Amy Boersma came to LA as a singer songwriter in 1970 and during the typical string of artist development deals that for some reason, don’t quite pan out, she met and captured the interest of more than a few distinguished record producers. Among these were Jack Daugherty (the Carpenters. Paul Williams) and Rick Jarrard (Jefferson Airplane, Nillson, Jose Feliciano). However it was a randomly brief but fortuitous rehearsal encounter with a relatively unknown composer, and for the moment, piano accompanist Michael McDonald, during these early years that would lead ultimately to Amy Hollands success at radio years later, winning her a best new artist nomination at the Grammy Awards of 1980. McDonald who, years later, remembering the allure of her vocal style, would join forces with keyboardist/composer/producer, Patrick Henderson to produce her first Capitol LP from which the top 20 hit “How do I Survive,” (composed by Paul Bliss), emerged on to the charts, taking Amy Holland around the world as an American 80’s ingénue. This period of Amy’s career is documented by TV appearances in Japan and the US that can still be found on YouTube.
A second Capitol LP titled “On Your Every Word” and musical contributions to films such as “Scarface” and “Teen Wolf” (Some of those tracks produced and written by the infamous Giorgio Moroder) along with her contributions to the projects of other artist’s such as Kenny Loggins, Joni Mitchell, Tim Weisburg, Doobie Brother Patrick Simmons and McDonald’s solo projects, would mark her career path for the next few years.
During this time her music business relationship with producer McDonald had developed into something much more and with their marriage and the subsequent birth of their two children, Amy found herself embracing the role of wife and mother. discovering along the way that she had to somewhat relax her grip on her lifelong dream of being a recording artist.
After a much longer than intended hiatus due to a battle to survive breast cancer, Amy found a renewed inspiration in the making and release of “The Journey To Miracle River”. Produced by Bernie Chiaravalle, this Album is very much the autobiography of a personal sojourn she was destined to return from at this point in her life, It’s her first solo album release in over 20 years.
With songs co-written by Amy with friends Jon Vesner, John Goodwin, Michael McDonald and Bernie Chiaravalle. The album features contributions from Vince Gill, Michael McDonald, Shannon Forrest, Bernie Chiaravalle, Stuart Duncan, Tim Akers, and her son, Dylan McDonald.
Amy’s voice can be heard on Willie Nelson’s release of “Whatever Happened To Peace On Earth”. A poignant call to conscience featuring other artists such as Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Michael McDonald, and Pat Simmons with all proceeds going to benefit the National Veterans Foundation.
She's On Fire
Amy Holland Lyrics
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And watch out for that innocent expression
(Ooh, ah)
She's not what she seems
(Ooh, ah)
Don't wait on the dream
'Cause when she breaks away she's a child
Then the woman is wild
She's on fire
And she burns through the night at the speed of light
She's on fire
With the heat of the beat right beneath her feet
She's on fire
And the name of the game is to fuel her flame
She's on fire, fire, fire, fire, fire
And so the dance of danger's your decision
But understand she's not quite like her vision
(Ooh, ah)
I'm warnin' ya now
(Ooh, ah)
Be sure you know how
'Cause she can take your heart like a child and the woman is wild
So wild
She's on fire
And she burns through the night at the speed of light
She's on fire
With the heat of the beat right beneath her feet
She's on fire
And the name of the game is to fuel her flame
She's on fire, fire, fire, fire, fire
She's on fire
And she burns through the night at the speed of light
She's on fire
With the heat of the beat right beneath her feet
She's on fire
And the name of the game is to fuel her flame
She's on fire, fire, fire, fire, fire
(She's on fire)
She's on fire (and she's burning)
And she's burning (she's on fire)
She's on fire (snd she's burning)
And she's burning (she's on fire)
She's on fire (and she's burning)
And she's burning (she's on fire)
The song She's On Fire by Amy Holland is a cautionary tale about a woman who appears innocent and childlike, but when she breaks away, she is wild and dangerous. The lyrics advise the listener not to be fooled by her initial appearance and to understand that she is not quite like the vision she projects. The chorus describes her as being on fire, burning through the night at the speed of light with the heat of the beat right beneath her feet. The name of the game is to fuel her flame, suggesting that this woman is someone who demands constant attention and excitement.
The use of imagery in the lyrics, such as "burning through the night," "speed of light," and "heat of the beat," all evoke a sense of danger and excitement. The repetition of "she's on fire" throughout the song emphasizes the intensity of this woman and the warning that the singer is trying to convey. The lyrics also suggest that the decision to dance with danger is up to the listener, but they should know what they are getting into.
Overall, She's On Fire is a catchy pop song with a deeper message about the dangers of falling for someone who appears innocent but is really wild and unpredictable. It warns against being too easily seduced by someone's outward appearance and emphasizes the importance of understanding a person's true nature.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't be mistaken by the first impression
The superficial traits of the person may not reveal their true character.
And watch out for that innocent expression
The person may appear innocent, but there may be more to them than meets the eye.
(Ooh, ah)
Interjection expressing warning or caution.
She's not what she seems
The person has a hidden side to their character.
Don't wait on the dream
Don't wait for an idealized image of the person to become reality.
'Cause when she breaks away she's a child
When the person lets their guard down, they are vulnerable and innocent.
Then the woman is wild
But when the person is feeling more confident, they are bold and unpredictable.
She's on fire
The person is full of intense energy and passion.
And she burns through the night at the speed of light
The person moves quickly and energetically.
With the heat of the beat right beneath her feet
The person is driven by the music and the rhythm of the moment.
And the name of the game is to fuel her flame
The objective is to add to the person's excitement and intensify their passion.
And so the dance of danger's your decision
It is up to the individual to decide whether to engage with the person, even though they may be unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
But understand she's not quite like her vision
The true character of the person is not necessarily identical to the idealized image of them.
I'm warnin' ya now
Another warning or cautionary interjection.
Be sure you know how
Make sure you are equipped to handle the person's energy and unpredictability.
She can take your heart like a child and the woman is wild
The person can be both innocent and seductive, making it difficult to resist their charm.
She's on fire (and she's burning)
Repetition of earlier refrain.
And she's burning (she's on fire)
Repetition of earlier refrain.
She's on fire (and she's burning)
Repetition of earlier refrain.
And she's burning (she's on fire)
Repetition of earlier refrain.
She's on fire (and she's burning)
Repetition of earlier refrain.
And she's burning (she's on fire)
Repetition of earlier refrain.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GIORGIO MORODER, PETER BELLOTTE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind