Independence Day
Bruce Springsteen
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Well Papa go to bed now it's getting late Nothing we can say is gonna change anything now I'll be leaving in the morning from Saint Mary's Gate We wouldn't change this thing even if we could somehow 'Cause the darkness of this house has got the best of us There's a darkness in this town that's got us too But they can't touch me now And you can't touch me now They ain't gonna do to me What I watched them do to you So say goodbye it's Independence Day It's Independence Day All down the line Just say goodbye it's Independence Day It's Independence Day this time Now I don't know what it always was with us We chose the words, and yeah, we drew the lines There was just no way this house could hold the two of us I guess that we were just too much of the same kind Well say goodbye it's Independence Day It's Independence Day all boys must run away So say goodbye it's Independence Day All men must make their way come Independence Day Now the rooms are all empty down at Frankie's joint And the highway she's deserted down to Breaker's Point There's a lot of people leaving town now Leaving their friends, their homes At night they walk that dark and dusty highway all alone Well Papa go to bed now it's getting late Nothing we can say can change anything now Because there's just different people coming down here now And they see things in different ways And soon everything we've known will just be swept away So say goodbye it's Independence Day Papa now I know the things you wanted that you could not say But won't you just say goodbye it's Independence Day I swear I never meant to take those things away
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Written by: Bruce Springsteen
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
25 facts about this song
Release"Independence Day" is a song by American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, which was not officially released as a single but appeared on his hit fifth album "The River" in 1980.
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Album Success"The River" album hit #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified Quintuple Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) demonstrating the popularity of the songs, including "Independence Day."
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Live PerformancesAlthough not a hit-single, "Independence Day" was frequently performed live by Springsteen, becoming a fan-favorite at his concerts.
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Themes and LyricsThe song explores feelings of disillusionment and a wish for personal freedom, reflecting the sentiments of working-class Americans at the time it was written.
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Recording"Independence Day" was recorded at The Power Station, a popular New York City studio in the late 1970s.
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InspirationThe song examines Springsteen's complicated relationship with his father - a recurring theme in much of his work.
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CompositionIt is a solo-piano ballad in the key of G major. The piano gives the song a distinctly introspective and melancholic tone.
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Original IntentionsThe song was initially intended for the 1978 album "Darkness on the Edge of Town", but was ultimately included on "The River" instead.
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Reinterpretations"Independence Day" was covered by Elliott Murphy on his album "Selling the Gold," and by Sam Moore on the compilation album "Enjoy Every Sandwich: The Songs of Bruce Springsteen."
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Critical ReceptionThe song has been consistently praised by critics for its poignant lyrics, emotive performance, and simplicity, further solidifying Springsteen's reputation as a master songwriter.
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Springsteen's ReflectionsSpringsteen reflected on the song during his Broadway show, explaining that it marked the first time he wrote about his father, instead of his own “pursuit of a big, rock 'n' roll dream.” Wood notes that Springsteen was “writing in a more compassionate voice,” a perspective he continued to adopt in later songs.
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Song Origin"Independence Day" is a song written and performed by the famous American rock musician Bruce Springsteen. It's part of his album "The River" which was released in 1980.
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Song ThemeTony Burke of BBC noted that the song elucidates Springsteen's frequent theme of parents and children with an emphasis on the inevitable distance that life creates. It's about the passing of time and generational shifts.
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Historical DebutAlthough the song was used during gigs since 1978, "Independence Day" didn’t make its debut on an album until two years later.
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Album SuccessThe album "The River" was a commercial success and charted at number one on the Billboard 200, with "Independence Day" being one of its popular tracks.
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Unique NarrationSpringsteen broke into a quiet, distinctively spoken prelude before singing "Independence Day," revealing a tragic understanding of his relationship with his father.
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Intended for Previous AlbumThe song was initially slated for inclusion on Springsteen's previous album, "Darkness on the Edge of Town," but eventually found its place on "The River."
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Self-Aware LyricsThe lyrics of "Independence Day" revolve around the idea of self-awareness and acceptance, featuring Springsteen's thoughts about his relationship with his own father.
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Live Performances"Independence Day" is often performed live by Springsteen and has continued to remain a favorite among his fans.
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Radio UnfriendlyDespite being a fan favorite, "Independence Day," with its slow tempo and somber theme, was not considered radio-friendly at the time of its release and did not reach the heights of some of Springsteen's other hits in terms of commercial success.
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Emotional Singing StyleThis song is noted for Springsteen's emotionally charged and introspective singing style, which helps deliver the powerful observation of relationships between fathers and sons.
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Critical AcclaimMany music critics consider "Independence Day" to be one of Springsteen's most poignant and heartfelt songs, underlining his ability to depict complex and deeply personal themes in his music.
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Songwriting StyleSpringsteen is known for his ability to tell stories through his songs, and "Independence Day" is no exception. The song is a testament to Springsteen's skill as a narrative songwriter.
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Reflective SongThe song is reflective of Springsteen's personal experiences growing up in Freehold Borough, New Jersey, adding a significant touch of authenticity and raw emotion to the lyrics.
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Band's ContributionWhile Springsteen is the main focus, "Independence Day" is also acknowledged for the contribution of the E Street Band, whose members added depth to the song with their respective instruments.
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Citation
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"Independence Day Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 22 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/22347479/Bruce+Springsteen/Independence+Day>.
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