesday Morning,” she pays tribute to the brave individuals who gave their lives on United Flight 93 on the morning of September 11, 2001. She vividly describes the harrowing moments faced by the passengers on that fateful day. Etheridge sings about the sacrifice of a man who could not legally marry his same-sex partner or teach children in schools because of who he loved. Despite facing discrimination, this man stood up on that Tuesday morning and was brave in the face of terror, making a choice that resulted in saving the lives of many people.
The lyrics serve as a poignant reminder of the horrors that took place on 9/11, and how people from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation, came together to fight against evil. By singing “stand up America” and “wake up America,” Etheridge calls for unity and solidarity in the face of tragedy. She encourages listeners to recognize the inherent value of every human being, and to honor the memories of those who gave their lives in acts of heroism and self-sacrifice.
In summary, “Tuesday Morning” is a tribute to the brave heroes of United Flight 93 who stood up against terror and sacrificed their lives to save others. It is a call to action, urging Americans to come together in unity and solidarity and reaffirm the importance of human dignity and equality.
Line by Line Meaning
Up and down this road I go
The singer is travelling on a road, feeling uncertain and unstable.
Skippin' and dodgin'
The singer is moving around in a hesitant and evasive manner due to her emotional state.
From a 44
The singer is avoiding danger from a firearm, specifically a .44 caliber weapon.
10:03 on a Tuesday morning
The events in the song take place at a specific time and day - Tuesday morning at 10:03.
In the fall of an American dream
The setting of the song is in America and the events of the song are happening in the context of the American dream.
A man is doing what he knows is right
The man mentioned in the song is following his moral compass.
On flight 93
This man is on United Airlines Flight 93.
He loved his mom and he loved his dad
The man had close and loving relationships with his parents.
He loved his home and he loved his man
The man was in a loving relationship with another man and had a strong connection to his home.
But on that bloody Tuesday morning
Despite his life and loves, a tragedy occurred.
He died an American
The man's identity as an American is a crucial part of his story.
Now you cannot change this
The events of 9/11 and this man's story cannot be altered or erased.
You can't erase this
There is no way to erase the tragedy or the loss of life that occurred on 9/11.
You can't pretend this is not the truth
The reality of what happened must be faced and acknowledged.
Even though he could not marry
The man's same-sex relationship was not legally recognized at the time.
Or teach your children in our schools
The man faced discrimination and could not work in certain professions.
Because who he wants to love
The man's sexual preference is the reason behind his exclusion from certain rights.
Is breaking your Gods' rules
Some believe that his same-sex relationship goes against religious teachings.
He stood up on a Tuesday morning
Despite the obstacles he faced, the man was brave and took a stand on the day of the tragedy.
In the terror he was brave
The man remained courageous in the face of great fear and danger.
And he made his choice
The man had to make a difficult decision in an incredibly stressful situation.
And without a doubt
The man acted decisively and entirely without hesitation.
A hundred lives he must have saved
The singer believes the man's bravery saved many other lives on the plane due to his actions.
And the things you might take for granted
In a land of supposed equal rights, there are certain privileges some don't even have to think about.
Your inalienable rights
These privileges include the basic rights that should be granted to every citizen, regardless of race, gender, or beliefs.
Some might chose to deny him
Because of the man's sexual orientation, some may refuse to acknowledge his heroic actions and value as a person.
Can you live with yourself in the land of the free
A call to action for individuals to consider their own beliefs and ideals in a nation that supposedly values freedom and equality.
And make him less of a hero than the other three
The singer is suggesting that this man's valiant efforts may not be recognized due to prejudices against his sexuality, despite the heroic effort he made.
Well it might begin to change ya
This message might inspire people to reconsider their stance on sexuality and equal rights.
In a field in Pennsylvania
Referring to the location where Flight 93 crashed due to the efforts of the heroic passengers on board, including the man in question.
Stand up America
A call to action for Americans to stand up for what is right and fight against prejudice.
Hear the bell now as it tolls
A reference to the saying "for whom the bell tolls," meaning that every death matters and affects us all.
Wake up America
An urgent appeal to Americans to become more aware and engaged in important issues.
It's Tuesday morning
This phrase serves as a somber reminder of the tragic events that occurred on a Tuesday morning in September.
Come on let's roll
A phrase that was reportedly said by the man in question before taking action to thwart the hijacking, urging others to get involved and fight back.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JON CRAIG TAYLOR, MELISSA L ETHERRIDGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind