Where were you when the world stopped turning?

I was a junior in high school in 2001. 

We had just moved into a new high school building, and internet and television weren't hooked up yet. I had a doctor's appointment on September 11, 2001, so I stayed home until my appointment later that morning. 

When I turned the news on, I saw the first tower burning. I watched the plane hit the second tower. I went downstairs to tell my Mom, who was teaching preschool at the time. 

When I went back to school later that day, I was one of the only students who saw what happened on tv. 

And that's where I was when the world stopped turning on that September day. 

--- 

"Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)"

Alan Jackson

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

Were you in the yard with your wife and children

Or working 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 who 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 difference 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 turning on that September day?

Teaching a class full of innocent children

Or 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 loved her?

Did you dust off that Bible at home?

Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened

Close your eyes and not go to sleep?

Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages

Or 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 and 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 difference 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 difference 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 turning on that September day?