The streamers were red and gold.
And all the stores stayed closed.
And everybody couldn't wait
For the fireworks display.

The city had a hot dog stand.
Lovers walked hand in hand.
And me standing there alone
Except for the clowns I suppose.

And the people came around on Independence Day
And the children let go their balloons and flew away.

Then the wind swung around to the east
And the rain came down in sheets.
I saw trees bending to the ground
And people running all around.

I stuck my hand into my coat
Felt the letter that you wrote.
I said "This is Independence Day.
I wonder how I'll celebrate?"

And the people came around on Independence Day
And the children let go their balloons and flew away.

Red and gold bleed down to black.
Once it's gone, it won't come back.

And the people came around on Independence Day
And the children let go their balloons and flew away.

Geneveive, I do believe I can't go on this way
Now I know what freedom is on Independence Day.