In December 2002, after returning from performing for the troops in Afghanistan
and Kuwait, Darryl Worley and Wynn wrote the song “Have you Forgotten?” Every time this song is heard it serves as a reminder about why we are fighting this war on terror against Iraq and Afghanistan. He says he didn’t write the song to make a bunch of money; instead he wanted to honor the men and women in uniform who are on the front lines fighting for you and me, and to most importantly honor those who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11th.
and Kuwait, Darryl Worley and Wynn wrote the song “Have you Forgotten?” Every time this song is heard it serves as a reminder about why we are fighting this war on terror against Iraq and Afghanistan. He says he didn’t write the song to make a bunch of money; instead he wanted to honor the men and women in uniform who are on the front lines fighting for you and me, and to most importantly honor those who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11th.
Worley and Wynn use powerful yet simple words with repetition to convey their message. The phrase “Have you Forgotten?” is repeated throughout the song followed by all the terrible things from that infamous day that we as Americans need to remember when we are wondering why we are still at war.
Through the lyrics you are taken back to that infamous Tuesday morning in September and
the scene is set in the listener’s mind as the words are being sung. He reminds you of how it felt to “see your homeland under fire and her people blown away.” (Worley) As a listener you can picture yourself on that morning and go back to where you were and what you were doing as the first reports of the attacks started to come in. Most of us watched the television in horror and sat helpless as the graphic footage played over and over again. Again repetition was used with the news footage, searing the scene into your mind forever.
the scene is set in the listener’s mind as the words are being sung. He reminds you of how it felt to “see your homeland under fire and her people blown away.” (Worley) As a listener you can picture yourself on that morning and go back to where you were and what you were doing as the first reports of the attacks started to come in. Most of us watched the television in horror and sat helpless as the graphic footage played over and over again. Again repetition was used with the news footage, searing the scene into your mind forever.
His lyrics also speak to those who are against the war. The song reminds you of all that we lost that day and the many emotions that flood your body as you think about the people alive in the towers as the fell. How the families felt looking for their loved ones. Some politicians and protesters say we shouldn’t be in this war and to that the song asks “Have you Forgotten?”
With the song you also get the feeling of what it is like to be marching in the Armed Services during this time. The use of the Army drums make a dramatic statement as he sings about the men and women in the Army and how they remember everyday what they are fighting for. They are away from their family for such along time, and the reality that they may not make it back from the war looms overhead, but that they remember that Tuesday in September and what they are fighting for.
I hear people saying we don't need this war
But, I say there's some things worth fighting for
What about our freedom and this piece of ground
We didn't get to keep 'em by backing down
They say we don't realize the mess we're getting in
Before you start your preaching let me ask you this my friend
Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell
And you say we shouldn't worry 'bout bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
They took all the footage off my T.V.
Said it's too disturbing for you and me
It'll just breed anger that's what the experts say
If it was up to me I'd show it everyday
Some say this country's just out looking for a fight
Well, after 9/11 man I'd have to say that's right
Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell
And we vowed to get the one’s behind bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
I've been there with the soldiers
Who've gone away to war
And you can bet that they remember
Just what they're fighting for
Have you forgotten all the people killed?
Yeah, some went down like heroes in that Pennsylvania field
Have you forgotten about our Pentagon?
All the loved ones that we lost and those left to carry on
Don't you tell me not to worry about bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten?
I hear people saying we don't need this war
But, I say there's some things worth fighting for
What about our freedom and this piece of ground
We didn't get to keep 'em by backing down
They say we don't realize the mess we're getting in
Before you start your preaching let me ask you this my friend
Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell
And you say we shouldn't worry 'bout bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
They took all the footage off my T.V.
Said it's too disturbing for you and me
It'll just breed anger that's what the experts say
If it was up to me I'd show it everyday
Some say this country's just out looking for a fight
Well, after 9/11 man I'd have to say that's right
Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell
And we vowed to get the one’s behind bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
I've been there with the soldiers
Who've gone away to war
And you can bet that they remember
Just what they're fighting for
Have you forgotten all the people killed?
Yeah, some went down like heroes in that Pennsylvania field
Have you forgotten about our Pentagon?
All the loved ones that we lost and those left to carry on
Don't you tell me not to worry about bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten?
