On Fire
Alex Van Halen/David Lee Roth/Eddie Van Halen/Michael Anthony Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Woman, I've been thinkin'
That we belong together
My intentions are bad
There's a richer man
But none better
I am two parts diamond
Some say three parts dirt
I say, "No one moves
Nobody gets hurt!"

Woman throws up her hands
Says, "Girl you lost your mind?
You look like seventeen child goin' on twenty nine"
Baby's on fire

Just admit it's true
I would call this bingo
If I'd even call at all
I'll pretend I'm GI Joe, yeah
You be Barbie doll
Baby's really burnin'
Ready for the town
Daddy's good, good little girl
Burn that schoolhouse down
I'm on fire

Baby's on fire
Ooo, puttin' the flames out!
Baby's be-be-burnin'
Burnin' up the town
Daddy's good, good little girl
Burn that schoolhouse down

Baby's on fire
I admit it's true
Baby's on fire




Fire
Puttin' the flames out

Overall Meaning

The song "On Fire" captures David Lee Roth's unique ability to channel his hyperactive and highly sexualized energy into songs. The lyrics talk about wanting someone so badly that you don't care about the consequences, and despite offering plenty of red flags, the singer is still eager to pursue the object of his desire. The opening lines depict a man who believes he and his love interest are meant to be together, and even though he knows his intentions aren't good, he firmly believes that he's the best option for her. However, his reality is very different from his perception of himself as he admits to having some undesirable parts. Nevertheless, his confidence level does not waver, and he threatens that if anyone dares to interfere, they will be met with a dangerous outcome.


The woman in the song seems to be more grounded and aware of the dangers in this man's offer. Her use of the phrase "Girl you lost your mind?" acknowledges the recklessness of his advances. She tries to get him to understand the ridiculousness of his offer, describing him as a seventeen-year-old child going on twenty-nine. The chorus talks about the woman being on fire; it is unclear if this is meant to be taken literally or figuratively. Despite the woman's push back, the song implies that the man's energy is so overwhelming that he ends up getting what he wants by song's end.


Line by Line Meaning

Woman, I've been thinkin'
I have been contemplating about our relationship, my life and what future holds for us.


That we belong together
I feel we are meant to be together, and I want to spend my life with you.


My intentions are bad
I have wicked or corrupt intentions, and I may not always do the right thing.


There's a richer man
There is someone else who is wealthier than me and can offer more lavish things.


But none better
However, I believe that I am the best match for you, and no one can be better than me when it comes to love.


I am two parts diamond
I am a precious and valuable person, who has many good qualities that make me shine like a diamond.


Some say three parts dirt
Some people might think that I have flaws or imperfections, and they may not always see the diamond in me.


I say, "No one moves
I am warning anyone who tries to mess with me or my relationship that they should not make a wrong move.


Nobody gets hurt!"
Otherwise, they will suffer the consequences, and I will not hesitate to cause them pain or harm.


"Woman throws up her hands
The woman is raising her hands in surprise, confusion, or disagreement.


Says, "Girl you lost your mind?
She is questioning the girl's sanity or reasoning behind her actions or words.


You look like seventeen child goin' on twenty-nine"
She is implying that the girl looks immature, naive or childish despite her age, and needs to grow up.


Baby's on fire
The situation is hot, intense, or passionate, and it may be heading for a disaster or explosion.


Just admit it's true
I want you to acknowledge or confess that you feel the same way about me, and we have a spark between us.


I would call this bingo
I would consider this to be a success, a win, or a lucky move, if you agree to be with me.


If I'd even call at all
I am not even sure I will make the first move or approach you, given my fears, doubts, or low confidence.


I'll pretend I'm GI Joe, yeah
If I do pursue you, I will act tough, macho, or heroic like a GI Joe, to impress you and win your affection.


You be Barbie doll
I expect you to be submissive, compliant, or pleasing like a Barbie doll, and not challenge my authority or demands.


Baby's really burnin'
The situation is getting hotter, fiercer, or more passionate, and it may be getting out of control.


Ready for the town
We are prepared to go out and show the world how much we love each other, and how wild and free our love can be.


Daddy's good, good little girl
You are a good girl, who has always obeyed your father or authority figures, and this may be your chance to rebel or break free.


Burn that schoolhouse down
We are going to do something daring, rebellious or destructive, like burning a schoolhouse, to express our love and freedom.


Baby's on fire
The situation is now out of control, dangerous or explosive, and we need to be careful not to get burnt or hurt.


Ooo, puttin' the flames out!
We are trying to calm down or resolve the situation, by putting out the flames of our passion or desire, before it gets worse.


I admit it's true
I confess that I have love or desire for you, and I cannot deny or hide it anymore.


Fire
The fire represents our passion, desire, and love for each other, which can be both exciting and dangerous.


Puttin' the flames out
We are trying to control, contain or extinguish the fire, to prevent it from escalating or causing harm.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRETT TUGGLE, BRETT MICHAEL TUGGLE, DAVID LEE ROTH, MICHAEL TUGGLE BRETT, PRESTON STURGES, STEVE HUNTER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions