Independence Day
Nathan Kalish Lyrics
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Night sky is filled up with fire
It feels like summer has just begun
Yet it′s already half way gone
On independence day
She turned and walked away
I heard lady liberty say
Freedom always ends up this way
Some teenagers take LSD
And blow up the neighborhoods peace
A dog sits alone in a house
In a puddle of its own piss
All gave some and some gave all
But the ones that did make it home
Are getting drunk alone in a garage
Or basement shaken
The lyrics to Nathan Kalish's song Independence Day reflect upon the fleeting nature of summer and the impending sense of loss that comes with it. The days are longer and warmer, but the night sky is filled with danger and chaos. Lady Liberty represents the freedom that is cherished by Americans, yet the lyrics suggest that freedom always ends in tragedy. The singer eavesdrops on Lady Liberty as she admits that freedom ultimately leads to chaos and destruction. The second verse introduces a darker underbelly of society, where drug use and violence threaten the peace of neighborhoods. The final verse is a somber reflection of the sacrifices made by American soldiers. Those who have returned home from war are often haunted by their experiences and cope through alcohol and isolation.
The song is ironic in its title and bittersweet in its lyrics, showcasing both the beauty and pain that comes with the idea of independence. The tone of the song is melancholic yet reflective, with a sense of resignation to the realities of life in America.
Line by Line Meaning
The days they last longer now
The days feel longer compared to previous years
Night sky is filled up with fire
Fireworks light up the night sky
It feels like summer has just begun
The season of summer feels fresh and new
Yet it's already half way gone
The summer season is already halfway over
On independence day
Referring to the Fourth of July holiday
She turned and walked away
A significant other left
I heard lady liberty say
Referencing the Statue of Liberty as a metaphor
Freedom always ends up this way
Finding disappointment in the concept of freedom
Some teenagers take LSD
Referring to drug use among young people
And blow up the neighborhoods peace
Causing chaos and destruction in their communities
A dog sits alone in a house
A picture of sadness and abandonment
In a puddle of its own piss
The poor condition of the dog's situation
All gave some and some gave all
A reference to military service
But the ones that did make it home
The people who survived their service in the military
Are getting drunk alone in a garage
Suggesting trauma or depression after their service
Or basement shaken
Further emphasizing the negative impact of their experience
Writer(s): Nathan Scott Kalish
Contributed by Layla R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.