Sufjan Stevens - Fourth of July (April Base Version)

Today, July 1, on his birthday, Sufjan Stevens is releasing two alternate versions of his song, “Fourth of July” via Asthmatic Kitty Records.

The new versions are “Fourth of July (April Base Version)”, recorded in Eau Claire, WI at Justin Vernon’s April Base studio, and “Fourth of July (DUMBO Version)”, recorded in Sufjan’s old studio in Brooklyn, NY.

The original version of “Fourth of July” appeared on Sufjan’s album, Carrie & Lowell — a deeply personal album written to process his sorrow after the death of his mother, Carrie. Sufjan would work and rework, and record and re-record, trying to manage the grief. The refrain of the song, “We’re all gonna die,” became an anchor in each version he recorded. At the time of its release and when Sufjan would perform the song live on tour, this lyric and fact of life seemed to shock listeners. Yet its solemnity invited them to feel comfort, connection — even joy — wrought from great pain.

The song has recently had a resurgence with listeners — which may speak to a deep national grief and a yearning to heal. As we head into this Fourth of July weekend — a U.S. holiday marked by war (and death) — it seems the exact correct time to be sharing them.
A limited run physical 7" in red will be released in December 2022, which marks the 10-year anniversary of Carrie’s death.

Lyrics:
The evil it spread like a fever ahead
It was night when you died, my firefly
What could I have said to raise you from the dead?
Oh could I be the sky on the fourth of July?

“Well you do enough talk
My little hawk, why do you cry?
Tell me what did you learn from the Tillamook burn?
Or the Fourth of July?
We’re all gonna die.”

Sitting at the bed with the halo at your head
Was it all a disguise, like Junior High
Where everything was fiction, future, and prediction
Now where am I? My fading supply

“Did you get enough love, my little dove
Why do you cry?
And I’m sorry I left, but it was for the best
Though it never felt right
My little Versailles.”

The hospital asked should the body be cast
Before I say goodbye, my star in the sky
Such a funny thought to wrap you up in cloth
Do you find it all right, my dragonfly?

“Shall we look at the moon, my little loon
Why do you cry?
Make the most of your life, while it is rife
While it is light

Well you do enough talk
My little hawk, why do you cry?
Tell me what did you learn from the Tillamook burn?
Or the Fourth of July?
We’re all gonna die.”

[AsthmaticKitty]

Thanks so much for listening everyone. Read more about this version (and the DUMBO version), listen to it on your preferred streaming service, and pre-order a 7-inch for December 2022 here:

[cassisarobot]

I'm a screenwriter and soon-to-be filmmaker. My ultimate dream, above making money, above being critically acclaimed, above winning any awards like an Oscar or a Palme d'Or, is to have Sufjan write an original song for one of my films. Happy Birthday Sufjan, and thank you for the divine beauty, sorrow, and grace you bring to music.

[gmhXVI]

Remake a great song is always a risk, but these two kept the original feeling and turned out to be great. Thank you so much for this and happy birthday. I hope someday I can see you in Mexico

[supertavio]

Happy Birthday Sufjan! And thank you and all the people involved for giving us this beautiful present ❤️

[Raexcc]

Thank you Sufjan. I haven't been listening to you for nearly as long as others, but when I found this song I knew it was meant for me. My beloved dog bow, passed away a month ago. His birthday was the Fourth of July. Me and my siblings were away, visiting my father. My mother and step-father came home to him lying in there bedroom, blood running out of his mouth. The most interesting part about this whole ordeal, is that he died on the Fourth of July.

This song will forever hold a special place in my heart. This will forever be my song for him, because I made a realization on the Fourth of July. "Were all gonna Die, " A very sad set of words, but some that feel even the slightest bit comforting to my heart. He's better now, and eventually we all will be.

So thank you Sufjan, for releasing such a wonderful album. Even though it was released all those years ago, it still holds true today. So truly, from the bottom of my heart, Thank you.

[Cocotteenpapier]

Where are you Sufjan on this lovely picture ? I love the halo on your Mom's head ❤️ May she rest in peace 🕊

[juanaka]

Preciosa canción. Salud y libertad a toda la Tribu de la Humanidad.

[shubhangikhelukar]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ you and your music is best...

[mrwellick]

This song means so much to me ❤ Thank you for everything Sufjan

[kazukimieko]

July tenth was when my grandmother passed away and i really love "fourth of july" reminds ke of her shes so precious to me because she took care of me for 10 years

[aghost]

This version sounds like Call Me by Your Name

[shreyaraghav]

I love ur voice so much...its relaxing and mesmerizing to its finest

[fotografick]

Happy Birthday Sufjan! What a joy to hear your voice again

[jamieeubanks]

this version stole my heart, thank you for releasing it

[parmandilerressea]

AND HAPPY LAST BIRTHDAY MY BELOVED DEAR! I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST AND INSPIRATION! AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, HEALTH, PHYSICAL AND MORAL, BECAUSE EVERYTHING ELSE WILL COME, AND HEALTH IS ONE!

[星yvewns]

Well this has made my day. Beautiful as ever Sufjan

[rabiaceyhan]

This is the best version of this I will listen it like i have never did❤️

[fadshari]

Happy birthday sufjannn🤍 i love you ! Ich liebe dich 🫶🏻

[juanmutis]

Happy birthday, i truly love you and every piece of art you do