Independence Day

Bruce Springsteen

About Independence Day

"Independence Day" is a song written and performed by Bruce Springsteen. It was originally released on his fifth album, released in 1980, The River. It was recorded at The Power Station in New York, in February and May 1980.


Year:
1980
4:50
215 
#1

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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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Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (born September 23, 1949), nicknamed "The Boss", is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who records and tours with the E Street Band. Springsteen is widely known for his brand of heartland rock, poetic lyrics, Americana sentiments centered on his native New Jersey and his lengthy and energetic stage performances, with concerts from the 1970s to the present decade running up to an uninterrupted 250 minutes in length. more »

22 fans

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.
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."
Live Performances
Although not a hit-single, "Independence Day" was frequently performed live by Springsteen, becoming a fan-favorite at his concerts.
Themes and Lyrics
The song explores feelings of disillusionment and a wish for personal freedom, reflecting the sentiments of working-class Americans at the time it was written.
Recording
"Independence Day" was recorded at The Power Station, a popular New York City studio in the late 1970s.
Inspiration
The song examines Springsteen's complicated relationship with his father - a recurring theme in much of his work.
Composition
It is a solo-piano ballad in the key of G major. The piano gives the song a distinctly introspective and melancholic tone.
Original Intentions
The song was initially intended for the 1978 album "Darkness on the Edge of Town", but was ultimately included on "The River" instead.
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."
Critical Reception
The song has been consistently praised by critics for its poignant lyrics, emotive performance, and simplicity, further solidifying Springsteen's reputation as a master songwriter.
Springsteen's Reflections
Springsteen 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.
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.
Song Theme
Tony 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.
Historical Debut
Although the song was used during gigs since 1978, "Independence Day" didn’t make its debut on an album until two years later.
Album Success
The 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.
Unique Narration
Springsteen broke into a quiet, distinctively spoken prelude before singing "Independence Day," revealing a tragic understanding of his relationship with his father.
Intended for Previous Album
The 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."
Self-Aware Lyrics
The lyrics of "Independence Day" revolve around the idea of self-awareness and acceptance, featuring Springsteen's thoughts about his relationship with his own father.
Live Performances
"Independence Day" is often performed live by Springsteen and has continued to remain a favorite among his fans.
Radio Unfriendly
Despite 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.
Emotional Singing Style
This song is noted for Springsteen's emotionally charged and introspective singing style, which helps deliver the powerful observation of relationships between fathers and sons.
Critical Acclaim
Many 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.
Songwriting Style
Springsteen 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.
Reflective Song
The 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.
Band's Contribution
While 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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