On my way into work this morning, I couldn't help but think of the Martina McBride song "Independence Day" and thought how fitting it is for where I would be working today. Its not often that Domestic Violence is portrayed in the music world, and certainly not from the female perspective. Our media is laden with violence against women, yet when a singer or song writer breaks those rules and talks about the victim people get upset. The only other song i know that deals with this topic is "Good Bye Earl" from the Dixie Chicks, and that certainly got people all riled up!! Although I am glad that female victims get a voice, I am saddened that the only justice these songs use is more violence. Its almost as if society can only combat violence with more violence. This I know first hand is not the truth, its not the "norm", and when it does happen, the victim becomes the criminal. So in all honesty it is really no solution. I do believe that songs can be theraputic and if its takes more female song writers using these means to open up the discussion that I am all for it.
Well she seemed all right by dawn's early light
Though she looked a little worried and weak
She tried to pretend he wasn't drinkin' again
But daddy left the proof on her cheek
And I was only eight years old that summer And I always seemed to be in the way
So, I took myself down to the fair in town On Independence Day
Well word gets around in a small, small town They said he was a dangerous man
Mama was proud and she stood her ground She knew she was on the losin' end
Some folks whispered some folks talked But everybody looked the other way
When time ran out there was no one about On Independence Day
Let freedom ring, let the white dove sing [ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/independence-day-lyrics-martina-mcbride.html ]
Let the whole world know that today is a day of reckoning Let the weak be strong, let the right be wrong Roll the stone away, let the guilty pay, it's Independence Day
Well she lit up the sky that fourth of July By the time that the firemen come
They just put out the flames and took down some names And sent me to the county home
Now, I ain't sayin' it's right or it's wrong But maybe it's the only way
Talk about your revolution It's the Independence Day Let freedom ring, let the white dove sing Let the whole world know that today is a day of reckoning Let the weak be strong, let the right be wrong Roll the stone away, let the guilty pay, it's Independence Day Roll the stone away, it's Independence Day
