Erma's best known record is the original version of Piece of My Heart. The song was covered in different arrangements by Janis Joplin, Faith Hill, Beverley Knight, and Dusty Springfield, and used as the basis of a song by Shaggy.
She was born in Shelby, Mississippi, but moved several times during her childhood before settling in Detroit, Michigan. Her mother Barbara, who was a gospel singer, left the family when Erma, her two sisters, and her brother were young children.
Though her sister Aretha went on to great fame, Carolyn, like Erma, was a struggling musician. Their brother, Cecil, became a minister like their father and managed Aretha's career for a while.
Her career was hampered by misfortune and by contracts with recording companies who could not find appropriate material for her. In the 1970s she left the music business, apart from engagements with her sister Aretha. She died in 2002 at the age of 64 after a long battle with throat cancer. In addition to Aretha, she was survived by her daughter Sabrina.
Light My Fire
Erma Franklin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know that I would be a liar
If I was to say to you
Girl, we couldn't get much higher
Come on baby, light my fire
Come on baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire
The time to hesitate is through
No time to wallow in the mire
Try now we can only lose
And our love become a funeral pyre
Come on baby, light my fire
Come on baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire, yeah
The time to hesitate is through
No time to wallow in the mire
Try now we can only lose
And our love become a funeral pyre
Come on baby, light my fire
Come on baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire, yeah
You know that it would be untrue
You know that I would be a liar
If I was to say to you
Girl, we couldn't get much higher
Come on baby, light my fire
Come on baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire
The lyrics of Erma Franklin's song "Light My Fire" suggests a desire for intimacy and passion. The first verse indicates that the singer acknowledges the potential untruthfulness of their desires but admits that they would be lying if they were to deny wanting this connection. The chorus repeatedly urges the listener to "light my fire," which can be interpreted as both sexual and emotional passion. The second verse emphasizes the urgency of their desires, stating that there is no time to hesitate or wallow in doubt. They acknowledge that trying to pursue this connection may result in failure or heartbreak, but they are willing to take the risk because the love they are chasing is worth it.
Overall, "Light My Fire" is a song about taking a chance on love, putting aside doubts and hesitation in pursuit of a passionate connection. The repeated request to "light my fire" serves as a plea for emotional and sexual fulfillment, but also symbolizes the spark of a relationship that can burn brightly, even at its inception.
Line by Line Meaning
You know that it would be untrue
You are aware that what I am telling you now is not completely true
You know that I would be a liar
You know that I am not truthful in this instance
If I was to say to you
If I were to tell you this thing
Girl, we couldn't get much higher
Our excitement and satisfaction is already elevated, and it is hard to imagine increasing it further
Come on baby, light my fire
Encouragement to ignite a passion in a lover
Try to set the night on fire
Strive to make this encounter unforgettable
The time to hesitate is through
No more waiting, the moment has arrived
No time to wallow in the mire
Do not dwell in negativity or hesitation
Try now we can only lose
It is better to try and fail than to miss the opportunity altogether
And our love become a funeral pyre
If we do not act on this passion, it could result in the end of our love and a sorrowful end
Try to set the night on fire, yeah
Make this a night to remember with intense passion and excitement
Try to set the night on fire
Continue to aim for an unforgettable experience
You know that it would be untrue
You understand that I am not being completely honest
You know that I would be a liar
You know that I am not truthful in this instance
If I was to say to you
If I were to tell you this thing
Girl, we couldn't get much higher
Our excitement and satisfaction is already elevated, and it is hard to imagine increasing it further
Come on baby, light my fire
Encouragement to ignite a passion in a lover
Try to set the night on fire
Strive to make this encounter unforgettable
Try to set the night on fire
Continue to aim for an unforgettable experience
Try to set the night on fire
Persist in making this a night to remember
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: John Densmore, Jim Morrison, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gparson7894
I can’t believe how contemporary this sounds. I mean yeah it has that 70’s flavor, but it sounds like a current band doing old school. Her voice is amazing.
@davidavi
It's the same backing track they used for jackie Wilson's version. Also great!
@veronica0902
Wow! Great song! From a great soul singer. She deserve props.
@gregc7699
Amazing cover definitely done the original justice
@thefuzzgroove
indiscutablement une de plus belles versions de ce titre culte !
@vivavinyl3373
PURE GEM!!! Great Great Great!
@iketyson718
this one hits ya right in the feels!
@ISVVVc628
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ love this, the original Doors' version, & Minnie Riperton's.
@lindamathias6230
Beautiful voice
@carolnelson2200
Awesome Erma!