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The Flames Of Desire
ABC Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Caesars have squandered jewels on you
Empires they build on shifting sands
Trading for kisses in a queue
Like sacrificial lambs
Let Rome in Tiber melt away
Legions that conquer rise then fall
I'll kneel to the gods and then I'll pray
Do you hear my call?

You came you saw you conquered me
Right then I knew you wanted me
Burning in flames of desire
Burning in flames of desire
You came you saw you taunted me
High Priestess powers anointed me
This is the torch, this is the flame
This is the passion wild and untamed
Burning in flames of desire

The spirit of romance in your smile
Sweeping me back two thousand years
To bathe in the waters of the Nile
In Cleopatra's tears
Together we sail cross dessert seas
Is it true? Is it déjà-vu?
It whispers in the breeze
Do you feel it too?

You came you saw you conquered me
Right then I knew you wanted me
Burning in flames of desire
Burning in flames of desire
You came you saw you taunted me
High Priestess powers anointed me
This is the torch, this is the flame
This is the passion wild and untamed
Burning in flames of desire

Veni Vidi Vici

You came you saw you conquered me
Right then I knew you wanted me
Burning in flames of desire
You came you saw you taunted me
High priestess powers anointed me
This is the torch, this is the flame
This is the passion wild and untamed
Burning in flames of desire

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of “The Flames of Desire” by ABC have a distinct historical reference to the Roman Empire and ancient Egypt. The opening lines talk of how Caesars have squandered jewels and empires have built on shifting sands. This implies a sense of impending doom and downfall. The lyrics shed light on how empires have fallen before, and so too will Rome in Tiber melt away. The symbol of legions that conquer and rise before ultimately falling is a nod towards the rise and fall of Rome during the ancient times.


The second verse of the song takes us to ancient Egypt. The “spirit of romance in your smile” refers to a romantic and adventurous love affair that swept the singer back in time. Even the waters of the Nile and Cleopatra’s tears were evoked in the lyrics. The chorus has the phrase “You came you saw you conquered me” which is a reference to Julius Caesar's famous quote "Veni, Vidi, Vici." The song encapsulates a mood of mystery and danger, but also of adventure and passion.


Line by Line Meaning

Caesars have squandered jewels on you
You have been showered with riches and luxuries from powerful rulers.


Empires they build on shifting sands
Powerful empires are always at risk of falling and losing their power.


Trading for kisses in a queue
People will do whatever it takes to gain affection and attention, even if it means waiting in line.


Like sacrificial lambs
People will sacrifice themselves for love and desire, even if they know the consequences may be negative.


Let Rome in Tiber melt away
Even the most powerful and significant places can disappear or lose their significance over time.


Legions that conquer rise then fall
Those who have power and conquer might not stay in power forever.


I'll kneel to the gods and then I'll pray
I will humbly ask for assistance or guidance from a higher power.


Do you hear my call?
Are you listening to my plea for assistance or attention?


You came you saw you conquered me
You arrived, you observed, and you overpowered me with your presence and actions.


Right then I knew you wanted me
From the moment of your triumph over me, I sensed your desire and attraction towards me.


Burning in flames of desire
Being consumed with passion and attraction towards someone.


You came you saw you taunted me
You came, you observed, and you teased or played with my emotions.


High Priestess powers anointed me
I have been elevated to a position of authority, like a High Priestess.


This is the torch, this is the flame
This passion and attraction towards each other is like a fire, burning brightly and intensely.


This is the passion wild and untamed
Our attraction and passion is uncontrolled and overwhelming.


The spirit of romance in your smile
Your smile contains the essence and energy of romance and attraction.


Sweeping me back two thousand years
My emotions and feelings are being taken back in time to a place of ancient history and passion.


To bathe in the waters of the Nile
To be consumed and purified by the essence of the Nile river, a symbol of power and history.


In Cleopatra's tears
In the tears shed by Cleopatra, a legendary figure known for her beauty and power.


Together we sail cross desert seas
The two of us journey across vast deserts and seas, united in our attraction and desire.


Is it true? Is it déjà-vu?
Is this experience real, or have we been here before?


It whispers in the breeze
The wind speaks of our passion and attraction.


Do you feel it too?
Do you also sense this passion and attraction between us?


Veni Vidi Vici
Latin for 'I came, I saw, I conquered', a declaration of victory and triumph.


High priestess powers anointed me
I have been granted power and authority, like a High Priestess.


This is the torch, this is the flame
Our passion and attraction is a powerful, burning force, like a torch or flame.


This is the passion wild and untamed
Our attraction and desire is untamed and consuming, overpowering any sense of control.


Burning in flames of desire
Consumed with passion and attraction towards each other.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Martin Fry, Charlie Mole, Marcus Vere

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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