The song depicted two star-crossed lovers in a web of drama with the male narrator running from police while the female narrator worries forlornly over him. The relationship is apparently under external pressures, as Jean sings "messing around with you is gonna get (the man) life", and later reflecting "it's worth the sacrifice".
Chart performances and awards
"911" reached number 38 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song was successful in Norway and Sweden, where it reached number one for six and five weeks, respectively. The single earned a platinum disc in Norway. It was also a top-10 hit in Denmark, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. At the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2001, "911" was nominated for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.
* Sales figures based on certification alone. ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. ‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
^911 (Australian CD single liner notes). Wyclef Jean. Columbia Records. 2001. 670804 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^911 (Australian CD single liner notes). Wyclef Jean. Columbia Records. 2001. 670804.5.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^911 (UK CD single liner notes). Wyclef Jean. Columbia Records. 2000. 670612 5.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^911 (UK cassette single sleeve). Wyclef Jean. Columbia Records. 2000. 670612 4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^911 (European CD single liner notes). Wyclef Jean. Columbia Records. 2000. 670612 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^911 (French CD single liner notes). Wyclef Jean. Columbia Records. 2000. COL 669742 1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)