Click photo to listen to " The Windows of the World" song
Some will recall that there was a restaurant in North Tower, called Windows on the World. It was situated on the 107th floor and showcased the fantastic view of the city below. The restaurant was established in 1976, but was destroyed years later on September 11, 2001 when North Tower collapsed. Every September, we recall the attacks on the World Trade Center. Let us take a moment now to reflect upon the American lives we lost on that tragic day.
The collapse of the Twin Towers is commonly linked to a song that came out in 1967 titled
“The Windows of the World.” There are parallels drawn between the 9/11 disaster and the song for many reasons. Most noticeably, the names of each are very similar to one another. However, that is not the only common thread between the iconic restaurant and the song. The lyrics and melody of the song have a way of capturing the feeling of heartbreak experienced on this day fourteen years ago.
The collapse of the Twin Towers is commonly linked to a song that came out in 1967 titled
“The Windows of the World.” There are parallels drawn between the 9/11 disaster and the song for many reasons. Most noticeably, the names of each are very similar to one another. However, that is not the only common thread between the iconic restaurant and the song. The lyrics and melody of the song have a way of capturing the feeling of heartbreak experienced on this day fourteen years ago.
The windows of the world are covered with rain
When will those black skies turn to blue?
Ev'rybody knows when boys grow into men
They start to wonder when their country will call
Let the sun shine through"
"The windows of the world are covered with rain
What is the whole world coming to?
Ev'rybody knows when men cannot be friends
Their quarrel often ends where some have to die
Let the sun shine through”
While the song is associated with the attacks of 9/11, it also has ties to another event where American lives were regrettably taken. I am of course referring to the Vietnam War. The song itself was written and released in 1967, which is considered part of the Vietnam era. It is also believed that Hal David wrote the lyrics intending to subtly convey anti-war sentiments about the Vietnam War. When looking at the lyrics above, it is apparent how they fit with the circumstances of both events. The line “quarrel often ends where some have to die” rings especially true. Nearly 3,000 people died on September 11th as did 58,220 Americans serving in the Vietnam War.
In Last Plane Out of Saigon many of Richard Pena’s entries center on the importance of never forgetting the Vietnam War and the Vets who provided their service. The same principle should be held for those lives lost from the attacks on the World Trade Center. Join us today as we honor their memory.
In Last Plane Out of Saigon many of Richard Pena’s entries center on the importance of never forgetting the Vietnam War and the Vets who provided their service. The same principle should be held for those lives lost from the attacks on the World Trade Center. Join us today as we honor their memory.
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