The Shadow of September Eleventh
The terrorist attacks of September eleventh, two thousand and one, sent shockwaves across the world, leaving an indelible scar on the American psyche. The music community, like everyone else, grappled with how to respond to the immense tragedy. While some artists offered songs of comfort and unity, others channeled their grief and anger into powerful expressions of protest. Among the most notable, and certainly the most debated, was Neil Young, a singer-songwriter known for his unwavering commitment to social and political commentary. So, what protest song did Neil Young write after nine eleven? The answer is “Let’s Roll,” a track that ignited both passionate support and fierce criticism, solidifying its place as a pivotal, if complicated, piece of post-nine eleven art.
Neil Young’s “Let’s Roll” wasn’t just a song; it was a visceral reaction to a nation reeling from trauma. His response became something of a lightning rod, sparking conversations about patriotism, heroism, and the role of music in times of crisis. Understanding the song’s significance requires delving into the atmosphere of those immediate post-attack days, as well as examining the song’s lyrical content and the context of Young’s career as a protest singer.
The devastation of September eleventh needs little detailed description. The collapse of the World Trade Center towers, the attack on the Pentagon, and the heroic crash of Flight ninety-three in Pennsylvania formed a collective trauma that profoundly shaped American culture and politics. In the immediate aftermath, a wave of patriotism swept the nation. Flags flew from every window, and a deep sense of unity emerged, coupled with a powerful desire for justice. This emotional climate deeply influenced the artistic responses that followed. Many artists, understandably, offered songs of solace, hope, and national pride.
However, beneath the surface of unity simmered a complex mix of fear, anger, and a growing desire for retribution. It was in this fraught environment that Neil Young began to formulate his response. While many embraced a more traditional, comforting tone, Young’s artistic inclinations led him down a different path, a path that was both intensely personal and deeply provocative. He wasn’t simply offering comfort; he was grappling with the complexities of the situation.
Neil Young’s Initial Response and the Genesis of “Let’s Roll”
While I don’t have access to the specific details of Neil Young’s first public comments immediately after nine eleven, it is known that he was deeply affected by the events. His decision to channel that emotion into music was hardly surprising, given his lifelong dedication to using his platform to express his views on social and political issues.
The specific inspiration for “Let’s Roll” came from the heroic actions of the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight ninety-three. This flight, bound for San Francisco, was overtaken by terrorists, but the passengers, after learning of the attacks in New York, fought back, preventing the plane from reaching its intended target, believed to be the US Capitol Building or the White House. Todd Beamer, one of the passengers, famously uttered the phrase “Let’s roll” during a phone call with a GTE supervisor, Lisa Jefferson, indicating the group’s decision to confront the terrorists. This simple phrase, filled with courage and defiance, resonated deeply with Neil Young and became the catalyst for his song.
The composition process was reportedly swift, fueled by intense emotion. Young sought to capture the spirit of those brave individuals and their determination to fight for their lives and their country. The song quickly evolved into an ode to their courage, a battle cry against terror, and an expression of solidarity with the American people.
Analyzing the Lyrics: Heroism and Defiance
The lyrics of “Let’s Roll” are direct, simple, and emotionally charged. They paint a vivid picture of the events on Flight ninety-three, highlighting the bravery and selflessness of the passengers. The opening lines immediately set the tone: “Got you flyin’ high today / Got you flyin’ low today.” This is a stark reminder of the duality of the situation—the freedom of flight juxtaposed with the terror of the attack.
The chorus, featuring the repeated phrase “Let’s roll,” becomes a powerful rallying cry. It’s not just a recounting of what Todd Beamer said; it’s an invitation to action, a call to stand up against evil. The lyrics, “Don’t worry, be happy,” take on a darker, almost ironic tone in the context of the song, contrasting the carefree message with the grim reality of the situation.
The song doesn’t shy away from the themes of war and conflict. Lines like “We’re gonna go find them” and “Kick some ass” reflect the anger and desire for retribution that many Americans felt at the time. It was these lines, in particular, that contributed to the controversy surrounding the song.
However, others interpreted the lyrics as a reflection of the passengers’ determination to fight for their survival. They saw “Let’s Roll” not as a glorification of war but as a celebration of courage and sacrifice in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Controversy and Divergent Reactions
“Let’s Roll” was far from universally praised. In fact, its reception was deeply divided. While many Americans embraced the song as a powerful tribute to the heroes of Flight ninety-three, others condemned it as jingoistic, simplistic, and even exploitative.
Critics argued that the song oversimplified a complex tragedy and promoted a pro-war agenda. They pointed to the aggressive lyrics and the lack of nuance in the portrayal of the events. Some accused Young of capitalizing on the national tragedy for personal gain, while others simply felt that the song was musically uninspired.
Conversely, supporters of “Let’s Roll” lauded its raw emotion and its ability to capture the spirit of the American people in the wake of nine eleven. They saw the song as a powerful expression of patriotism and a testament to the courage of ordinary citizens who rose to the occasion in extraordinary circumstances. They defended the song’s simplicity, arguing that it was appropriate for the emotional climate of the time.
The polarized reception of “Let’s Roll” reflected the deep divisions within American society in the aftermath of nine eleven. While there was a widespread sense of unity, there were also profound disagreements about how to respond to the attacks and what the future held for the nation.
Neil Young’s Explanation and Defense
In response to the criticism, Neil Young defended “Let’s Roll,” emphasizing that his intention was not to glorify war but to honor the bravery of the passengers on Flight ninety-three. He stated that he was deeply moved by their courage and wanted to capture that spirit in his music. While I don’t have a direct quote available, accounts suggest he felt the song was misinterpretted, and his intention was to honor the passengers and their final stand against terror.
He also pointed to his long history of anti-war activism, arguing that his commitment to peace and justice was unwavering. He reminded critics that he had written numerous songs protesting war and violence throughout his career. However, his past seemed irrelevant to some, who still felt that “Let’s Roll” promoted a dangerous and overly simplistic view of the conflict.
Young’s defense did little to quell the controversy. The song remained a divisive topic, sparking heated debates about patriotism, heroism, and the role of music in times of crisis. It serves as a potent example of how art can be both deeply moving and deeply controversial, especially when it deals with sensitive and emotionally charged subjects.
“Let’s Roll” in the Context of Neil Young’s Protest Songs
Neil Young’s catalog is rich with protest songs, addressing issues ranging from war and environmentalism to social injustice and political corruption. Songs like “Ohio,” written in response to the Kent State shootings, and “Rockin’ in the Free World,” a critique of American politics, have become anthems for generations of activists.
In some ways, “Let’s Roll” fits within this tradition of protest music. It is a direct and passionate response to a specific event, expressing anger, grief, and a call to action. However, it also stands apart from many of his other protest songs due to its focus on heroism and patriotism.
While Young’s other protest songs often challenge authority and question the status quo, “Let’s Roll” celebrates the courage of ordinary citizens who took a stand against evil. This shift in focus contributed to the controversy surrounding the song, as some critics felt that it strayed too far from his traditional anti-establishment stance.
The Enduring Legacy of “Let’s Roll”
Years after its release, “Let’s Roll” continues to evoke strong emotions and spark debate. While the initial fervor surrounding the song has subsided, it remains a significant piece of post-nine eleven art, capturing the complexities of that moment in American history.
The song’s meaning has evolved over time. For some, it remains a powerful tribute to the heroes of Flight ninety-three. For others, it serves as a reminder of the dangers of jingoism and the importance of critical thinking in times of crisis.
“Let’s Roll” is a testament to the power of music to capture the emotions and experiences of a nation. It is a song that challenged listeners to confront difficult questions about patriotism, heroism, and the role of America in the world.
Conclusion
So, what protest song did Neil Young write after nine eleven? “Let’s Roll” stands as a complex and controversial answer. It wasn’t merely a patriotic anthem; it was a raw, emotional response to a national tragedy, grappling with the themes of heroism, anger, and the desire for justice. While its reception was deeply divided, “Let’s Roll” remains a significant piece of post-nine eleven art, sparking important conversations about the role of music in times of crisis. It underscores the challenging position of artists who attempt to make sense of tragedy, often facing scrutiny and criticism even as they strive to offer solace and reflection. Neil Young’s “Let’s Roll” exemplifies the complexities inherent in creating art in the aftermath of profound national trauma, leaving a lasting legacy as a symbol of both courage and contention.
