Martina McBride reveals the song she’s most proud of, the star moment

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

“The song I’m most proud of is ‘Independence Day,'” McBride, 58, reveals exclusively in her 25 Things You Don’t Know About Me feature on the latest issue of Us Weeklyalready on newsstands. “I’ve gotten so many letters and heard so many personal stories about how this song has touched people and changed lives.”

Released in 1994. as the third single from her album The way I am“Independence Day” is now considered McBride’s signature song. The text tells the story from the point of view of a young girl whose mother suffers from domestic violence at the hands of her husband and she finally regains her independence – on Independence Day – through arson.

“Well, she lit up the sky that Fourth of July,” McBride sings in the third verse. “Until the firemen came / They just put out the flames and wrote down some names / And sent me to the county hall / Now, I’m not saying it’s right or wrong / But maybe it’s the only way / Talk about your revolution / It’s Independence Day .”

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McBride took home the CMA for Song of the Year in 1995, and 20 years later the song has been certified platinum.

Keep scrolling for more personal facts from McBride — who stars in Max. Second chance stagewhich airs on Thursday – including her star-studded moment:

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

2. My mom’s recipe for pot roast and mashed potatoes (with) gravy is my go-to comfort food.

3. The song I am most proud of is “Independence Day.” I have received so many letters and heard so many personal stories about how this song has touched people and changed lives.

4. One of my favorite memories with my daughters is riding in the car to my oldest’s wedding 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 children we also had chores to do.

6. If I go on 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 John: I married a John (McBride), and my celebrities when I was young were John Denver and John Schneider.

9. My alternative profession would be a farmer. I would like 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 vacation spot.

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

16. The show I’m watching right now is Shrinkage.

17. I want to see the northern lights and travel on the Orient Express.

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

19. I have performed with Carole King, Don Henley, James Taylor, Bob Victory, George Strait, Winona Judd, Peter Frampton and Smokey Robinson. I am always honored and humbled to be chosen to sing with my heroes.

20. Creating a relaxing mood is very important, so I like to light a fire or sit outside on the back porch, pour myself a glass of wine and light a candle to relax. Cooking also relaxes me.

21. The app I use the most is Instagram. I’m a bit biased.

22. My fondest childhood memories are riding bicycles with my brother, riding the tractor with my father, and making lunch to take to my father in the fields during the wheat harvest.

23. As a judge of Second chance stageI was surprised by how inspiring it was to hear the stories of the contestants and the courage it took to put themselves out there.

24. My most stellar moment was the date Aretha Franklin. She mentioned my name from the stage and I burst into tears. She then asked me if I would go back to her dressing room. I couldn’t believe it.

25. One of my favorite movies is The Wizard of Oz. I saw too Wickedthe movie premiered and it was amazing!