Where Were You
The Hit Crew Lyrics


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Where were you when the world stopped turnin'
That September day?
Out 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 in pride for the red, white, and blue
And 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' on 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 stranger,
Stand in line to give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your fam'ly,
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'
That September day?

Overall Meaning

The Hit Crew's song Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning) is a poignant tribute to the events of 9/11, telling the story of the tragedy through the lens of personal experience. The song asks the listener "where were you when the world stopped turning?" and then poses a series of questions about their reaction to the events of that day. The lyrics describe the many different responses people had, from shock and anger to grief and sorrow, and encourage listeners to reflect on their own emotions and actions.


The song is also a meditation on the power of love and faith. The singer admits he is not a political expert, but he knows the importance of these fundamental values in times of crisis. He encourages listeners to remember this and to hold on to the love they have for their family, friends, and fellow citizens.


Overall, The Hit Crew's song Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning) is a powerful reminder of the human impact of the 9/11 attacks. Its simple yet heartfelt lyrics emphasize the universal experiences of shock, grief, and hope that we all felt in the wake of the tragedy.


Line by Line Meaning

Where were you when the world stopped turnin', That September day?
Where were you physically and emotionally on September 11, 2001, when the terrorist attacks occurred?


Out in the yard with your wife and children Or workin' on some stage in L.A.?
Were you spending time with loved ones or carrying on with life as usual?


Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke Risin' against that blue sky?
Were you stunned by the image of smoke and debris rising from the World Trade Center towers?


Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor, Or did you just sit down and cry?
Did you react with anger, fear, or tears at the tragic events?


Did you weep for the children, they lost their dear loved ones, Pray for the ones who don't know?
Did you mourn for the families who lost loved ones, especially the children who lost parents? Did you pray for those who were still unaware of the situation?


Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble And sob for the ones left below?
Did you feel grateful for the survivors and rescuers who emerged from the rubble? Did you grieve for those trapped below?


Did you burst out in pride for the red, white, and blue And heroes who died just doin' what they do?
Did you feel a sense of pride and admiration for the country's colors and heroes who sacrificed their lives?


Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer And look at yourself and what really matters?
Did you turn to a higher power for guidance and contemplate what truly matters in life?


Teachin' a class full of innocent children Or drivin' on some cold interstate?
Were you at work or on the road?


Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor? In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you feel guilty for surviving or feel isolated in a room full of people?


Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her? Did you dust off that Bible at home?
Did you reach out to loved ones and seek comfort in faith?


Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened, Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you stay awake hoping the event wouldn't have happened or find it difficult to sleep afterwards?


Did you notice the sunset for the first time in ages And speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you find a renewed appreciation for the beauty in everyday moments or seek connection with others in the aftermath?


Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow, Go out and buy you a gun?
Did you contemplate the future and consider taking action to protect yourself?


Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin', And turn on 'I Love Lucy' reruns?
Did you opt for a lighthearted and less violent form of entertainment?


Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger, Stand in line to give your own blood?
Did you seek solace in a religious community or find a way to give back through blood donation?


Did you just stay home and cling tight to your fam'ly, Thank God you had somebody to love?
Did you find comfort in being with your family and expressing gratitude for their presence in your life?


And the greatest is love, And the greatest is love.
The most powerful virtue in the world is love, which encompasses faith and hope.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALAN JACKSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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