9/11 Tribute Song - This Unforgiving Town by Laurie Early

The Hudson flows along the shore
Where orchards of steel grow.
Each gleaming bough contains a tale
Of lives and loves below.
And every wave sings out its song
For shattered hearts needing repair.
Who will be dressed in sorrow's gown
In this unforgiving town?

As sunlight wakes the morning sky
Our innocence a memory.
An axeman wears a selfish smile
As he fells another tree.
The city's armor takes the blows
But yet the human damage shows.
Who will be saved? And who will drown
In this unforgiving town?

When twilight rolls upon the day
A dusty night time looms.
A flood of tears won't wash away
The pain caused by these wounds.
And so we're called to higher ground
Because it's there that love is found.
Who will be brave?
And who'll be brought down
In this unforgiving town?

My Lagan Love, the melody that inspired this song, is over 500 years old. I have changed the Irish Traditional up a bit and have written new lyrics that reflect my impressions of September 11, 2001, the spirit of New York City in general, and some plot themes from the yet unreleased film "Tribeca Nights." --Laurie Early

This Unforgiving Town
(My Lagan Love - 9/11)
©2003 Laurie Early/ASCAP

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[SooToday]

I have used your beautiful song as part of our SooToday.com's news coverage of the ninth anniversary of 9-11. It seems to me to be particularly relevant this year, perhaps even more so than when you recorded it.

[LaurieEarly]

@SooToday Thank you so much for featuring my 9/11 Tribute song, This Unforgiving Town, in your 9th Anniversary article. It was quite unexpected and very appreciated. I am glad you felt it was an appropriate addition to your news coverage. All my best wishes, Laurie Early

[javierporras1983]

Amazing video.. is that you singing? amazing voice!!!! Thank you sooo much for making this video it means a lot to me and to everyone who understands it. 9/11 is a day that will never be forget. It will remain in our souls.. as we remember the heroes who give theyr lifes to save others.. cops, fire figthers, civilians and many more.. God bless the USA. that is why i believe that we are not a blue america or a red america. WE ARE AND ALWAYS BE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

[LaurieEarly]

Yes, that is me a few years ago, recorded out on Long Island looking out at the beach and the water beyond. Thank you for your kind words, and I appreciate your taking the time to comment on the video, especially as we commemorate the 8th anniversary of this very sad day in history.

[Kaety2birds]

Wow Laurie!  I cried. This is beautiful.

[LaurieEarly]

Thank you, Kaety. It means a lot to me that you liked it. I am so glad people are responding positively to the lyrics. L.

[purgaToreano]

check out the spirits 911 tribute song

[DaleCaliente]

Hey this was great. Another gem of YouTube. Your voice is pure n the lyrics reflect a pure heart. Good luck but you won't need it. !

[jp200030]

thanks 4 the wonderful tribute u made....hope all the peps could realize about it!!!!!

[dianehubka]

I was writing to thank you for your kind words about my video, and WOW I just watched/ listened to your 9/11 tribute. First of all, your voice is GORGEOUS! And I was very moved by your piece. I lived in New York during that time, and truly, I think one of the reasons I moved to Los Angeles is, I never quite got over the heartbreak of it all. But I love New York, and New Yorkers! I hope they rebuild the skyline bigger and better than ever. All the best to you! Diane