While just a sophomore at the State University of New York (studying orches… Read Full Bio ↴While just a sophomore at the State University of New York (studying orchestra and later studio composition), Imani Coppola gained a record contract for her surrealistic, sample-laden pop vision of hip-hop, linked to Digable Planets as well as Neneh Cherry. While growing up, her entire family was musical, and Coppola began playing violin at the age of six. She began writing songs and practiced her vocals (although her recording career has featured her rapping more than singing). Her debut album, Chupacabra, featured the MTV hit "Legend of a Cowgirl."

She is also the vocal part on Little Jackie, a project she does together with Adam Pallin.

Visit Imani Coppola Official Website:
http://www.imanicoppola.net/

Independence Day
Imani Coppola Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I live here in exile
My home is not my heart
They're miles and oceans apart
So I long for the mountains
Beyond the grey city walls
I pray tonight they'll fall

[Chorus]

Then the sun will shine on me
Send the light and set me free
I'll be off and on my way
On my Independence Day
All the songs I could not sing
And all the words I could not say
I'll be shouting everything
On my Independence Day

Every day I dream of leaving
Cause there's no end in sight
I got to shine my own light
Just can't wait any longer
For you to make it alright
It's time to live my own life

[Chorus]

I can feel trouble disappear
Anywhere the road will lead
If it takes me far away from here

[Chorus: x 3]

Overall Meaning

In Imani Coppola's song Independence Day, the lyrics portray the feeling of being trapped and exiled from one's home while living in a place that does not bring joy. The singer of the song longs for the mountains that are beyond the grey city walls, hoping that they will fall and free her. In the chorus, it seems like the Independence Day represents a day of liberation for her, where she proclaims that she will finally sing and say all that she could not before. She desires to set herself free from the seemingly endless agony of waiting for someone else to make things okay and unveil her own light.

The song is a representation of the angst that comes with feeling abandoned in a place that does not feel like home. The lyrics can be interpreted in various contexts, such as a love relationship or a general feeling of displacement. Either way, the songstress delivers on the message of the search for self-liberation, shining a light on the need for individuals to make decisions that align with their values.

Line by Line Meaning

I live here in exile
I feel like I don't belong in this place

My home is not my heart
I don't feel emotionally attached to this place

They're miles and oceans apart
There's a physical and emotional distance between me and my home

So I long for the mountains
I dream of being in a peaceful place

Beyond the grey city walls
Away from the hustle and bustle of city life

I pray tonight they'll fall
I hope to be free from my current situation

Then the sun will shine on me
I will finally find happiness

Send the light and set me free
Help me find my way and break free from my troubles

I'll be off and on my way
I'll start a new journey

On my Independence Day
The day I finally become independent and free

All the songs I could not sing
All the things I couldn't express before