Wednesday, November 28, 2001
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Wednesday, November 28, 2001 |
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Collins commends local star for 9/11 song Nov. 7 at the Country Music Awards, star singer Alan Jackson debuted his new song, "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning," commemorating the events of Sept. 11. In response to that song, U.S. Rep. Mac Collins, who represents Jackson's home town of Newnan, entered the lyrics of the song and some comments commending Jackson's work into the Congressional Record. In his remarks, Collins said, "In the two months following that tragic day, our citizens have struggled for ways to accept and deal with such a horrific loss. We have held candlelight vigils, all night prayer groups, talked of memorials and rebuilding. We have launched a major military campaign to seek justice for those victims. "But one young man, whose name is known to many of this body and many of the American people, has found a way to genuinely memorialize those victims and that day in song." In a letter to Jackson, Collins expressed his gratitude to Jackson for helping the nation heal. "As our nation recovers from the wounds of Sept. 11, we need men and women of vision to pave the way to healing. Your song will help pave that path, and I thank you for it. I am proud that a young man from Newnan, Ga., could be the one to write the song that will help us remember those who suffered and died at the hands of a faceless enemy," wrote Collins. Jackson was born in Newnan in 1958. Since that time he has grown into one of the nation's most loved country music stars. Some have called him the conscience of Nashville for his actions and the type of music he makes. Here are the lyrics to his song: "Where were you when the world stop 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 in 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 could 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 stop 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 And you 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?"
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