Listening through some of my forgotten mp3s today, I came across a song that literally sent chills down my back, as well as a distinct visual trip through 9/11. No, I am not tripping - What I mean is I sat back and closed my eyes, and imagined events of 9/11 to this song, and it seemed to match perfectly. The song I am talking about is Greenwheel - Breathe. I don’t even know if the song got airplay around 9/11 or if it was written before 9/11, but I swear, this makes a great tribute song. But then again, maybe, I just heard it during that month or something and my brain linked the incident to the music. Whatever the case may be, I suggest some you guys give it a listen, and maybe list some other songs that remind you of what happened that day.
Funny you should mention this - I heard the song “Side” by Travis the other day and it took me right back to that crazy period of time. No reason really, other than that it was released around that time and was played on the radio lots. The weekend after 9/11 I was down on the west coast of England and it was so peaceful, and I remember finding it difficult to take in the fact that as I sat looking out to sea there was so much chaos on the opposite shore of the ocean…
Anyway, that song reminds me of that feeling.
I cannot separate Ryan Adams’s New York New York from memories of 9-11, for obvious reasons, but particularly because the video features the WTC and was filmed on September 10. Excellent song, and I find the association very moving.
“Try to Remember” from the Fantastics.
Try to Remember that kind of September
When grass was green and grain was yellow…
When no one wept except the willow.
The show opened in 1963 and closed December 2001.
Deep in December, it’s nice to remember
Without a hurt, the heart is hollow.
Yeah, right. Try singing that 8 times a week after 9/11.
Leonard Cohen’s First We Take Manhattan (1988) I was listening to this song the day before 9/11. Had to listen to it again 9/11 evening. I got chills on the second verse.
*They sentenced me to twenty years of boredom
For trying to change the system from within
I’m coming now, I’m coming to reward them
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
I’m guided by a signal in the heavens
I’m guided by this birthmark on my skin
I’m guided by the beauty of our weapons
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
I’d really like to live beside you, baby
I love your body and your spirit and your clothes
But you see that line there moving through the station?
I told you, I told you, told you, I was one of those
Ah you loved me as a loser, but now you’re worried that I just might win
You know the way to stop me, but you don’t have the discipline
How many nights I prayed for this, to let my work begin
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
I don’t like your fashion business mister
And I don’t like these drugs that keep you thin
I don’t like what happened to my sister
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
I’d really like to live beside you, baby …
And I thank you for those items that you sent me
The monkey and the plywood violin
I practiced every night, now I’m ready
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
I am guided
Ah remember me, I used to live for music
Remember me, I brought your groceries in
Well it’s Father’s Day and everybody’s wounded
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin*
Careful with listing lyrics, you might get whacked.
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I suppose my song would be For What It’s Worth, Buffalo Springfield. I know, kinda lame, but it works for me.
At the time, Paul Simon’s “American Tune” really struck me. It still does.
I don’t know why but On the turning away by pink floyd makes me think of it.
Springsteen’s entire album “The Rising” gives me chills, and especially the song “Mary’s Place” about letting go of the dead.
Thanks ccwarterback. I have seen the error of my ways.
Actually, THE FANTASTICKS closed on January 13, 2002; I was at the last public performance after 42 years, before one last private one for old cast members.
Yes, El Gallo cried as he sang it, as much for the occasion as for 9/11; but the poignancy because of 9/11 was great, especially since the couple of weeks of lost business (since the Sullivan St. Playhouse is half a block north of Houston St., well in the Frozen Zone) didn’t help much when the owners decided to sell the townhouse it’s in.
Still hasn’t been sold, BTW. As of last week it’s sitting empty, with the signs all gone except for the huge metal Playhouse one. Sad.
Live’s “Overcome” really captures the feelings from 9/11.
*even though the world is bleedin
the feeling just fine
all numb in the castle
we were always free to choose
never free enough to find
I wish something would break
cuz we’re runnin out of time
and I am overcome
I am overcome
holy water in my lungs
I am overcome
these women in the street
pullin out their hair
my master’s in the yard
givin light to the unaware
this blasted little place
is just a step amongst the stairs
and I am overcome
I am overcome
holy water in my lungs
I am overcome
so drive me out
out to the open field
turn the ignition off
and spin around
your help is here
but I’m parked in this open space
and I am overcome
I am overcome
holy water in my lungs
I am overcome
I am overcome, oh lord
I am overcome
holy water in my lungs
holy water, only water
I am overcome
beautiful drownin
this beautiful drownin
this holy water
this holy water
is in my lungs
and I am overcome
I am overcome
I, I, I am overcome
I am overcome*
Ashes Of American Flags by Wilco.
It just brings back how numb I felt when I heard what happened. I remember the announcement, in the middle of drama class. I started to shake when I thought of my american relatives that lived in New York.
Damn it, Gadfly, you’re a teenager. You’re not supposed to get misty. 
So many. The Rising, definitely.
Fire and Rain – The part that says “…sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground…”
Most of the songs that they sang in that televised tribute afterwards.
This will probably be a mood-killer that will get some people upset, since a lot of people don’t like them: “Let’s Roll” and “The Angry American.”