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Independence Day
Comsat Angels Lyrics
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Of the intention
To stop extension into my airspace
I'll put the flags up
Pull up the anchor
And then you'll know you're in a different place
And I can't stand up and I can't sit down
Cause a great big problem stop me in my tracks
and I can't do a thing 'cause I can't relax
You've got your habits
I've got my customs
I'm sure you know it's got to be this way
No hesitation
And in the future
We'll celebrate on Independence Day
And I can't stand up and I can't sit down
Cause a great big problem stop me in my tracks
I can't relax 'cause I haven't done a thing
And I can't do a thing 'cause I can't relax
Independence Day
Independence Day
Independence Day
Independence Day
Hang out the flags ring in the new,
We should be dancing on the city streets
I know the tune, I know the words,
My mouth is open but I cannot speak
And I can't stand up and I can't sit down
Cause a great big problem stop me in my tracks
I can't relax 'cause I haven't done a thing
And I can't do a thing 'cause I can't relax
Independence Day
Independence Day
Independence Day
Independence Day
The lyrics to Comsat Angels’ song Independence Day are open to interpretation, and can be seen as a metaphor for a person’s struggle to make a decision or take action, due to fear or an overwhelming feeling of being trapped. The first two lines of the song, “A declaration of the intention to stop extension into my airspace,” set the tone for the song, suggesting that the singer is determined to take control of their own life and not let anyone else intrude or tell them what to do. The phrases “I’ll put the flags up, pull up the anchor, and then you’ll know you’re in a different place” further reinforce the singer’s desire for freedom and independence from the constraints of the world around them.
However, despite this fight for independence, the singer is paralyzed and unable to make a move, both physically and mentally. The lines “I can't stand up and I can't sit down, cause a great big problem stop me in my tracks, I can't relax cause I haven't done a thing, and I can't do a thing cause I can't relax” convey a feeling of being trapped and unable to move forward, suggesting that the singer’s fear or indecision is what’s holding them back. The repetition of the phrase “Independence Day” throughout the song serves as a reminder of the singer’s ultimate goal, while also highlighting their struggle to achieve it. In the end, the song ends on a hopeful note, with the line “we’ll celebrate on Independence Day” suggesting that the singer is still determined to find a way to break free despite their current struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
A declaration
I'm making a statement
Of the intention
About what I plan to do
To stop extension into my airspace
I don't want anybody encroaching on my personal space
I'll put the flags up
I'll make it clear what belongs to me
Pull up the anchor
I'm leaving the past behind and moving forward
And then you'll know you're in a different place
Things are going to change
And I can't stand up and I can't sit down
I'm overwhelmed and uncertain
Cause a great big problem stop me in my tracks
Something is holding me back
I can't relax 'cause I haven't done a thing
I can't rest because there's still work to be done
and I can't do a thing 'cause I can't relax
I'm too anxious to be productive
You've got your habits
Everybody has their own way of doing things
I've got my customs
I have my own traditions and practices
I'm sure you know it's got to be this way
This is just how it is
No hesitation
No second-guessing
And in the future
Looking ahead
We'll celebrate on Independence Day
We'll be free from our problems
Hang out the flags ring in the new,
Celebrate the change that's coming
We should be dancing on the city streets
Let's celebrate with a party
I know the tune, I know the words,
I'm familiar with the plan
My mouth is open but I cannot speak
I'm too overwhelmed to express myself
Independence Day
Freedom from limitations
Independence Day
Breaking free from the past
Independence Day
A new beginning
Independence Day
A fresh start
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chrisbarlow2131
I was there too. Saw The Comsat Angels support U2 at The Locarno in Hurst St Birmingham in what is now Chinatown. I was into both bands at the time. To be fair I thought both bands were brilliant that night. U2 were modest and unassuming because the world hadn't woken up to them yet - the yes men and the accountants and the private jets, being treated like God etc etc was just around the corner, and when it arrived, for me, U2 lost their innocence and hence their initial appeal. I will always always be thankful to them for Boy though. Such a breath of sweet liberating fresh air at the time.
On the other hand, The Comsat Angels were also brilliant that night. Signed to Polydor, all augured well. But it just didn't happen for them.
Looking back now, of the two bands, it is The Comsat Angels that still hold be entranced. Their music was more introspective and yet majestically dynamic within that environment. They could be so other worldly - tracks like Sleep No More typifies that, and all based round two bass notes yet it captivates you, and you find yourself not wanting to breathe until its over.
Or they could crank it up and blow everyone away with songs like Goat of The West. I could talk all night.
Bono said their music had a terrible beauty. He always did have a way with words, in this case words of truth.
@mateuscavalcante9796
A declaration
Of the intention
To stop extension into my airspace
I'll put the flags up
Pull up the anchor
And then you'll know you're in a different place
And I can't stand up and I can't sit down
'cause a great big problem stop me in my tracks
I can't relax 'cause I haven't done a thing
And I can't do a thing 'cause I can't relax
You've got your habits
I've got my customs
I'm sure you know it's got to be this way
No hesitation
And in the future
We'll celebrate on Independence Day
And I can't stand up and I can't sit down
'cause a great big problem stop me in my tracks
I can't relax 'cause I haven't done a thing
And I can't do a thing 'cause I can't relax
Independence Day (4x)
Hang out the flags, bring in the new,
We should be dancing on the city streets
I know the tune, I know the words,
My mouth is open but I cannot speak
And I can't stand up and I can't sit down
'cause a great big problem stop me in my tracks
I can't relax 'cause I haven't done a thing
And I can't do a thing 'cause I can't relax
Independence Day (4x)
Independence Day (4x)
@Ssantana88
Vim pelo Regis, para verificar a inspiração da música"soldados" do Legião urbana.
@m.mvieira1891
Me too
Como o Régis descobre isso velho? Kkkk
@vinsuici
A Love is The Drug parece mais. Essa nem tanto.
@franciscomendonca2494
Nossa, pelo regis! Brasil terra de Banânia!
@gustavomedeiros9807
Quem é Régis?
@diegowanderley
Parece demais. Está doido, a batida é idêntica.
@adriano45843
Vim pelo Regis conferir a ''inspiração'' de Soldados'
@matthieufernandez6871
I can't relax 'cause I haven't done a thing
and I can't do a thing 'cause I can't relax
I dare you to find a more concise and poetic description of anxiety.
@patthewoodboy
was thinking just that today , as i played this track for the first time in many years.
@ELEcomments
I suffer from severe anxiety disorder and I agree this is a very good description