Derik Nelson "Phone Call" - Original 9/11 Tribute Song

With next month being the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001, I deemed it appropriate to share with you an original song I wrote as a tribute to the families affected by the tragic events that happened that day.

My inspiration for the song came a few years ago on September 11th, 2007. I got home from school and turned the TV on, and remember watching a memorial program that featured personal accounts and stories about 9/11. One story in particular that really struck me was centered around the phone calls being made by passengers in the planes to their loved ones back at home. There was something so desperately honest in the voices captured on those chilling, garbled clips of voicemails and recorded phone calls... It broke my heart.

It reminded me that above the politics, the war, the terror, and all the conspiracy theories, there were families being torn apart, and real husbands, wives, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers having to say "I love you" for the last time. I was compelled to tell a story (albeit not a happy one) about such a situation in which a passenger on a plane has to say goodbye to his young son.

This song (until now) sat on the shelf ever since. I only performed it once. A few weeks ago, I realized we were coming up on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and got the idea to film a video of the song. After revisiting it and discussing it with a close friend of mine, I came to the realization that the story wasn't over. I told the story of September 11, 2001, but what about September 11, 2011?

I wrote the end verse just a few short weeks ago, and finally gave such a sad story the silver lining it deserves. Because 9/11 affected the United States (and the world) on such a large scale, I fear that people might lose sight of just how far the destructive ripples from the events of that day can extend. My hope is that listeners will be reminded of the important things in life... Love of all kinds, and the sacred fragility of a family.

Thank you for listening, watching, and supporting. Please share this with someone you love.

Derik

P.S. Thank you to my wonderful brother, Dalten, for doing such a beautiful job filming and editing this video.

For lyrics, please click here:
http://deriknelson.com/phonecall

Category:

Music

Tags:

• derik nelson
• derek nelson
• phone call
• 9/11 song
• 11
• tribute
• song
• memorial
• dalten nelson
• original
• september
• 11th
• USA
• piano
• guitar
• singer
• songwriter
• USC
• pop
• music

[LinAlainson]

I am speechless.

Let me introduce you guys to perfection.

[drocknelly]

@LinAlainson Thank you so much. I'm really honored :)

[PhotographyGirl302]

Derik! I'm not sure if you'll reply to this (But I'm hoping you will haha) , your songs and voice is amazing! I've seen you on Glee and I hope that one day, they'll let you sing with them and be in their episodes too because you've got a real talent that needs to be noticed, including your siblings too- Riana and Dalten! I just LOVE watching you sing and it always brightens my day! Hope you'll be able to post another video soon :)

- Vanessa

[drocknelly]

@PhotographyGirl302 Hi Vanessa! Thank you so much, that's so kind! I've actually got a new video up, a Sting cover of "All Would Envy" so please check it out on my channel & share with your friends :)

[garanarag]

WHY IS PHONE CALL NOT ON ITUNES. I searched for "never gonna give you up cover" and found you, then I started looking through your videos and I stopped at this one. It actually made me cry. Quite a bit. I didn't expect to cry while procrastinating on youtube, but this is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard. I am so happy to have found your channel despite your surprising lack of popularity, and I just wanted to let you know that you're amazing, man.

[drocknelly]

@garanarag Thank you so much! Your support means a lot, and I'm really honored to share this piece with whoever listens... maybe an iTunes download is in the future... :)

[drocknelly]

@NicoletteandSuejamie Yes, I would be honored! Please credit my name if possible! :)

[TuccTownLaydii]

I dont know if I'm just crazy or not, but I THINK I saw you in the new glee episode tonight. You were playing guitar with the glee cast in the cafeteria when they were singing "We Got The Beat" by The Go-Go's right? I dont know.. It couldve been someone that looked like you I guess.

[fresamoon]

This song is just too amazing. :') thank you.

[BeTheChange672]

@Tierney45 it's not a cover, Derik wrote this.

[Teirney45]

My brother Dale was in the army

He was supposed to come home for leave but 2 days before he died this sont always reminds me of him <3 great cover .

[23singingismylife]

and jst to say this song really put me to tears becuase it was true and it inspired me to really appreciate what i have becuase u never really know how much u love people until there gone

[23singingismylife]

derik-

you are the definition of what we cal a singer/song writer and when u sang this song it shows that u r a person who really cares about the world these days and i really appreciate u writeing a song about 9/11 cuz even though i wasnt someone who was effected by the tragic day but i can bet that the people who were effected the most appreciate it more. so i jst wanna say thank u for ur concern(p.s dont ever let people put u down cuz u r who u r and its really amazing)

[BeTheChange672]

"I ate my vegetables so I can be strong just like you." I lost it. Derik, you're amazing. Never stop singing, EVER.

[Joshioka]

Very professionell, thumbs up ;)

[kitoXXX]

goosebumps man, you are talented!