Alan Jackson

Released: November 26, 2001

Songwriter: Alan Jackson

Producer: Keith Stegall

[Verse 1]
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
Rising 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
And 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 doing what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?

[Chorus]
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

[Verse 2]
Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty because 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
Or go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns?
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Did you 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?

[Chorus]
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

[Outro]
And the greatest is love
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

Alan Eugene Jackson was born October 17, 1958 in Newnan, Georgia to Joseph Eugene “Daddy Gene” and Ruth Musick “Mama Ruth” Jackson. He has four older sisters, Diane; twins Cathy & Carol and Connie. He attended Elm Street Elementary School and Newnan High School in Newnan, GA and also attended one year at West Georgia College. Alan married Denise on December 15, 1979. They have three daughters. Mattie Denise was born June 19, 1990; Alexandra Jane “Ali” was born August 23, 1993 and Dani Grace was born August 28, 1997. The 6'4" country music singer-songwriter is known for blending honky-tonk and mainstream country sounds. He also writes many of his own songs. To date, he’s released over 15 albums.

Jackson has sold over 80 million records, and more than 50 of his singles having appeared on Billboard’s “Top 40 Country Songs”. He’s won two Grammys and 16 CMA Awards.

He is known for “I’d Love You All Over Again”, “Country Boy”, “I Don’t Even Know Your Name”, and “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)”.

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