Their 1982 self-titled debut album, coming after their 1981 EP 'Telecommunication'. involved themes of alien abduction and disorientation in modern society, comparable to space rock. The band split in 1985 after later songs, taking in inspiration from commercial pop rock of the era instead, failed to reach an audience. Score reformed the band with new members in 1995. The original lineup reunited for a handful of small club dates in 2003. Since then, Score has sporadically performed his version of the band with a fluctuating lineup.
Burning Up
A Flock of Seagulls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You shook me to the bone
My object of desire
Don't leave my heart alone
With one look in your eyes
I saw the raging fire
I'm burnin' up I'm burnin' up
Took one step in the dark
Across forbidden lines
Into the danger zone
You took my mind
But you make me feel like I'm on fire
You make me feel like I'm alive
Love knocked me at the door
Pinned me up against the wall
You said you play with fire
You're gonna fall
I took one look in your eyes
Across the danger line
Now I'm burnin' up
Love's blind
The lyrics of "Burning Up" by A Flock of Seagulls describe the intense passion and desire the singer feels for someone who has captured their heart. The first few lines convey how deeply this person has affected the singer and how much they crave their attention. The metaphor of being cut to the wire and shaken to the bone suggests the overwhelming intensity of the singer's feelings.
The chorus reinforces this theme, using the metaphor of fire to describe how the singer is burning up with desire. The lyrics also describe how the singer has taken risks to pursue this person, crossing forbidden lines and entering the danger zone. However, the attraction is so strong that the singer is willing to take these risks for the sake of love.
The second verse describes how the love interest makes the singer feel alive and on fire, but also warns of the dangers of playing with fire. The line "Love knocked me at the door, pinned me up against the wall" suggests that the singer was taken by surprise by this love and has been swept off their feet. Despite the risks involved, the singer is unable to resist the burning passion they feel for this person.
Overall, "Burning Up" is a song about the intense emotions that can come with falling in love, and the willingness to take risks for the sake of that love.
Line by Line Meaning
You cut me to the wire
You hurt me deeply and left me vulnerable
You shook me to the bone
You caused me great fear and uncertainty
My object of desire
You are the one I want more than anything else
Don't leave my heart alone
Please don't abandon me and break my heart
With one look in your eyes
Just a single glance from you
I saw the raging fire
I felt the intense passion between us
I'm burnin' up I'm burnin' up
I am overwhelmed with desire for you
With such desire
My longing for you is insatiable
Took one step in the dark
I took a risk to be with you
Across forbidden lines
I crossed boundaries I shouldn't have
Into the danger zone
I willingly put myself in a risky situation
You took my mind
You completely captivated me
But you make me feel like I'm on fire
Being with you ignites my passion and desire
You make me feel like I'm alive
You awaken my senses and make me feel truly alive
Love knocked me at the door
Love unexpectedly came into my life
Pinned me up against the wall
I am overwhelmed and consumed by love
You said you play with fire
You warned me that being with you is risky
You're gonna fall
You will eventually experience the consequences of your actions
I took one look in your eyes
I was drawn in by your captivating gaze
Across the danger line
I knowingly crossed a line that could lead to harm
Now I'm burnin' up
I am consumed by passion for you
Love's blind
Love can make people act recklessly and ignore warning signs
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Trik Stari
This song is more fire than it has any right to be. The most 80's song of all time, that was released in the 90's.
DatHott Gamer
Absolutely the most 80's song that was released in the 90's ever.
Sam Howard
Wow...what an album opener! This record is getting better and better!
Modsleix 6
I remember the first time I ever heard this song back in 1990. First time I ever saw AFOS live as well. One of the best gigs I've ever been to. Got to meet Mike and get his and Ed Burner's autographs. Shame it wasn't the original lineup but, it was still a much better lineup than the one Mike had later. Once Ed was out, they sounded like a mediocre AFOS tribute band that counted with Mike on vocals. Glad to see the original lineup back together and working on the new project... CLASSIC AFOS RULES...
DatHott Gamer
Well, this wasn't released until 1995.
Modsleix 6
@DatHott Gamer Yes, it was released in 1995 on the album, 'The Light At The End Of The World' but, this song as well as others that made it to that album already existed prior to that and were being played live before the album debut.
I still have my ticket stubs from 1990 and I as well as others who saw those shows remember them playing songs like, 'Hearts On Fire', 'Life Is Easy', 'Magic' and of course, 'Burnin' Up'.
DatHott Gamer
@Modsleix 6 Ok didn't know that thanks.
Modsleix 6
@DatHott Gamer No problem. If you're interested, you can find the single version of 'Magic' along with it's 3 mixes for the song, here on Youtube. It was released in 1989 and sounds a little different than the version that was released on the 'TLATEOTW' album...
DatHott Gamer
@Modsleix 6 Ok.
DatHott Gamer
This sounds more 80's then most of U2's songs.