Fourth of July
Sufjan Stevens · Carrie & Lowell [2015]
It was night when you died, my firefly
What could I have said to raise you from the dead?
Oh could I be the sky on the Fourth of July?
Well you do enough talk
My little hawk, why do you cry?
Tell me what did you learn from the Tillamook burn?
Or the Fourth of July?
We're all gonna die
Sitting at the bed with the halo at your head
Was it all a disguise, like Junior High
Where everything was fiction, future, and prediction
Now, where am I? My fading supply
Did you get enough love, my little dove
Why do you cry?
And I'm sorry I left, but it was for the best
Though it never felt right
My little Versailles
The hospital asked should the body be cast
Before I say goodbye, my star in the sky
Such a funny thought to wrap you up in cloth
Do you find it all right, my dragonfly?
Shall we look at the moon, my little loon
Why do you cry?
Make the most of your life, while it is rife
While it is light
Well you do enough talk
My little hawk, why do you cry?
Tell me what did you learn from the Tillamook burn?
Or the Fourth of July?
We're all gonna die
Fourth of July - Sufjan Stevens
Released on Carrie & Lowell in 2015, "Fourth of July" stands as a poignant centerpiece in Sufjan Stevens' expansive discography. The track exemplifies Stevens' signature ability to weave intricate musical arrangements with deeply personal lyrical narratives, often exploring themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time. Recorded during a period where Stevens frequently blended folk, indie, and orchestral elements, the song reflects his ongoing commitment to crafting lush, emotionally resonant soundscapes. Its inclusion on the critically acclaimed Carrie & Lowell album underscores its role within his broader body of work, serving as a testament to his capacity for both intimate storytelling and grand sonic ambition. The recording captures a specific moment in his artistic evolution, maintaining the delicate balance between acoustic authenticity and complex production that has defined his career.