In 1961 she participated in BBC TV's A Song for Europe Contest, the UK qualifying heat for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her entry, "I Will Light a Candle" was placed fourth. Lale Andersen, who recorded the original German version of "Lili Marleen" also entered the 1961 Eurovision Song Contest, although her song only made it to #13. Anne made another attempt at Eurovision in 1963 with "My Continental Love" - and came fourth again.
She also sang and acted in several motion pictures.
In 1990 she was awarded the OBE for her work with the "Not Forgotten Association", a charitable organization for disabled former service personnel from all wars. Anne Shelton died in Hurstmonceux, England in 1994 and was interred in the Brenchley Gardens cemetery in South East London.
I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire
Anne Shelton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I would rather be with you an hour
For the things that one can buy
Are not worth a lover's sigh
I don't want to set the world on fire
I just want to start a flame in your heart
In my heart I have but one desire
I've lost all ambition for worldly acclaim
I just want to be the one you love
And with your admission that you feel the same
I'll have reached the goal I'm dreaming of, believe me
I don't want to set the world on fire
I just want to start a flame in your heart
The lyrics to Anne Shelton's song "I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire" express a desire for a simple yet meaningful life, focused on love and companionship rather than material possessions or power. The singer emphasizes their lack of interest in rising to power, instead stating a preference for spending time with a loved one. The lyrics contrast the fleeting happiness that possessions can bring with the deeper, more lasting joy of experiencing love.
The refrain of the song reinforces the singer's desire for a solitary connection, stating that they do not want to set the world on fire, but rather start a flame in their lover's heart. The singer emphasizes that their heart only desires one thing, their lover, and no other person can replace them. The singer has lost all ambition for worldly acclaim, and their sole aim now is to be loved by their partner, and for their partner to feel the same.
Overall, the lyrics to "I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire" promote a simple and profound message of prioritizing love and partnership over material gain or fame.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't ever care to rise to power
I have no desire to acquire power or authority over others.
I would rather be with you an hour
I would rather spend a short amount of time with you than pursue any other goal or activity.
For the things that one can buy
Material possessions that can be bought with money.
Are not worth a lover's sigh
Romantic love and the emotions it brings are far more valuable than any material wealth.
I don't want to set the world on fire
I have no intention of causing any chaos or destruction on a global scale.
I just want to start a flame in your heart
I simply desire to ignite love and passion within you.
In my heart I have but one desire
The only thing I deeply want and strive for is to be with you.
And that one is you, no other will do
You are the one and only person I desire and no one else can fulfill that same need.
I've lost all ambition for worldly acclaim
I have no interest in seeking fame or recognition from the world.
I just want to be the one you love
All I crave is to be the person you love and cherish dearly.
And with your admission that you feel the same
If you feel the same way towards me and show that you love me too.
I'll have reached the goal I'm dreaming of, believe me
When you reciprocate my love, I'll have finally accomplished the one dream that I've held onto.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bennie Benjamin, Eddie Durham, Eddie Seiler, Sol Marcus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind