The band formed in 1990 when Jian Ghomeshi and Murray Foster, former classmates at the local Thornlea Secondary School, and participants in the school choir, joined with Mike Ford and David Matheson to busk in Toronto. They drew unusually large crowds, and, eventually, the attention of Toronto-based CBC Radio One, which commissioned songs about political and local issues for the radio show Later the Same Day. Some songs written for the show later appeared on their albums; these songs include "The Gulf War Song" and "My Baby Loves a Bunch of Authors", which was written for a Toronto authors' festival.
They cut a six-song demo tape in 1992, and their first major-label album was released the next year. Its single, "King of Spain", was only the second Canadian independent #1 hit in that country's history. (Torontonians Barenaked Ladies were first by a few months, with 1991's "Be My Yoko Ono".) Shortly after, they embarked on a touring schedule that continued, practically without stopping except to record new material, until the end of 2000.
The band reminds some listeners of the Beatles (which Früvous happily acknowledges) or They Might Be Giants. They sometimes sang with little or no accompaniment in a style similar to contemporary a cappella, drawing comparisons to Da Vinci's Notebook. A number of their songs also express the band's progressive political leanings ("The Greatest Man in America", for instance, harps on Rush Limbaugh, and "Big Fish" lambasts former Premier of Ontario Mike Harris). Früvous was also known for their close relationship with their fans and their live shows, which were full of political commentary, humorous banter, and musical improvisation.
The band gave its last concert in 2000 (excepting performances at annual fan conventions in 2001 and 2002), and the last update to the band's website occurred in 2002. As of fall 2005, Jian Ghomeshi was hosting National Playlist on CBC Radio One, and Murray Foster was the bass player for Great Big Sea. On September 5, 2005, Ford, Foster and Ghomeshi performed on CIUT, the University of Toronto's campus radio station, as part of the morning program Toronto Unlocked (an ad hoc program produced and hosted by locked-out CBC Radio One staff).
Independence Day
Moxy Früvous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The streamers were red and gold.
And all of the stores stayed closed.
And everybody couldn't wait
For the fireworks display.
The city had a hot dog stand
and lovers walked hand in hand.
Except for the clowns I suppose.
(All)
And the people came around on Independence Day
And the children let go their balloons and flew away.
(Murray)
Then the wind swung around to the east
And the rain came down in sheets.
I saw trees bending to the ground
And people running all around.
(Murray and Dave)
I stuck my hand into my coat
Felt the letter that you wrote.
I said "This is Independence Day.
I wonder how I'll celebrate?"
(All)
And the people came around on Independence Day
And the children let go their balloons and flew away.
Red and gold (red and gold...) bleed down to black.
Once it's gone (once it's gone), it won't come back.
(guitar and keyboard solo)
(All)
And the people came around on Independence Day
And the children let go their balloons and flew away.
(Murray, w/ others)
Geneveive, I do believe I can't go on this way
(All)
Now I know what freedom is on Independence Day.
(Murray)
Oh...oah...
Oh, oah-oh-oh...
The lyrics of Moxy Früvous's song Independence Day depict the celebration of 4th of July or Independence Day in the USA. The first stanza highlights the excitement among people for the fireworks display, and the city's lively atmosphere with a hot dog stand and lovers strolling hand in hand. However, the last line, "Except for the clowns I suppose," may be interpreted ironically, suggesting that amidst all the celebratory fervor, the singer still feels alone.
The second stanza sees a sudden change in the weather, with the wind swinging to the east and rain pouring down heavily. The singer, standing alone, remembers the letter he received, pondering how he'll celebrate the day while feeling nostalgic. The chorus repeats twice, emphasizing the sense of community brought out by Independence Day as people come together, children release balloons, and celebrate freedom. The final lines, "Red and gold (red and gold...) bleed down to black. Once it's gone (once it's gone), it won't come back," could be interpreted as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing each moment.
Line by Line Meaning
The streamers were red and gold.
The festive occasion was marked by streamers in two vibrant colours.
And all of the stores stayed closed.
The thriving commercial outlets remained shut for the duration of the event.
And everybody couldn't wait
For the fireworks display.
The atmosphere was electric and everybody was eagerly anticipating the firework show.
The city had a hot dog stand
and lovers walked hand in hand.
And me standing there alone
Except for the clowns I suppose.
The city had one hot dog stand, offering no other food option. Couples walked around affectionately while the artist watched as a lone figure, entertained only by the clowns.
Then the wind swung around to the east
And the rain came down in sheets.
I saw trees bending to the ground
And people running all around.
Suddenly, the winds changed direction, bringing in a heavy downpour. Large trees and people alike were toppled and people scampered for safety.
I stuck my hand into my coat
Felt the letter that you wrote.
I said "This is Independence Day.
I wonder how I'll celebrate?"
The singer remembered the letter you wrote and pondered how to spend the day, remarking that it was Independence Day.
Red and gold (red and gold...) bleed down to black.
Once it's gone (once it's gone), it won't come back.
The vivid colours fade to black, symbolising the fleeting nature of the occasion.
And the people came around on Independence Day
And the children let go their balloons and flew away.
The swelling crowds gathered to soak in the independence day vibes whilst the children release colourful balloons.
Geneveive, I do believe I can't go on this way
Genevieve, I feel like I cannot carry on in the same fashion.
Now I know what freedom is on Independence Day.
The artist realised what it truly means to exercise freedom on Independence Day.
Oh...oah...
Oh, oah-oh-oh...
Vocals and music sounds.
Contributed by Madelyn E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.