Luke 19:42

 For people in my generation, the events of September 11, 2001 are the closest thing to an apocalyptic event we have ever witnessed. Shortly after, two very different voices rose to prominence, preaching two very different messages about how we should respond to those horrific events. One is a retaliatory war hymn fueled by hubris, containing an orgy of patriotic iconography that finds ecstasy in violence, while the other is a reflective lament that calls us back to our humbler days and the rudiments of our faith. The irony is both approaches are seeking the same result…..peace. One believes it can be obtained through hate and the other through love. 

American girls and American guys

We'll always stand up and salute

We'll always recognize

When we see Old Glory flying

There's a lot of men dead

So we can sleep in peace at night when we lay down our head

My daddy served in the army

Where he lost his right eye but he flew a flag out in our yard

Until the day that he died

He wanted my mother, my brother, my sister and me

To grow up and live happy

In the land of the free

Now this nation that I love has fallen under attack

A mighty sucker punch came flyin' in from somewhere in the back

Soon as we could see clearly

Through our big black eye

Man, we lit up your world

Like the fourth of July

Hey Uncle Sam, put your name at the top of his list

And the Statue of Liberty started shakin' her fist

And the eagle will fly man, it's gonna be hell

When you hear mother freedom start ringin' her bell

And it feels like the whole wide world is raining down on you

Brought to you courtesy of the red white and blue

Justice will be served and the battle will rage

This big dog will fight when you rattle his cage

And you'll be sorry that you messed with

The U.S. of A.

'Cause we'll put a boot in your ass

It's the American way

Hey uncle sam put your name at the top of his list

And the Statue of Liberty started shakin' her fist

And the eagle will fly it's gonna be hell

When you hear mother freedom start ringin' her bell

And it feels like the whole wide world is raining down on you

Brought to you courtesy of the red white and blue

Oh oh of the red, white and blue

Oh oh of my red, white and blue

Where were you when the world stopped turnin'

That September day?

Were you 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 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 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' 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 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 strangers

Stand in line to 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 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'

On that September day?

If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.