Allin's lyrics, which often included misogyny, racism, social apathy, child abuse, incest, rape and homophobia, deeply divided opinions of him within the highly politicized punk community. He is best remembered for his notorious live performances that typically featured wildly transgressive acts. Some of these acts included Allin defecating and urinating onstage, rolling in feces and often consuming excrement, committing self-injury, performing naked, taunting people to perform fellatio on him and committing violent actions toward the audience. Although more notorious for his stage antics than for his wide body of music, he recorded prolifically, not only in the punk rock genre, but also in spoken word, country and Rolling Stones-influenced rock. Though he had a devoted cult following, Allin's music has received mostly negative reviews from critics.
http://www.ggallin.com/
Kissing the Flames
GG Allin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hot, going down kissing flames, kissing flames
You say that I'm is, is insane
Kissing flames, kissing flames
Hot, hot, hot, I'm kissing flames
Yes, my mind is screwed up
'Cause you say I got to grow up
But I've been kissing flames, kissing flames
With a gun at my head
Playing Russian Roulette with the dead
And you tell me that I've been
Outta my mind, but I say
I retrace the tracks of time
And I'll go on down with my lover
Kissing flames, kissing flames
I don't care what you see
I'll be kissing flames, kissing flames
My mind says to me retrace your thoughts
Where will you be? I'll be kissing flames
Kissing flames, going down I want to burn
Tracks of time, my mind
I'm kissing flames, kissing flames
"Kissing the Flames" is a controversial and intense song by GG Allin, known for his wild and dangerous behavior on stage and off. In these lyrics, he describes his obsession with danger and recklessness, symbolized by "kissing flames." He acknowledges that others see him as insane and in need of growing up, but he doesn't care. He references playing Russian Roulette with the dead, which highlights his disregard for his own safety and the lives of others. He seems almost addicted to the rush of danger, willing to "go on down" with his lover, even if it means burning up in the flames.
The lyrics suggest a certain nihilism and rejection of societal norms, as he embraces a destructive path. He rejects the idea of retracing his steps or changing his ways, determined to keep "kissing flames" no matter the consequences. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the intensity and fixation of his desire, and the use of adjectives like "hot" and "screwed up" underscores the passion and instability of his mindset.
Overall, "Kissing the Flames" is a disturbing and provocative song that illustrates GG Allin's personal demons and his willingness to push boundaries and provoke moral outrage.
Line by Line Meaning
Kissing flames, kissing flames
The act of passionately embracing danger and volatility.
Hot, going down kissing flames, kissing flames
The enthralling nature of flirting with danger and potentially experiencing catastrophic consequences.
You say that I'm is, is insane
The singer's disregard for societal norms and willingness to take on risk is seen as madness.
Hot, hot, hot, I'm kissing flames
The exhilarating rush of participating in something dangerous.
Yes, my mind is screwed up
Acknowledgement by the artist that their own mental state may be impeding their ability to assess danger and consequences.
'Cause you say I got to grow up
Society's expectation that one should mature and distance themselves from reckless behavior.
But I've been kissing flames, kissing flames
The singer has no intention of stopping their dangerous behavior, regardless of societal pressure.
Playing games, kissing flames
The inherent playfulness of flirting with danger for the artist.
With a gun at my head
The artist is willing to put their life at risk for the thrill of the moment.
Playing Russian Roulette with the dead
The dangerous game of Russian Roulette is a metaphor for the artist's obsession with tempting fate.
And you tell me that I've been
The singer is confronted about their dangerous behavior by someone else, but they dismiss this concern.
Outta my mind, but I say
The artist asserts their own control over their actions and opposes societal expectations.
I retrace the tracks of time
Reflecting on their own behavior and the risks they've taken in the past.
And I'll go on down with my lover
The singer is in love with the danger and thrill that accompanies their actions and is therefore committed to this lifestyle.
Kissing flames, kissing flames
Reiteration of the initial metaphor which serves as a central theme throughout the song.
I don't care what you see
The artist is unconcerned with how society perceives them and their behavior.
I'll be kissing flames, kissing flames
The artist is committed to their dangerous lifestyle regardless of the consequences or societal pressures.
My mind says to me retrace your thoughts
The singer is reflecting on their actions and behavior and their impact on their life.
Where will you be? I'll be kissing flames
The singer is committed to their dangerous lifestyle, even if it ends in disaster or death.
Kissing flames, going down I want to burn
The artist is willing to take on risks that may ultimately lead to their destruction – they crave the intense rush of flirting with disaster.
Tracks of time, my mind
The artist is reflecting on their own actions, behavior, and motivations.
I'm kissing flames, kissing flames
The final reiteration of the central metaphor of the song – the artist is committed to their dangerous lifestyle regardless of any potential consequences.
Contributed by Jordyn V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.