All The Flags Are Flying After 9/11, I decided I wouldn't intentionally write any songs in reaction to it. It was just a personal decision as a writer. I wanted to let things sink in and wanted to approach the subject with the upmost respect and reverance. The last thing I wanted to do was write anything patronizing or cheesy. This is in no way a statement about any of the great artists who did write about it. Afterall, Alan Jackson's, "Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning" was for me one of the greatest songwriting events I've ever witnessed. It was obviously heartfelt and something he had to get out. It said exactly what I wanted say. It's one of those songs that makes you say, "That topic's covered. What could I possibly say that hasn't already been said in such an eloquent way." America, I Wanna Know What It Means In early 2002, the first song hit me. I just started thinking about all of the places in America I haven't been. We live in this incredible country. You always hear these self-righteous people preaching to us that we should travel more overseas. Sure, I agree with that. I love learning about other cultures. But, I haven't even seen 99% of America. Plus what I have seen, have I really appreciated it to it's fullest? Do I really know what it means to say, "I'm an American!" Do I really know what the word, "America" means. So, I am going to see more of it. When I'm done, I'll go see some other countries too. In the chorus, I thought it would be cool to pay tribute to the national anthem by playing off of the phrases like "Land of the Free" and "Home of the Brave". In the song I admit that I've taken my freedom for granted. I think it's important for everybody to admit their faults and be honest with themselves. I think before 9/11, a lot of us took it for granted. Now, we can more understand the value of it. I hope. I've never protected our country. I've never worn a uniform. So, I also wanted to pay tribute to those who have. Those men and women that, "Fight so that I might live another day." The ones who are in harms way in the middle of the desert while I play my guitar in the safety of my own home...in the safety they guarantee that I can have. Their sacrifices are unbelievable. All The Flags Are Flying On Main Street Not long after that, I saw a commercial with American flags flying at every house on the street. So, I wanted to use that idea to pay tribute to the men and women who protect our country. The hardest thing about this song was finding multiple ways to describe the American flag so that it did not get too repetitive. I wanted the verses to tell stories about American flags owned by different people. It's the same flag; but, there's a different story behind each one. The first verse weaves three generations of armed forces. I got the idea to make the third generation a woman after seeing some of the female pilots in the Iraq war. I remember one in particular who's call sign was 'Thumper'. I also wanted to make sure the ending was happy when she made it home safely. ABOUT THE ACOUSTIC DEMOS The acoustic demos to the right are rough recordings that I use to plan the major recording session and copyright the songs. So, you will hear mistakes, volume differences and pitch variances. COPYRIGHT NOTICE All songs have been copyrighted. Unauthorized distribution, recording or performance is prohibited. America (Demos) All The Flags Are Flying America