In an interview with Spin Magazine, songwriter Joseph D'Agostino explained the origins of the song:
“There were a bunch of cars already there and people were setting off sparklers and roman candles and stuff […]and the person who was driving slammed it over these fireworks displays at very high spe...
[Verse 1]
Step down from the SEPTA to the empty street
4th of July, 2015
Made plans with Sam and Alex G
Got this old feeling
More than a memory
Met at the Pep Boys on Aramingo
Van is full up of fireworks and drunk people
Get in instead with Alex's friend Bo
Says, "Watch your step, man
There's precious cargo"
And it landed like a joke
Like rubber-banded bundles of dope
[Chorus]
How many universes
Am I alive and dead in?
A new one every second
The path of least resistance
Can't make it matter
My life is sliding by
[Verse 2]
Bo's going 70
Side street to Kensington
His eyes are X's and his head's out the window
When he rolls right over some family's Roman candle
Cuts the engine, gets out, then lights a cigarette
The dad is spitting mad
He brought a scary scary uncle
Gun in his waistband
[Chorus]
How many universes
Am I alive and dead in?
A new one every second
And then the bat hit Bo's head
Can't make it matter more
Can't make it matter more
Can't make it matter more
My life is sliding by
Don't really know these kids
A little old for this
This city's dangerous
I guess I'm fine, though
[Bridge]
My depression suddenly lifted
All the adrenaline shocked my nervous system
Swore I'd be present and grateful for every second
Later the feeling faded
I couldn't help it
[Chorus]
How many universes
Am I alive and dead in?
A new one every second
And then the bat hit Bo's head
How many universes
Am I alive and dead in?
A new one every second
Oh
4th of July, Philadelphia (SANDY) was written by Joseph D’Agostino.
4th of July, Philadelphia (SANDY) was produced by John Congleton.
Cymbals Eat Guitars released 4th of July, Philadelphia (SANDY) on Wed Jun 22 2016.