"I'm on Fire" was recorded in February 1982 during the first wave of Born in the U.S.A. sessions. This took place in impromptu fashion when Springsteen started making up a slow tune on guitar for some lyrics he had, and drummer Max Weinberg and keyboardist Roy Bittan, hearing it for the first time, created an accompaniment on the spot. The result was a moody number that merges a soft rockabilly beat, lyrics built around sexual tension, and synthesizers into an effective whole; it was one of the first uses of that instrument in Springsteen's music.
The song peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles charts in early 1985. It was the fourth of a record-tying seven Top 10 hit singles to be released from Born in the U.S.A. It is also remarkable that the single reached #1 in the Netherlands for 3 weeks in August 1985, at the same time as 2 other Springsteen singles ("Dancing in the Dark" and "Born in the U.S.A.") were occupying the Top 12.
Unlike the first three singles from the album, no remixes were made for "I'm on Fire" (nor were any made for any of the subsequent singles released).
I'm on Fire
Bruce Springsteen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Did he go and leave you all alone? Mhmm
I got a bad desire
Oh, oh, oh, I'm on fire
Tell me now, baby, is he good to you?
And can he do to you the things that I do? Oh no
I can take you higher
Oh, oh, oh, I'm on fire
Sometimes it's like someone took a knife, baby
Edgy and dull and cut a six inch valley
Through the middle of my skull
At night I wake up with the sheets soaking wet
And a freight train running through the middle of my head
Only you can cool my desire
Oh, oh, oh, I'm on fire
Oh, oh, oh, I'm on fire
Oh, oh, oh, I'm on fire
Woo-ooh-ooh
Woo-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh
Woo-ooh-ooh
Woo-ooh-ooh
Bruce Springsteen's song "I'm On Fire" is a sensual ballad, with the singer expressing his deep desire for a young girl, although the lyrics never indicate whether they ever act on that desire. The song starts with the singer offering to comfort the girl, who may be all alone, hinting that he can take care of her. The song's title, "I'm On Fire," highlights the singer's burning passion for her, which intensifies as he sings about how her current lover, her father, or someone else, cannot fulfill or satisfy her like he can. The lyrics are symbolic, referring to the physical tension he experiences whenever he's around her, as if he's on fire with lust.
The lyrics' second verse implies that the singer is fighting with his own inner demons, which follow him to bed. He can't sleep peacefully, and he wakes up with the sheets soaked in sweat, indicating that he's constantly in turmoil. He feels like a freight train is running through his head, conveying the intensity of his feelings for the girl. In spite of all this, he believes that only she can quell his intense desire, calling her to action.
In conclusion, "I'm On Fire" is a passionate and fiery ballad that depicts the intensity of desire and the inner turmoil that often accompanies it. The song's lyrics cleverly convey the singer's burning passion for the young girl, leaving the listener wondering whether the pair ever acted on their feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey little girl, is your daddy home?
Hey young girl, is your father at home?
Did he go and leave you all alone? Mhmm
Did he abandon you and leave you by yourself?
I got a bad desire
I have a strong and uncontrollable sexual urge for you
Oh, oh, oh, I'm on fire
I'm burning with passion and desire for you
Tell me now, baby, is he good to you?
Please tell me, darling, is he treating you well?
And can he do to you the things that I do? Oh no
Is he capable of satisfying your needs the way I can? Oh no
I can take you higher
I can elevate your pleasure and satisfaction
Sometimes it's like someone took a knife, baby
At times, it feels like someone used a knife to create a deep and cutting problem
Edgy and dull and cut a six inch valley
Sharp and blunt at the same time, creating a wide and painful void
Through the middle of my skull
Right in the center of my mind and thoughts
At night I wake up with the sheets soaking wet
During the night, I wake up drenched in sweat
And a freight train running through the middle of my head
Feeling overwhelmed like a train is continuously crashing through my thoughts
Only you can cool my desire
Only you can ease the burning longing and craving that I feel
Oh, oh, oh, I'm on fire
I'm consumed with lust and need
Oh, oh, oh, I'm on fire
I can't control or put out the intense emotions I have for you
Oh, oh, oh, I'm on fire
I'm overwhelmed and unable to contain my passion and desire for you
Woo-ooh-ooh
Instrumental interlude
Woo-ooh-ooh
Instrumental interlude
Ooh-ooh-ooh
Instrumental interlude
Woo-ooh-ooh
Instrumental interlude
Woo-ooh-ooh
Instrumental interlude
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bruce Springsteen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@feralbeliever4248
I was 16, and had just dropped my first girlfriend off at home. To put it bluntly, I wanted her in a bad way. While driving home that summer night with the windows down, this song came on the radio. It was the first time a song read my soul. Now, I'm almost 50, and that girlfriend is my wife. This song takes me back to that night, with that same feeling every time I hear it.
@brendahawkins3965
Hi would love to know what you think of my 17 year old grandsons cover of this https://youtu.be/zenNOP-dWJg
@garygardener2138
👌🏻
@DRUMNICOdotcom
Yeah, right.
@johnmorrison1525
Sounds like private pleasure moment
@feralbeliever4248
@@johnmorrison1525 Your perception comes from the lens of your own experiences. ;) And, I just received my licence a couple of months earlier. HANDS AT 10 AND 2 O'CLOCK!
@jinjin1971
This was the favorite song of my wife. She died last month.
LOVE YOU FOREVER Mandy.
Our fire will lives on.
@worksupermodel
Jin I’m so sorry. 😓
@Posthastekid
Forever remember her whenever you hear this song.
@thomasireland1770
Its one off my fav as well .