Bonus song of the day: “Fourth Of July” by Dave Alvin (1987)

I first heard the original on the 1987 album “See How We Are” by X. Dave was a member of X at the time and contributed this song. Left the band on good terms later that year, but covered this on his own first solo album “Romeo’s Escape.” A great song about how the foibles of love don’t stop just because it’s a national holiday.

She’s waiting for me when I get home from work
But things just ain’t the same
She turns out the light and cries in the dark
Won’t answer when I call her name
On the stairs I smoke a cigarette alone
The Mexican kids are shooting fireworks below
Hey, baby, it’s the Fourth of July
Hey, baby, it’s the Fourth of July

She gives me her cheek when I want her lips
And I don’t have the strength to go
On the lost side of town in a dark apartment
We gave up trying so long ago

Whatever happened, I apologize
So dry your tears and baby, walk outside
It’s the Fourth of July

On the stairs I smoke a cigarette alone
The Mexican kids are shooting fireworks below
And hey, baby, it’s the Fourth of July
Hey, baby, it’s the Fourth of July
We forgot all about the Fourth of July