Independence Day (song)

"Independence Day" is a song performed by country singer Martina McBride, originally included on her 1993 album The Way That I Am. Released as a single in 1994, the song peaked at #12^[1]. Gretchen Peters wrote the song, and later recorded it herself. It was first offered to Reba McEntire, who turned it down.^[2]

It is used by news commentator Sean Hannity for his Citadel Broadcasting radio talk show and his Fox News Channel television series Hannity's America. (The other music used in the radio show introduction is Carl Orff's "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana.)

In 2003, it ranked 50th in CMT's 100 Greatest Songs of Country Music. The following year, it ranked #2 in CMT's 100 Greatest Videos in Country Music. The song was also featured in CMT's Controversy in terms of release and included interviews from "The Today Show" reporter Tiki Barber, Brad Paisley, McBride herself, and former National Organization for Women president Patricia Ireland.

[edit] Background

The lyrics tell a story of a woman's response to domestic abuse, seen from the point of view of her daughter (Martina in the song). The song's music video was somewhat controversial at the time of its release, because of its graphic depiction of domestic violence.

The lyrics have a double meaning in that the woman in the story is finally gaining her "freedom" from her abusive husband. Thus, it is her Independence Day. The title also refers to the fact that the events noted in the song happened on America's Independence Day, or July 4.

[edit] Cover versions

In 2002, singer Taylor Horn covered the song for her debut album taylor-made at the age of nine.

In 2003, 1980s pop superstar Pat Benatar performed the song in a duet with McBride on the CMT television series Crossroads.

In 2005, American Idol contestant Carrie Underwood performed the song several times on the show, and released a version on the B-side of her debut single "Inside Your Heaven".