Independence Day
Sarah Lyrics


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Her name is Amber, her life like no other
This was the night, her soul took flight
All the children went out to play
Independence day
I have voices in my head
We pretend that we're friends
They all say they hate you
They're not scared of you
It's an awful cruel world
The way you hurt me
The way you touch me, I'm your little girl
I'm your flesh and blood, I found your gun
Good night, sleep tight
Don't let the bed bugs bite
Pull the covers down, turn the lights out
Independence day, independence day
I have friends under my bed
They put ideas in my head
I need a sandpaper shower
I'll scrub my skin for hours
It's an awful cruel world
The things you say to me
The way you play with me, I'm your little girl
I'm your flesh and blood, I found your gun
Good night, sleep tight
Don't let the bed bugs bite
Pull the covers down, turn the lights out
Independence day, independence day
A bedtime kiss
Dirty hands unclean
A pillow for my head in case I scream
Frozen thoughts, white knuckles
But I'm not afraid
Of your belt buckle
I have your gun
Good night, sleep tight
Don't let the bed bugs bite




Pull the covers down, turn the lights out
Independence day, independence day

Overall Meaning

Sarah's song "Independence Day" delves into the complex relationship between a father and daughter. The song is narrated from the perspective of Amber, who is grappling with the emotional and psychological scars of abuse experienced at the hands of her father. The title "Independence Day" represents Amber's desire for freedom from the suffocating grip her father holds on her.


The opening lines of the song introduce Amber as someone who has lived a life unlike any other. This is followed by the line "this was the night, her soul took flight" which suggests that the events of the night have been life-changing for her. The lyrics then describe children going out to play on Independence Day, which is symbolic in the sense that the children are now free to enjoy themselves while Amber is trapped in a cycle of abuse.


The lyrics "I have voices in my head, we pretend that we're friends" hint at Amber's struggle with the traumatic memories of abuse that keep haunting her. The voices in her head represent the intense emotional turmoil she is experiencing. The chorus "Independence Day" is repeated several times throughout the song, representing Amber's longing to break free from her father's control.


The lines "I have friends under my bed, they put ideas in my head" reveal Amber's detachment from reality as she seeks refuge in her imagination to escape the horrors of her everyday life. The lines "It's an awful cruel world, the things you say to me, the way you play with me" highlight the emotional and physical abuse Amber is subjected to.


As the song progresses, Amber takes on a more defiant and assertive tone with lines such as "I have your gun, good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite". This indicates that she is no longer willing to tolerate the abuse and is taking decisive steps towards independence. The final lines of the song "I'm not afraid of your belt buckle, I have your gun, good night, sleep tight" suggest that Amber has finally gathered the strength to stand up against her abuser.



Line by Line Meaning

Her name is Amber, her life like no other
Introducing the main character named Amber, who has a unique life that is different from others.


This was the night, her soul took flight
Referring to a difficult and life-changing event that caused Amber to become emotionally detached from her surroundings.


All the children went out to play
Portraying a world where children are able to enjoy their childhood without any worries or fears.


Independence day
Suggesting that Amber has found a way to escape her oppressive reality and achieve independence.


I have voices in my head
Revealing that Amber is struggling with mental health issues and hears voices that are not her own.


We pretend that we're friends
Showing that Amber's relationship with the voices in her head is complex, as she tries to cope with them by pretending that they are her friends.


They all say they hate you
The voices are negative and tell Amber that everyone hates her.


They're not scared of you
The voices are not intimidated by Amber's abuser, which may make her feel more alone and helpless.


It's an awful cruel world
Describing a world that is harsh and unfair, with no sympathy or compassion for those who are suffering.


The way you hurt me
Referring to physical and emotional abuse that Amber has suffered at the hands of her abuser.


The way you touch me, I'm your little girl
Suggesting that Amber's abuser treats her like a child and uses his power and authority to control her.


I'm your flesh and blood, I found your gun
Revealing that Amber has found her abuser's gun, indicating a possible turning point in her story and her desire for revenge or escape.


Good night, sleep tight
A common phrase used to wish someone a good night's sleep, but in this context, it has a darker and more unsettling meaning due to Amber's fear and trauma.


Don't let the bed bugs bite
Another common bedtime saying, but it takes on a more sinister tone as Amber is afraid of her abuser and the danger he poses.


Pull the covers down, turn the lights out
Describing Amber's nightly routine of protecting herself by hiding under the covers and turning off the lights to avoid being seen by her abuser.


I have friends under my bed
Revealing Amber's belief that there are creatures or imaginary friends hiding under her bed, which is a common fear among children.


They put ideas in my head
Suggesting that these friends or creatures may be influencing Amber's actions and thoughts, perhaps as a coping mechanism.


I need a sandpaper shower
Describing the feeling of being unclean and needing to scrub oneself clean, which may be symbolic of Amber's desire to cleanse herself of the abuse she has suffered.


I'll scrub my skin for hours
Further emphasizing the idea of Amber needing to cleanse herself of the emotional and physical scars of abuse.


The things you say to me
Referring to verbal abuse that Amber has suffered at the hands of her abuser.


The way you play with me, I'm your little girl
Once again, illustrating how Amber's abuser treats her like a child and has a twisted power dynamic in their relationship.


A bedtime kiss
A common gesture of affection, but in Amber's case, it may hold a sinister connotation due to her abuser's actions.


Dirty hands unclean
Suggesting that Amber's abuser is unclean and potentially dangerous, which ties into her fear of bed bugs and needing to cleanse herself.


A pillow for my head in case I scream
Indicating that Amber is afraid of her abuser and needs to be prepared to scream for help if necessary.


Frozen thoughts, white knuckles
Describing Amber's fear and anxiety, which is causing her to physically tense up and become paralyzed with fear.


But I'm not afraid
Despite the fear and trauma she has experienced, Amber is still able to find confidence and strength within herself to stand up to her abuser.


Of your belt buckle
Referring to the physical abuse that Amber has suffered at the hands of her abuser, specifically being hit with his belt.


I have your gun
Repeating the earlier line about Amber finding her abuser's gun, which suggests that she has taken control of her situation and may be planning a way to escape or fight back.


Good night, sleep tight
Repeating the same lines from earlier, but with a different tone as Amber may have gained some sense of control or power over her situation.


Don't let the bed bugs bite
Once again, this saying takes on a more sinister tone as Amber is now in a different state of mind and is prepared to defend herself.


Pull the covers down, turn the lights out
Repeating the same lines from earlier, but with a different connotation as Amber is no longer afraid to face her abuser and is taking steps to regain her independence.


Independence day, independence day
Repeating the same line from earlier, but with a renewed sense of purpose and determination as Amber celebrates her newfound freedom and independence.




Contributed by Carter I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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