Serpentine Fire
Earth Wind & Fire Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yeah, yeah, oh yeah, yeah, oh yeah
When I see your face like the morning sun you spark to shine
Tell all the world my need is fulfilled and that's a new design
Oh, as long as you're near there is no fear of a victory
But when I'm away influences stray my mind to disagree
Ah, wanna see your face in the morning sun ignite my energy
The cause and effect of you has brought new meaning in my life to me
Gonna tell the story morning glory all about the serpentine fire
Gonna tell the story morning glory all about the serpentine fire
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah

I need to see your face in the morning sun ignite my energy
The cause and effect of you has brought new meaning in my life to me
The moment I find when I'm inclined to do my best
Negative wins when I give in then I lose the test, not many times

Gonna tell the story morning glory all about the serpentine fire
Surely as life begun, you will as one, battle with the serpentine fire
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah

Surely as life begun, you will as one, battle with the serpentine fire
Surely as life begun, you will as one, battle with the serpentine fire





Gonna tell the story morning glory all about the serpentine fire
Gonna tell the story morning glory all about the serpentine fire

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Earth Wind & Fire's song Serpentine Fire express the joy and inspiration that the singer feels in the presence of someone special. The opening lines of the song compare the person's face to the morning sun, which brings light and warmth to start the day. The singer declares that this person's presence has fulfilled their need, and has created a new perspective on life. They assert that when this person is near, there is no fear and that victory is assured. The power of their presence is so strong that it ignites the singer's energy and brings new meaning to their life.


However, when the person is away, negative influences affect their thoughts, and the singer experiences doubts and disagreements with themself. They express their desire to see the person's face again in the morning sun to revive their energy and allow them to do their best. The lyrics then shift to an exhortation to "tell the story morning glory all about the serpentine fire." The serpentine fire is a metaphor for the obstacles and challenges that everyone must face in life. The singer declares that the person they are singing about will battle these obstacles and emerge victorious. The lyrics repeat the call to "tell the story" to emphasize the importance of this message.


Line by Line Meaning

Yeah, yeah, oh yeah, yeah, oh yeah
The singer is expressing excitement and enthusiasm for the song that's about to come.


When I see your face like the morning sun you spark to shine
The singer is drawn to the beauty of the person's face and feels inspired by it.


Tell all the world my need is fulfilled and that's a new design
The singer feels complete and fulfilled with this person in their life, and wants to share that with others.


Oh, as long as you're near there is no fear of a victory
Having the person close brings confidence and assurance that success will be achieved.


But when I'm away influences stray my mind to disagree
Being away from the person causes doubts and uncertainties to creep into the singer's mind.


Ah, wanna see your face in the morning sun ignite my energy
Seeing the person's face in the morning is energizing and inspiring to the singer.


The cause and effect of you has brought new meaning in my life to me
Having the person in the singer's life has had a profound effect and given purpose to their life.


Gonna tell the story morning glory all about the serpentine fire
The singer plans to share a story of overcoming adversity with the help of the serpentine fire.


I need to see your face in the morning sun ignite my energy
The singer feels a strong need to see the person's face in the morning to feel energized.


The moment I find when I'm inclined to do my best
The singer recognizes the moments when they feel inspired to do their best.


Negative wins when I give in then I lose the test, not many times
The singer acknowledges that giving in to negativity results in failure, but it's a rare occurrence for them.


Surely as life begun, you will as one, battle with the serpentine fire
The singer believes that they and the person they're addressing will fight together to overcome obstacles, like the serpentine fire.


Gonna tell the story morning glory all about the serpentine fire
The singer emphasizes their intention to share a story of overcoming adversity with others.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Sentric Music
Written by: Maurice White, Reginald Burke, Verdine White

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Jabreel.N

Maurice White, rest in power dearest brotha. Praise be to The Most High for giving us you. and your musical gifts that you blessed upon the world.

This is one of my favorite songs by E W F and hands down my favorite video by them.

As a young cat I would rewind the VHS @ 2:29-2:50, then came the DVD & now the stream and laugh over and over at these brothas completely absorbed in their craft.

Loving every minute of it, not giving a damn about sweating out of those hot ass outfits or displaying outrageous facial gestures...just real people, real musicians, making real memories for the masses.

...again, thank you. thank you, thank you.



All comments from YouTube:

@reginaldmitchell4007

Rest In the all mighty groove 🙏 Fred White. Drummer of Earth, Wind & Fire who passed away New Years Day at 67. Thank you for your dynamic musical contributions which helped make this bands powerful sound absolute. Like your Brother Maurice always taught me. "IN LOVE WE STAND" 🙌 🌎

@OceanSwimmer

@chelsabailey1018

Who's STILL jammin' to this in 2022?!? Sounds as awesome today as it did when it was recorded over 40 years ago!!!

@TheBLACKboard65

2023!!! Still kicking!!

@nlewis

I'm 39 and because my mother had good taste in music I'm still jamming to this in 2023 But if you look up Michael Feeley ancient codes and symbols You'll find out what serpentine fire really means have a good day❤

@joycesabean4743

U got that right and it was the one of the best live concerts I've ever seen that era of music will always be the best real thing you 💘 will ever know so hold on to them

@susanferguson8319

April 2023!

@bernadettesparks7684

@@nlewis +a0

18 More Replies...

@michelle67451

Maurice White Legend, Icon, Genius, Mover, Shaker, Singer, Song writer, composer, producer, Leader, Master, trail blazer, and last but not least founder of the baddest musical group ever created Earth Wind and Fire!!! Without Maurice White there would be no Earth Wind and Fire, so I am very grateful and so thankful for all of the great music and memories Maurice White and Earth Wind and Fire has given me for so many years. I am a child of the seventies and I grew up on Earth Wind and Fire and seen them in concert when Maurice was touring with the group and when Maurice had to stop touring because of Parkinson disease. Earth Wind and Fire is to me the all time best musical group to have ever been assembled thanks to genius and creativity of the legendary iconic Maurice White. RIP Maurice White!!!! You are truly a shining star shining in heaven with the rest of the shining stars. Your contributions to music will never be forgotten!!!!!

@craigacook8360

THE GOAT

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