I Can Hear You (2021) is a public sound installation for lower Manhattan during the months of August and September, 2021.
A small speaker installed above eye level in public space plays audio from a speech given by George W. Bush to rescue workers at the site of the World Trade Center on September 13, 2001. Known as “the bullhorn speech,” the remarks include an ad-lib section in response to members of the crowd shouting “we can’t hear you.”
The full text of the speech is below:
Thank you all.
I want you all to know --
it can't go any louder --
I want you all to know
that American today, American today
is on bended knee,
in prayer for the people whose lives were lost here,
for the workers who work here,
for the families who mourn.
The nation stands with the good people of New York City
and New Jersey
and Connecticut
as we mourn the loss
of thousands of our citizens
Rescue Workers: We can't hear you
I can hear you!
I can hear you!
The rest of the world hears you!
And the people --
and the people
who knocked these buildings down
will hear all of us soon.
Rescue Workers: [Chanting]
U.S.A.!
U.S.A.!
U.S.A.!
U.S.A.!
U.S.A.!
U.S.A.!
U.S.A.!
U.S.A.!
The nation --
The nation sends its love
and compassion --
Rescue Worker: God bless America!
-- to everybody who is here.
Thank you for your hard work.
Thank you for makin' the nation proud,
and may God bless America.
Rescue Workers: [Chanting]
U.S.A.!
U.S.A.!
U.S.A.!
U.S.A.!