“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“4th Of July” is one of The Sweet’s most intriguing deep cuts from their 1978 album “Level Headed” – a record that marked a significant turning point for the British glam rock icons. Released in January 1978, this album represented the band’s bold venture into more sophisticated musical territory, blending art rock and pop sensibilities while moving away from their earlier glam rock sound.
What makes “4th Of July” so captivating is its raw, unfiltered portrayal of a mind-altering experience. The opening lines “The floor got up and hit my face/I couldn’t make it to the door” immediately pull you into a disorienting world where reality bends and shifts. The song’s narrator takes us on a journey through a haze of intoxication, where time loses meaning and sensations are heightened to explosive levels – much like the fireworks of its namesake holiday.
The chorus “I was higher than the 4th of July/Whizzing right across the sky” perfectly captures that feeling of euphoria we’ve all chased at some point – that moment when everything seems possible and limitations disappear. There’s something universally relatable about the song’s themes of escape, even if the specific experience might be foreign to some listeners.
What’s particularly fascinating is how this track emerged during a pivotal moment for The Sweet. “Level Headed” would be the final album featuring the classic lineup before Brian Connolly’s departure. The band was experimenting with new sounds and approaches, and “4th Of July” represents that spirit of artistic exploration – a willingness to push boundaries and venture into uncharted territory.
When I listen to this song now, I’m struck by how it balances confession with celebration. There’s no judgment here – just an honest portrayal of seeking transcendence, whatever form that might take. In an era where authenticity is prized above all else, “4th Of July” feels remarkably current despite being over four decades old.
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Lyrics
The floor got up and hit my face
I couldn’t make it to the door
I took a sip and drained the tap
And life became a finger snap
Aha
I couldn’t understand it
My days were in a daze
Is it bloody Sunday
I’d better say my prayers
Oh yeah, oh yeah
And when the stars came down
I was higher than the 4th of July
Blitzin’ right across the sky
High, high, higher
“Believe the lies” I told myself
I wasn’t into self denial
No way
I held my breath I count to ten
So turn around round round
And do it again
I couldn’t understand it
My life was all a blaze
Is it bloody Sunday
My days were in a daze
When the stars came down
I was higher than the 4th of July
Blitzin’ right across the sky
High, high, higher
And when the stars fell down
You know I’ m gonna burn up the town
It’s the 4th of July
And I was getting so high
When the stars came down
I was higher than the 4th of July
Pitchin’ right across the sky
High, high, higher