Ten songs about 9/11

An event like Sept 11, 2001, could not take place without countless artists becoming inspired by the horror, the anger or the deaths of thousands. Eleven years after that sunny Tuesday in New York, 9/11 continues to be the subject of songs, novels and films.

The songs on this list are a mix of saccharine-laced odes (Melissa Etheridge, The Stills, Tori Amos, Beastie Boys) and provocative protest songs (Bloc Party, Sleater-Kinney, Ani DiFranco, Sheryl Crow). If there were a silver lining to the tragedy (although I’m certain victims’ families would say there is not), it would be the art that is created in response to trauma.

Melissa Etheridge, “Tuesday Morning.”

Leonard Cohen, “On That Day.”

Tori Amos, “I Can’t See New York.”

Bloc Party, “Hunting for Witches.”

Gorillaz, featuring D12 & Terry Hall, “911.”

Beastie Boys, “An Open Letter to NYC.”

The Stills, “Let’s Roll.”

Sleater-Kinney, “Far Away.”

Sheryl Crow, “Out of Our Heads.”

Ani DiFranco, “Self-Evident.”

Algonquin College journalism grad. Podcaster @qqcpod.

Keep Reading

Mia Starr with an up arrow behind her; Vita Vontesse Star with a down arrow behind her

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18, Episode 5 power ranking: The first heat

We’re at the intermission of the talent show—how did the first six queens fare?
Juicy Love Dion lying down with her mouth open

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18, Episode 5 recap: Survival of the draggiest

Rate-a-Queen returns, and brings with it some strong attempts at strategic gameplay
Several roller derby players cheering while seated

‘Rising Through the Fray’ shows roller derby has no borders

Courtney Montour’s documentary follows a revolutionary Indigenous derby team—in all its beauty and power
Ciara Myst with an up arrow behind her; Briar Blush with a down arrow behind her

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18, Episode 4 power ranking: In fashion, you’re either in or you’re out

The show basically hands us a power ranking this week, but there’s still much to discuss