Martina McBride Reveals the Song She’s Proudest of and Her Most Starstruck Moment (Exclusive)

With 14 studio albums, over 50 singles and several decades in the music industry, Martina McBride’s discography is far-reaching — but the country star says one song stands out in her career.

“The song I’m proudest of is ‘Independence Day,’” McBride, 58, reveals exclusively in her 25 Things You Don’t Know About Me feature in the latest issue of Us Weekly, on newsstands now. “I’ve received so many letters and heard so many personal stories about how that song affected people and changed lives.”

Released in 1994 as the third single from her album The Way That I Am, “Independence Day” is now regarded as McBride’s signature song. The lyrics tell the story from the perspective of a young girl whose mother is suffering domestic abuse at the hands of her husband, and she finally reclaims her independence — on Independence Day — through arson.

“Well she lit up the sky that fourth of July,” McBride sings in the third verse. “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 Independence Day.”

McBride took home the CMA for Song of the Year in 1995, and 20 years later, the song is certified Platinum.

Keep scrolling for more personal facts from McBride — who stars on Max’s Second Chance Stage, which airs on Thursdays — including her most starstruck moment:

1. I love to take people to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. No matter how many times I’ve been, I always learn or see something new.

2. My mom’s pot roast recipe and mashed potatoes [with] gravy is my go-to comfort meal.

3. The song I’m proudest of is “Independence Day.” I’ve received so many letters and heard so many personal stories about how that song affected people and changed lives.

4. One of my favorite memories with my daughters is riding in the car to my eldest’s wedding while listening to music and laughing.

5. Growing up on a dairy farm gave me a strong work ethic. I saw my parents and grandparents doing hard work, and as kids, we had chores too.

6. If I go to a picnic, I always bring a good book, my reading glasses and a bottle of my Luna & Finn Rosé wine.

7. My first car was a 1975 Dodge Dart. I bought it from my sister for $250.

8. I’ve always had a thing for Johns: I married a John [McBride], and my celebrity crushes when I was young were John Denver and John Schneider.

9. My alternate profession would be a farmer. I’d love to have a huge garden.

10. The most famous people in my phone are Steven Tyler and Gordon Ramsay.

11. Eighties rock songs always bring back the best memories.

12. English and creative writing were my best subjects.

13. Technically, my first job, besides [making] music, was cleaning offices once a week.

14. Any place by the water is my favorite place to vacation.

15. Linda Ronstadt and Pat Benatar were the musicians I looked up to growing up.

16. The show I’m binge-watching right now is Shrinking.

17. I want to see the northern lights and take a trip on the Orient Express.

18. My favorite way to spend the weekend is at home, cooking, gardening, reading or just puttering around the house.

19. I’ve performed with Carole King, Don Henley, James Taylor, Bob Seger, George Strait, Wynonna Judd, Peter Frampton and Smokey Robinson. I’m always proud and humbled to be chosen to sing with my heroes.

20. Setting a relaxing mood goes a long way, so I like to build a fire or sit outside on the back porch, pour a glass of wine and light a candle to unwind. Cooking relaxes me too.

21. The app I use most is Instagram. I’m a little addicted.

22. My fondest childhood memories are riding bikes with my brother, riding the tractor with my dad and making lunch to take to my dad in the field during wheat harvest.

23. As a judge on Second Chance Stage, I was surprised by how inspiring it was to hear the contestants’ stories and the courage it took to put themselves out there.

24. My most starstruck moment was meeting Aretha Franklin. She mentioned my name from the stage, and I burst into tears. Then she asked if I’d come back to her dressing room. I couldn’t believe it.

25. One of my favorite movies
is The Wizard of Oz. I also saw Wicked, the movie, on opening night, and it was amazing!