Comprised of bassist/vocalist Simon Doom (MGMT), guitarist/vocalist Jim Car… Read Full Bio ↴Comprised of bassist/vocalist Simon Doom (MGMT), guitarist/vocalist Jim Carroll (American Nightmare), and drummer Q (Doomriders), Spiral Heads is a band that understands the importance of a hook. Sure, the power trio channel their melodic sensibilities through a scuzzed-up punk prism, but in the end, what they're doing is unapologetically catchy.

Bio by Carlo Ramirez for: No Echo

https://www.noecho.net/features/spiral-heads-quiet-panic

Independence Day
Spiral Heads Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hey, it's independence day

Leaving home

On my own

Catch the train

I'm headed downtown

Do I sit

Or do I stand

I wish I paid more attention

To what my mom said before I left home

What should I do if someone tries to rob me

I got my money in my sock

Don't have my backpack

So what the fuck?

Hey, it's Independence Day

Here's my stop

Astor place

Time to get out

At least I think so

headed east

On st marks place

I'm all alone

No mom or dad no

What if I see someone who looks cool and he asks me if I do drugs yeah

I'm getting scared

I want my mom

I feel sick

My feet are numb

It's hard for a little guy to survive

New York City in the 1990s!

Overall Meaning

The song "Independence Day" by Spiral Heads is a coming-of-age ballad that captures the essence of leaving home for the first time and navigating the unfamiliar terrain of the city. The song's opening line, "Hey, it's Independence Day," sets the tone for a journey that is both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. The singer has just left home and is on his way to the city, riding the train downtown. He is faced with a series of decisions, such as whether to sit or stand, and he wishes he had paid more attention to his mother's advice on how to avoid danger in the city. The lyrics show the vulnerability and uncertainty of a person leaving home, and the different emotions they experience while trying to navigate through an unexplored territory.

Throughout the song, the singer's anxiety and fear become more palpable as he finds himself lost in the city, unsure of his next steps. He gets off at Astor Place and heads east on St Mark's Place, all the while experiencing the shock of being surrounded by strangers in strange surroundings. He longs for the safety of home and the comfort of his parents when he says, "No mom or dad no, What if I see someone who looks cool and he asks me if I do drugs yeah, I'm getting scared, I want my mom, I feel sick, My feet are numb." The lyrics embody the angst and confusion that comes with growing up and moving away from the security of home.

Overall, "Independence Day" is a powerful song that captures the emotions of leaving home and facing new challenges. Through it, we see how navigating through unfamiliar territory can be a daunting task filled with doubt and uncertainty. Ultimately, the song highlights the importance of having a strong support system, especially when embarking on a new journey.

Line by Line Meaning

Hey, it's independence day
I'm taking charge of my life and doing something on my own, like celebrating my own personal Independence Day.

Leaving home
I'm leaving my family behind and moving forward.

On my own
I'm completely on my own with no one to rely on.

Catch the train
I have a specific destination in mind and I need to take the train to get there.

I'm headed downtown
I'm going to the center of the city, where all the action is.

Do I sit
I'm unsure of myself and my actions, should I take a seat or should I stand?

Or do I stand
I'm scared to make a choice, so I'm contemplating whether to stay still or move forward.

I wish I paid more attention
I regret not listening to my mother's advice before I left home.

To what my mom said before I left home
I didn't listen to my mother's advice about how to stay safe in the big city.

What should I do if someone tries to rob me
I'm worried about the dangers of the city and what I should do to protect myself.

I got my money in my sock
I'm keeping my money close to me so no one can steal it.

Don't have my backpack
I left my belongings behind, which makes me feel vulnerable.

So what the fuck?
I'm frustrated and confused about my situation.

Here's my stop
I've arrived at my destination and need to get off the train.

Astor place
The name of the subway station where I need to get off.

Time to get out
I need to leave the station and make my way to my destination.

At least I think so
I'm unsure if Astor place is the right stop, I might need to ask for help.

headed east
I know the general direction I need to go in, but I'm not sure of the exact location.

On st marks place
I'm in a specific area of the city called St. Marks Place.

I'm all alone
I don't have anyone with me and feel lonely and vulnerable.

No mom or dad no
I don't have my parents to turn to for advice or help.

What if I see someone who looks cool and he asks me if I do drugs yeah
I'm worried about being influenced by negative peer pressure from strangers in the city.

I'm getting scared
My fear is beginning to overwhelm me.

I want my mom
I miss the security and comfort of my mother's presence.

I feel sick
I'm feeling physically ill from the stress and fear of being alone in the city.

My feet are numb
I'm shaky and not sure of my footing in this new environment.

It's hard for a little guy to survive
I'm realizing the harsh reality of being a small, vulnerable person in a big and dangerous city.

New York City in the 1990s!
The song is set in a specific time and place, giving context to the artist's experiences and feelings.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jim Carroll, Michael Quartulli, Simon Benedict O'Connor

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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