Independence Day
David Byrne · Other Songs - David Byrne
At night you do
At night you do
Smile from side to side
At night you do
At night you do
She'll be comin' round the mountain
Six white horses by her side
No stops for gas, food or lodging
She's wearin' nothin' but a smile
And though we struggle for our freedom
Our need for others still remains
We know what will make us happy
We know what will ease our pain
We'll pretend we are married
At night we do
At night we do
Slide your hand in mine
At night we do
At night we do
My bed is flyin' out the window
I'm pullin' up my covers to the rain
And down below cats are howlin'
It's a family affair
They're sellin' vegetables on Broadway
A man is runnin' for the train
Strollin' down forty second street
On our Independence Day
Rub A Dub on fifty seventh street
On our Independence Day
Arm in arm on eighty second street
It's our Independence Day
Hey mister, hey lady
Hey sisters walkin' hand in hand
We'll be lovers in the open
We'll be lovers on Independence Day
Hand in hand, hand in hand
Hand in hand on Independence Day
This compass points in two directions
And north and south are both the same
We'll look forward to the good times
Come our Independence Day
Hey lady, you make me giggle
We'll squiggle like honeymooners do
I'm struck by lightnin', it's frightnin'
So excitin' on Independence Day
Uncle Vera, Auntie Ida
Get so excited on Independence Day
Been waitin' such a long time
Waitin' such a long time
Waitin' such a long time
Waitin' such a long time
Till Independence Day
Waitin' such a long time
Waitin' such a long time
Waitin' such a long time
And now it's here
Independence Day
Waitin' such a long time
Such a long time
Such a long, such a long time
Waitin' such a long time
Till Independence Day
Waitin' such a long time
Such a long time
Such a long, such a long time
And now it's here
Independence Day
Waitin' such a long time
Such a long time
Such a long, such a long time
Waitin' such a long time
Till Independence Day
Waitin' such a long time
Such a long time
Such a long, such a long time
Now it's here
Independence Day
David Byrne's "Independence Day" stands as a defining track from his 1987 album "American Utopia," blending new wave energy with theatrical storytelling. The song captures the chaotic optimism and underlying tension of American culture during the late 1980s, utilizing Byrne's signature blend of spoken word and melodic hooks. Produced with a distinct, slightly off-kilter rhythm, the recording reflects the experimental spirit of Byrne's work with Talking Heads and his subsequent solo endeavors. It remains a staple of his discography, illustrating his ability to fuse political commentary with accessible pop structures. The track has been widely recognized for its cultural resonance, often cited in discussions about 1980s alternative rock and its influence on subsequent indie movements.