Independence Day

Basic Song Detail

• Independence Day was released by Martina McBride in April 1994.
• During this time the country was being run by President Clinton and Al Gore.
• Olympic skater Nancy Kerrigan had been attacked in January leading to three arrests.
• O.J. Simpson was arrested for the killings of his wife, Nicole and her friend Ron Goldman in June 1994.

Analysis of Song

• Independence Day has a very powerful message about domestic abuse the effects on the family.
• These are emotionally lyrics.
• This song is intended for women, but these emotionally charged lyrics would suite men, women and children alike.

Main Point

• The main point of this song is to tell the story of a woman plagued by domestic abuse witnessed by her daughter and her community although they do not do anything to help her. Finally there comes a day when she decides to claim her "Independence" from her husband. This day just so happens to be July 4th, Independence Day.
• We know this by the detailed lyrics of the song.
• During the song it talks about how she tries to pretend he isn't drinking again but leaves the proof behind.
• Their daughter always feels to be in the way so leaves to go to town to a fair in town for Independence Day.
• The town is talking about how he is a dangerous man but she stays by her husband.
• In the end she "lit up the sky" insinuating that she set the house on fire leaving her husband to perish in the fire. Their daughter comes home to find everything in flames. The daughter is sent to live in the county home.
• She finally had gained her "independence"

Figurative Language

• Figurative language that is used during these lyrics is Independence Day, today is a day of reckoning, let the guilty pay.
• These all support the main point by giving us a clear description of the conversation and activity of their lives

Inferences

• A conclusion that you can come to based on the language of the lyrics is that the daughter is sent to foster care and the mother goes to jail after her father perishes in a house fire. Having endured domestic violence over some time the wife finally came to a breaking point and obviously found this to be her only way to her "Independence" .
• The very blatant lyrics brings you to this conclusion.

Conclusion

• The main point of this song is about a mother and daughter that finally escape an alcoholic and abusive father/husband . The town is aware of this yet doesn't do anything to help them. The wife burns down the house which it implies that the father perishes in the fire. The mother is sent to jail and the daughter to protective care. In lieu of this, this becomes her "Independence" Day. Freedom for her and their daughter from the abuse once and for all.
• I think that this song was hit for a number of reasons. Martina McBride is fabulous performer. The message of the song hits home for so many families, a taboo subject for many, that needs to be talked to more. Also based on your own interpretation you could take the message down a slightly different road and get a slightly different message.
• All in all message aside it has a great beat also.

Thank You.