Where was I in July

Many, many people have written to express their deep concern over my protracted absence this summer. And I feel terrible that I was not there for you in July to make sense of all the craziness happening in the world.

To be honest, I was staring at the mountains in an Adirondack chair, sipping mountain mojitos, so in fact, I don't feel too terrible.

But I am back now. And to help you make sense of it all, I have written a little song sung to the tune of Alan Jackson's #1 September 11 inspired country hit "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)."

Where were you when the world stopped turning in the month of July?
Were you in a recliner drinking mountain mojitos?
Or at bar watching the world cup?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of
Zidane's unexpected headbutt
Did you shout out in anger
That Materazzi is racist pig
Or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear Zizou
And pray for the ones who don't know - anything about the sport?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the stadium - and didn't stop at a brothel?
And sob for the ones without television

Did you burst out with pride
For the blue white and red
And for the heros who sprain their ankles just doing what they do?
Do you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters

--- refrain ----

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 Allah) 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

--- refrain ----

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that July day?
Were you wondering why Madonna gave up Kabbalah?
Just so her kids could celebrate Christmas
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty cause you weren't watching?
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 (or Koran) 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?
Speak with some stranger on the street?
Did you cry when they shot
The first wild bear to appear in Germany in 150 years,
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow?
Go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent home movie you're watching
And turn on World Cup reruns?
Did you wonder why Britany
Wants to have her baby in Namibia?
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers?
Buy a hotdog with the works in Central Park?
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

--- refrain ----

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 Allah) 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

--- refrain ----

And the greatest is Love
And the greatest is Love

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that July day?

Zizou, we love you.