Many artists, lyricists, and composers use natural elements to convey complex emotions. One of the most popular is fire, which often symbolizes feelings of love, anger, or excitement. Nevertheless, here are some of the best songs about fire.
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel
Billy Joel’s smash 1989 hit chronicles world events over a four-decade period in quick succession. The song’s chorus states that the “fire”—or turmoil in the world—has been burning since the beginning of time.
“Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis
Lewis released this upbeat song at the height of the 1950s rock and roll era. It was considered edgy for its time because of its sexual undertones. So, what is this song about? It describes the overwhelming sensations that a person experiences when caught up in the heat of passion.
“Eternal Flame” by the Bangles
This ballad was released by the 1980s girl rock group The Bangles the year before their breakup in 1989. The “eternal flame” in this song is meant to symbolize the hope of an everlasting love.
“Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele
British songstress Adele released this emotional song in 2011 as part of her “21” album. The lyrics tell the story of an ideal relationship gone sour because of a partner’s deception. The elements of water (the rain) and fire are used to show the contrasting aspects of the relationship.
If you can’t find the official music video for this hit song about fire, it’s because Adele was recovering from vocal cord surgery at the time.
“Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash
This classic continues to be one of the most popular songs about fire and has been covered by many artists. Cash actually covered the tune himself and released his own version in 1963.
Cash’s sister-in-law, Anita Carter, recorded the original version, but Cash’s rendition has become the most well-known. There are different theories about the song’s true meaning, but most agree it’s merely about falling in love.
“Fight Fire With Fire” by Metallica
With their signature heavy metal sound, Metallica recorded this powerful song to symbolize the destruction of nuclear war. James Hetfield—the band’s lead singer and songwriter—penned the tune during a time when he was obsessed with death. After a calm opening, the song picks up its pace dramatically to reflect the chaos of war.
“Fire and Rain” by James Taylor
Some songs about fire are sadder in nature, and this tune from 1970 is one example of that. The song details the loss of a childhood friend to suicide. Taylor wrote the song while in a rehab facility.
“Just Like Fire” by Pink
Pink has always been known to be true to herself, and this powerful anthem expresses that mantra clearly. Common themes throughout the song include breaking free of control, living life freely, and going after your dreams. “Just Like Fire” was also included in the “Alice Through the Looking Glass” soundtrack.
“Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon
This alternative rock song was initially titled “Set Us on Fire.” Why change the name? Well, a sound mixer misheard the lyrics when the band rehearsed in the studio. Another interesting fact? Other verses in the song were changed in honor of Lily Aldridge, who would eventually marry the band’s lead singer.
“I See Fire” by Ed Sheeran
British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran recorded this song for “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” in 2013. Sheeran focused the song’s theme on the movie’s end since it was intended to be played during the closing credits.
“I’m on Fire” by Bruce Springsteen
“The Boss” himself wrote and recorded this song as part of his iconic “Born in the USA” album in 1985. Springsteen expresses his burning desire to have an affair with a married woman in the lyrics. However, as seen in the official music video, he resists at the last minute.
“Fireball” by Willow Smith Feat. Nicki Minaj
With the line “I’m the fireball of the party” repeated many times throughout the song, this song’s central message is to be who you are unapologetically.
“Firework” by Katy Perry
This positive anthem was written to give listeners a stronger sense of self-worth. Interestingly, the lyrics “like the Fourth of July” were originally “like a firefly.” These lyrics were changed when Perry started to hear fans use the latter version.
“Burning Love” by Elvis Presley
It’s hard to say which Elvis song is the most popular, but this 1972 song is undoubtedly one of the best. The song, which was a remake of a country tune, was also the last major hit in his lifetime. As you’ve probably guessed, the lyrics express a passionate relationship.
“House of Fire” by Alice Cooper
Glam rock pioneer Alice Cooper wrote this tune with the help of Joan Jett and Desmond Child. It was released in 1989 as a single and later included on his “Trash” album. The song’s title is a metaphor for a passionate love affair.
“Fire” by the Jimi Hendrix Experience
In a time of hippies and psychedelic rock, Jimi Hendrix and his band encapsulated the era even more with this tune. However, the song wasn’t released for over two years, when it was released as a UK limited-edition single in 1969. The song wouldn’t be released in the US until 1971—the year after Hendrix’s untimely death. The song’s lyrics were inspired by a cold winter night when Hendrix tried to warm himself up next to a fireplace.
“Fireball” by Pitbull Feat. John Ryan
Another “Fireball” song to make the list is this hip-hop ditty from Armando Christian Pérez, also known as Pitbull. Little is left to the imagination in the song’s sexually charged lyrics. The dance-driven beat has also helped make the song especially popular among the younger generation.
“This Wheel’s on Fire” by Bob Dylan
Folk rock legend Bob Dylan added to his collection of hits with this 1968 classic. The “wheel” mentioned in the song symbolizes the immortal soul, which continues to burn and experiences periods of rebirth. Surprisingly, the tune was recorded in a basement instead of a formal music studio.
“Original Fire” by Audioslave
Inspired by the sounds of 70s funk and soul, “Original Fire” helped solidify Audioslave’s status as a genuine rock band. The song was the brainchild of vocalist Tom Morello, who stated that the song turned out better than he’d imagined. Morello penned the tune to express how his band wanted to carry on the “original fire” of rock and roll.
Other Songs About Fire
- Disco Inferno by The Trammps
- Fireman by Lil Wayne
- Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple
- Fire Water Burn by Bloodhound Gang
- Firestarter by The Prodigy
- The Fireman by George Strait
- Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys
- Sleep Now in the Fire by Rage Against the Machine
- Burning Down the House by Talking Heads
- Fire on Fire by Sam Smith
- Fire With Fire by Scissor Sisters
- On Fire by Switchfoot
- World on Fire by Sarah McLachlan
- Cease Fire by Christina Aguilera
- Fire Water Burn by Bloodhound Gang
- Start a Fire by Passenger
- Home Is A Fire by Death Cab for Cutie
- Grapevine Fires by Death Cab for Cutie
- Rooms on Fire by Stevie Nicks