Inspiration Behind Independence Day:
The original music video begins at a parade with a famous quote from JFK and MLK. White Heart combines patriotism with spiritual themes. Books like Steeling the Mind of America reveal the true origins of the 4th of July as a spiritual holiday celebrating prayer and thanksgiving. However, the lyrics point to spiritual independence referring to the specific day someone decides to follow Jesus. The Magna Carta opened the door for Pilgrams and Puritans to make their way to America so that political and spiritual freedom could be realized in this new land.
Biblical Application:
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law, Galatians 5:16-18.
Exegesis of Independence Day:
Listen to our declaration
Listen to our testament
We’ve been given a revelation
We are sure of where we stand
So let the banner be unfurled
We’ve found the light of hope in a dying world
A request to be heard. A reference to the Bible, sharing a personal testimony of their discovery to finding purpose and meaning in life. This is the light of hope, Jesus.
Hear the myth of modern man
You’re the god of your own land
They call you weak, a spineless fool
Say you’ve given up your right to rule
But I’ve been to the land of me
And I know I was never free
Freedom came when I gave it all away
Discussing secular thoughts and worldviews. How the educated view Christianity today. This search for freedom uncovered an unusual reality, finding life by giving your life away, Matthew 16:24-27.
That’s why I call it Independence Day
I call it Independence Day
Let the rockets blaze across the sky
Raise the flag of faith up high
Let the doubters call it what they may
It’s Independence Day
A blend of spiritual independence with America tradition on July 4th. From a historical point of view. colleges were established by Christians in the United States to train young men and women how to properly study the Bible. Coming to faith in Christ is your spiritual Independence Day.
The world can crown another hundred kings
But I believe in a better dream
They may call it slavery
But the biggest chain I knew was me
Earthly leaders will come and go with their dreams and visions for the future. Issues like slavery will arise, but White Heart points to a spiritual slavery that is even worse, Romans 7:14-18.
So let the idols tumble down
The walls of lies crumble to the ground
I know where salvation can be found
Let the idols tumble down
Band members searched for truth. Despite all the idols and lies that sounded really good, Whote Heart found salvation in Jesus, John 14:6.
That’s why I call it Independence Day
I call it Independence Day
Let the rockets blaze across the sky
Raise the flag of faith up high
Let the doubters call it what they may
It’s Independence Day
Repeating the chorus for the second time. July 4th means different things to people. However, for Christians, it’s a day to celebrate their independence from sin and death.
So join in the celebration
It’s the birth of a holy nation
As people of light, we are proud to say
White Heart is going back to signing of the Declaration of Independence, the formation of a new nation, united together.
That we call it Independence Day
We call it Independence Day
Let the doubters call it what they may
‘Cause we call it Independence Day
While fireworks are nice, this is the real meaning of Independence Day.
Final Thoughts:
I spent 3 summers of college living in Ohio. During these memorable months, I probably went to 50 celebrations that included fireworks with one being an international firework competition. Subsequently, in the years that have followed, watching fireworks doesn’t excite me like it used to. Perhaps, this is why I am drawn to White Heart’s Independence Day song. This Christian perspective fulfills my own spiritual thirst and quench for more.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 