“The Rising” was released in 2002 as the title track from Bruce Springsteen’s 12th studio album. Springsteen wrote the song and the body of work on the album as a reaction to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S. These attacks caused the death of 2,996 people and injured over 6,000 others. The critical response to the single included a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.
The song tells the story of a firefighter, as he goes into one of the most desperate events in American history. It begins with the start of his day, the tools of his profession and the Cross of Saint Florian. It closes with a series of final visions: his wife, his children, and all human experience:
Sky of blackness and sorrow (dream of life)
Sky of love, sky of tears (dream of life)
Sky of glory and sadness (dream of life)
Sky of mercy, sky of fear (dream of life)
Sky of memory and shadow (dream of life)
This day I thank God for everyone who is called to rescue and protect anyone in need. And most of all, I’m eternally thankful for Jesus Christ, the one God sent to rescue all who would call upon His name (Romans 10:13).
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Sources: Wikipedia + July Brenda Gonzales Callapaza + Christopher Burns