Out of Tune - Responses to the World Trade Center memorial song

Out of Tune - A song in honor of those who suffered in the Sept 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and America.

Responses to the World Trade Center memorial song from around the world

Last update: 1-Dec '05

Special thanks to Greg O'Rourke, the sound engineer, and to the Canberra School of Music in Canberra, Australia.

From	Location	Received	Comments

Denise	Unknown	31 Jan, 2004	Innapropriate lyrics
Dawn		19 Feb 2003	Still listens a year and a half later
Isa Davud	Istanbul, Turkey	2 May 2002	Wrote an insightful article about the Muslim views of terrorism
Ashley		26 April 2002	Sells patriotic T-shirts
Samantha Stanfill	Kansas	15 April 2002	Student writing a report about memorials
Ron and Maryann Sfarzo	California	8 April 2002	Ron is a police officer. He and his wife have written a memorial song called America Our Country, America Our Home
Kelly Cook	Pennsylvania	7 April 2002	Teacher who recorded a memorial song with many of her students called America's Calling
Barth Cunico	Illinois	5 March 2002
Mark Cicero	Texas	23 November 2001	His fire fighter friend wrote a memorial song called Our Heroes are Crying
Art Ski	New York	9 November 2001	Recorded a memorial song called Universal Love with his children
Howard Jones	Indiana	7 November 2001	He wrote a folk like memorial song called Lead me down
Joe Sombrotto	California	6 November 2001	He wrote a memorial song called New York City
Woody Ulmer	???	4 November 2001	Has an amazing video tribute called Prayer for the children You must see it.
Mark Nelson	Maryland	31 October 2001	A fire fighrer who rewrote the lyrics to Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Stuart Gregory	???	30 October 2001	Wrote a memorial song called We Are One America
Matty Oz	New York	26 October 2001	Wrote a memorial song called We're Americans
Joyce Homier	US	23 October 2001
Lorri Williams	New York	17 October 2001
Laura Mabe	Kentucky	16 October 201
Shelley Abbott	Maryland	15 October 2001	Wrote a memorial song called "The Walls" which unfortunately has had it's site discontinued
Anna Marie	???	8 October 2001
Charles Black	Virginia	4 October 2001	From WVKL, a radio station in Virginia
Allyson	Perth, Australia	2 October 2001
Trish	???	1 October 2001
by	Canberra, Australia	29 September 2001
Becka-boo	Canberra, Australia	20 September 2001
Johanne Borum	California	28 September 2001	Asks many critical questions about my song, which I answer
Lynne McGuire	California	28 September 2001
Phil Bowler	Connecticut	27 September 2001	From WPKN, a radio station in Connecticut
Pat	Maryland	27 September 2001
Kristen Anderson	California	27 September 2001
WBER Music Department	New York	26 September 2001	WBER is a radio station in New York
Matt Pressler	California	26 September
Kathy Stoner	Singapore	25 September 2001
Paula Kasey	England	22 September 2001
Andrew Reid	Canberra, Australia	22 September 2001
Ian Truskett	Canberra, Australia	22 September 2001
Alexis McJannett-Taylor	California	21 September 2001
Dennis Perry	California	21 September 2001
Robin Faller	New York	21 September 2001	Robin is from yet another New York radio station
Parkinson	Canberra, Australia	21 September 2001

From: Denise
Date: 31 Jan, 2004
Location: Unknown
Your action was honorable; but the words asshole and spirtuality do not belong together.
My reply:
Denise:
A few people have thought that as well, and I think if I were to write the same type of song again today it would come out quite differently. It's the only song I've ever written that uses a swear word. However, it's more just my expression of feelings at the time so it would defeat the purpose to go back and change it now. Thanks for listening. -Jezza
Her reply:
I understand; had I written the song it would have probably contained much worse! Keep up the good work! - Denise

From: Dawn
Date: Feb 19, 2003
Location:
Jeremy - I still listen to Sept 11 memorial songs cause it gives me a little hope from time to time. Thank you for taking the time to respond back to me. Other people have wrote songs and I heard them and I wrote to tell them how truly wonderful it was and they never even wrote back! Thank you again. --Dawn

From: Ashley
Date: 26 April, 2002
Location: (her T-shirt site is here)
Hey how are you doing? I really love your patriotic site. I was wondering if I could send you a free patriotic shirt of your choice, in return for a photo link on your site.

From: Samantha Stanfill
Date: 15 April, 2002
Location: Kansas
Hey I am doing a report for a class on Sept 11. Do you know of any more songs that I can download about the attack, and by the way I like your songs they were good!

From: Ron & Maryann Sfarzo
Date: 8 April, 2002
Location: California (you can find his memorial song here)
My name is Ron Sfarzo. I am a California Police Officer. My wife Maryann and I wrote a song about America called, "America Our Country America Our Home". The CD will be available by May 1st. Please visit our Web site at: www.americaourhome.net God Bless.

Officer Ron Sfarzo
Menlo Park Police Department
Menlo Park, CA

From: Kelly Cook
Date: 7 April, 2002
Location: Pennsylvania (her memorial song can be found here)
Jeremy,
I'm a teacher outside of Phila. who wrote a song entitled, "America's Calling You." I wrote it on Sept. 15 after the tragedies and had it recorded. My entire school sings the chorus on the CD with me. Our school is selling the CD's and donating the money to the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund for the victim's children. I'd love to have a link on your site. The man who helped me record the song has a web page on his site. Thanks for such an inspirational site. We must never forget!!

From: Barth Cunico
Date: 5 March 2002
Location: Illinois
Jeremy,
Your WTC tribute was phenominal! I was especially touched by your shockwave opresentation that included Victoria William's version of "I Can't Cry Hard Enough". I'm trying to teach myself java scripting and am in the middle of creating a website in memory of my mother. I would dearly love to incorporate that song in my tribute but have been unable to find it locally. I realize I could go online and order the CD, but I'm in the final preparation of my site (need to have it done for her 1 year anniversary) and time is of the essence for me. Once again, GREAT JOB on your tribute!!!!
Best Regards,
Barth

From: Mark Cicero
Date: 23 November
Location: Texas

Like so many others, I was profoundly affected by the September 11 attacks on our country. As I struggled with my emotions over the senseless loss of life these attacks caused I was overcome by the unimaginable reality that one city lost so many trained emergency personnel. The closeness that firefighters share between each other and the resolve to "bring them home" at such personal sacrifice inspired me to write OUR HEROES ARE CRYING.

The vocalist on this song is Allen Richards. Allen is a firefighter/medic in Dallas, Texas. Shortly after the attacks Allen used vacation time to go to Manhattan and help out at ground zero and to attend some of the funerals of his fallen brethren. Allen was recently featured on UPN's television show "The Bravest".

This song is dedicated to our brave heroes all across the United States and in memory of those lives lost on September, 11. 2001.

Mark Cicero

From: Art Ski
Date: 9 November
Location: New York (his memorial song is here)
Hello friends,
Just a quick note to say thanks for visiting Universallovesong.com and spreading the good word about us. We've updated the site quite a bit from those first days... so we hope you come back to check out what's new.
While recording the first version of this song, my 11-year-old daughter and my 7-year-old-daughter, kept asking, ìWhat can we do to help?î We decided to record a version with them singing, make a CD for sale, and donate 100% of the money we raise to help the families in need. The kids rounded up some of their friends from the French Hill School and MESMS School to sing along with them. From there we went to the Brookside School to record another 25 kids.
In times of trouble many people turn to music for comfort. This is strictly a healing tune for the worldÖa gift for anyone who would like to receive it. Thanks again for all your help and support.
Peace, Art

From: Howard Jones
Date: 7 November
Location: Indiana (his memorial song is here)
Hi Jeremy,
Thanks for writing. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. The truth of the matter is I just haven't checked my site or this email account for a while, since no one was writing me.
I love your web site--very nice. Your lyrics are certainly heartfelt. Unfortunately I haven't been able to get the music to play, but then I can't get mine to play either. The whole site was set up by the same fellow who recorded my song for me. He's been out of the country, but when next I see him I'll mention your web site and see if he can set up a weg ring connection. I think it's a great idea.
Thanks for linking to me.
Carry on,
Howard A. Jones

From: Joe Sombrotto
Date: 6 November
Location: California (his memorial song is here)
Jeremy,
Very nice site. I've got a song that needs to be shared with New York and the world in MP3 format, but no website. Can you post it somewhere? Please advise. I'll attach it with the lyrics.
Peace.
Joe Sombrotto
PS: Can you somehow post my email address on the site, for feedback? Thanks.
PPS: I think that you are providing a great helpful sevice with your site. We all need to pull together, and music is a great tool in which to do so.

From: Woody Ulmer
Date: 4 November
Location: probably the USA (his memorial song and video are here)
I enjoyed your site and wanted to send you a short note. Thank you for sharing your site with us all. I'm sending you a link to mine in case you would like to see...
Take care and God Bless.
Woody

From: Mark Nelson
Date: 31 October
Location: Maryland (his memorial song is here)
Hello, My name is Mark Nelson. I am a fire fighter in Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC. I was sent your web link by a local radio DJ. I have rewritten the lyrics to the song Knockin on Heaven's Door and recorded it here in my home recording studio. My remake of the song has been getting local airplay, and the first batch of CD's will be available for sale soon. More info is available at the website. Hope all is well with you take care, Mark Nelson

From: Stuart Gregory
Date: 30 October
Location: USA (his memorial song is here)
Jeremy,
Your site has been added to "We Are One America!" in our links section for online memorials.. As far as advertising goes, its nearly all word of mouth... it's a really great song! My publisher is a CMA award winning producer who is considering putting together an albumn of Tribute songs... He is also a former Vice President of MCA Nashville and wanted me to find others who have written songs... Is this something you would be interested in? Do you know of others who have written songs? If so, pass this information on!
God Bless The U.S.A.!
Stuart Gregory - We Are One, America!

From: Matty Oz
Date: 26 October
Location: New York (his memorial song can be found here)
Jeremy,

How are you? and thanks so much for writing. I went to your web site but only got to hear half your song, sounded great, computer problem on this end, I'm not on my computer... I will go back and listen on my own next time I'm on it... I love your site, you did a great job. I put it in my favorites and will be sending it to all my friends. I can't get over how good your site looks, it must of been a lot of work on your part. You are to be congratulated !!!

My fiance went down to Ground Zero, and couldn't even put into words how devastating it was, and how much worse it is than what we see on TV.. I had a friend that I worked with, in a studio that is missing. The whole thing is so sad...

Well my friend, please keep up the good work, and thank you for sharing your thoughts with the world.
Your friend......... Matty

From: Joyce Homeier
Date: 23 October
Location: USA
Hi Jeremy,
I have heard a couple of songs, some of which cannot be downloaded, but purchased. I will get them to you later today or tomorrow. I do know that one of the record companies is doing a double album on the NY show for survivors. I don't have time to do it right now, so I will get back to you. What I am doing is making a small library for my grandchildren of every song and poem that I find written about this. They are too young to understand now.
Take care and be safe. - Joyce

From: Lori Williams
Date: 17 October
Location: New York (her memorial site is here)
Hi Jeremy,
Thanks for writing and for your kind words. I would love to place a link to your lovely song on my site and will do so the next time I update. I know what you mean when you say you did not know what else to do....even though I live here, creating a website was all I could think of to do to ease my pain. I'm glad I did it....just reading the guestbook entries from around the world helps me realize that we are one people (excluding Osama and company) and we will get through this together.
Thanks again and take care.

From: Laura M Mabe
Date: 16 October
Location: Kentucky
Remembering You

I don't think I recall your name,
But I do think I know who you were.
You were married, werent you?
Damn, why is your name such a blur?

They asked me who did I know there,
To the question I did not reply,
Did you ever tell me your name?
I just kept thinking, that one guy.

They just posted the list of victims.
I was saddened your name to remember,
Scrolling on the list of those gone.
Never forgotten will be this Semptember.

Tragedy that shook a nation,
So many that were coming to a rescue,
The ones that are left will be haunted.
Because like me, They are remembering you.

Copyright 2001 by Laura M Mabe
For more of her writings, email l-mabe@email.msn.com

From: Shelley Abbott
Date: 15 October
Location: Maryland (her tribute song is here)
Good Morning Jeremy,
I am a fellow musician who also has a song out...."The Walls". Please visit my site as I have yours, and if you would like to swap links, I would be honored.
Regards,
Shelley

From: AnnaMarie
Date: 8 October
Location: USA (her memorial website is here)
Dear Jeremy,
I can not imagine being alone and watching such devastion on our homeland. Your song is very well done and brought tears to my eyes. I wish you the best of luck. God Bless America.
AnnaMarie

From: Charles Black, WVKL
Location: Virginia
Date: 4 October
I do not have a copy of your song. Please send me a copy on CD and I will pass it on to the right folks to give it radio play.

From: Allyson
Date: 2 October
Location: Perth, Australia
Hi Jeremy-
My name's Allyson and I'm currently living in Perth. I moved here 4 years ago from southern California. As an American, I was deeply hurt by this tragedy and to think that all those innocent people were killed, the affects were felt right across the world. It makes me so angry to see the little Pakistani kids running around with great big smiles on their faces. This might sound a little harsh but I as a patriotic American, along with thousands of other people, would love to see a bullet put through those bastards heads. I'm trying to download your song but its messing up. Ill keep trying tho.
Sincerely,
Allyson

From: Trish
Date: 1 October
Location: USA (her memorial website is here)
Dear Jeremy,
Thanks so much for taking the time to write. I will go to your website as soon as I finish answering my email. I am considering adding things that my visitors have written or composed and I appreciate your permission to do so. I agree...I hope we never have to create another memorial like this one. I will be adding things as we go through these uncharted waters, so keep visiting. And thanks again for your kind words.
God Bless - Love, Trish

From: by
Date: 29 September
Location: Canberra, Australia
Here we are almost three weeks after the tragedy and all you here about is impending war. There is hardly any coverage on the sufferings of the people in the tragedies and their families only on those who would make war and would put even more people in the same state.
I liked your song because it made me realise people are still suffering and not everyone is out for revenge.
It brought it all back into perspective and makes you realise that even those who aren't directly affected by the tragedy are still affected because next time it could so easily be them.

From: Becka_boo
Date: 29 Sept
Location: Canberra, Australia
*goosebumps and chills down spine*

From: Johanne Borum
Date: 28 September
Location: California
Jeremy -
I've been trying to understand the song you wrote, but I find several contradictions in it. I'm not sure where you mean to go with it, or what messages you're trying to convey. Perhaps I'm reading it with the wrong mindset. Would you explain just a few things to me?
-- Why did you choose to use the inflamatory word "assholes"?
-- The song seems angrily written (understandably so) to the terrorist. If so, how is that a tribute to the victims and their families?
-- Who has your heart and prayers, the terrorists to whom you're writing or the victims and families? If the terrorists, how does that fit with with calling them "assholes"? If not the terrorists, why switch to whom you're "talking" at the very end of the song? I'm confused.
My answers to these questions:
-- I used a swear word because after taking around twenty out, I decided that the song wouldn't be true to my real feelings if I toned it down completely. It's not like they don't deserve it anyway...
-- The song is intended to be a message to the terrorists on behalf of all of those who suffered. At the end of the song I speak directly to those whose lives were affected by the terrorists and give them what comfort I can.
-- Naturally, the victims have my heart and prayers, not the terrorists, since those words come when I've finished speaking to the terrorists.

From: Lynne McGuire
Date: 28 September
Location: California

Thanks for sending your song. I appreciated hearing your heart. I was actually wondering how you reacted over there in Australia. Being removed from something sometimes doesn't elicit the same response as when you're involved, so I wondered how this event affected you. You did something about it, which was great.

The increase in patriotism has been remarkable here. A couple of generations of people really have no "need" to be patriotic; in fact they are not, because they have lived in relative ease and have not had the struggles that other generations have. To be able to see a need for unity is a good thing to all of us who have never suffered in our country. It has awakened our understanding of what benefits we truly do have in the USA.