Star Spangled Banner
Milly Lyrics

On the 4th of July
This song is about the American holiday, Independence Day, and it starts with a reference to this particular date.

Practiced your rights
The singer is encouraging people to exercise their rights, which may include things like freedom of speech, religion, or assembly.

Or look around
Alternatively, the listener is invited to notice the world around them.

The care that I learned is turning off tonight
The singer is feeling disillusioned with the world and its problems, and feels that the sense of care or concern she once had is disappearing.

Sitting home alone
The singer is alone in her home.

Me and my girl
She is accompanied only by her female partner.

Drink and headphones
She is drinking and listening to music via headphones.

Breathe the fresh air
Despite being indoors, she imagines herself breathing fresh air (perhaps as an escape).

They recited the Star Spangled Banner
The singer is observing other people reciting the American national anthem.

They believed in a flag that could save them
The singer sees that many people believe in their country and its symbols, including the flag, as a source of hope or comfort.

To feel early light
The phrase 'early light' is likely a reference to dawn or sunrise, and suggests an optimistic or hopeful feeling.

It's turning off tonight
However, despite this optimism, the singer feels that this feeling of hope is disappearing or 'turning off.'

How might you reach your peace for today?
The singer poses a rhetorical question, suggest that finding peace in the world may be difficult but worth striving for.

Hand on a heart, held a bouquet
This line may refer to a festive celebration, such as a parade or gathering, where someone might hold their hand over their heart (in respect or patriotism) and carry a bouquet of flowers.

But all that I see is flags on the beach
Despite this celebration, the singer is still preoccupied with the omnipresent flags and symbols of national pride around them, perhaps viewing them as superficial or naive.

Practice your rights or stay home tonight
The singer repeats this earlier message, suggesting that people should be aware of their rights and exercise them responsibly or stay home (perhaps as a way to avoid conflict or danger).

Rockets red glare
This is a line from the American national anthem, describing the visual spectacle of fireworks.

Bombs bursting in air
Another line from the national anthem, similarly describing the dramatic sound and sight of fireworks.

Rockets red glare
The singer repeats this line, perhaps as a way to underscore the emotional or visceral impact of Independence Day celebrations.

Rockets red glare
Again, this line is repeated.

Bombs bursting in air
The song ends with the repetition of this line, concluding with a final image of fireworks exploding in the sky.