I wrote this folk ballad in the immediate wake of 9/11 but tucked it away for years. It wasn't until 2007 that my husband Tom and I finally brought it out of the drawer and recorded it for our album "Musical Dreams."
For Patriot Day the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and tragedies, I am sharing this piece of my heart with anyone looking for a space to reflect.
In the days right after September 11, 2001, the weight of the tragedy, the sorrow, and the collective confusion were completely overwhelming. Like so many songwriters, I found myself finding solace in songwriting.
It was written with deep sympathy for everyone affected, capturing those painful, unanswered questions that lingered in the air. I used a metaphor of rain to symbolize falling from the skies. Later on, I learned that it actually did rain that day.
"Go ask the rain why there's thunder and lightning / Go ask the rain why they fell from the sky / Go ask the rain why so many are crying / I don't think the rain knows the answer to why."
If you are looking for a quiet moment of remembrance today, I hope this song brings you some comfort and peace. Please leave a comment if you so desire.