According to the "The Heat is On Songfacts", it was decided a popular artist was needed to sing this song. The Beverly Hills Cop soundrack album was on MCA Records, which Glenn Frey recently signed with. MCA asked several of their male rock singers to audition for the lead vocal for the song. At first Frey thought this wasn't something "rock stars" did, but he decided to go along, just for fun, never thinking they'd pick him. Co-writer Harold Faltermeyer was impressed by Frey's vocal (the instrumental tracks were already recorded) and shocked Frey by using his version. It was Frey's biggest solo hit.
The Heat Is On
Glenn Frey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Inside your head, on every beat
And the beat's so loud, deep inside
The pressure's high, just to stay alive
'Cause the heat is on
Oh-wo-ho, oh-wo-ho
Caught up in the action I've been looking out for you
(Tell me can you feel it)
(Tell me can you feel it)
(Tell me can you feel it)
The heat is on, the heat is on, the heat is on
Oh it's on the street, the heat is on
Oh-wo-ho, oh-wo-ho
Caught up in the action I've been looking out for you
Oh-wo-ho, oh-wo-ho
(Tell me can you feel it)
(Tell me can you feel it)
(Tell me can you feel it)
The heat is on (yeah) the heat is on, the heat is on
(Burning, burning, burning)
It's on the street, the heat is on
The shadows high on the darker side
Behind the doors, it's a wilder ride
You can make a break, you can win or lose
That's a chance you take, when the heat's on you
When the heat is on
Oh-wo-ho, oh-wo-ho
Caught up in the action I've been looking out for you
Oh-wo-ho, oh-wo-ho
(Tell me can you feel it)
(Tell me can you feel it)
(Tell me can you feel it)
The heat is on (yeah) the heat is on, the heat is on
It's on the street, the heat is on (i can feel the fire)
The heat is on (flames are burning higher)
The heat is on (baby can't you feel it)
Yeah, it's on the street
The heat is on (i can feel it the fire)
The heat is on (flames are burning higher)
"The Heat Is On" is a hit single from Glenn Frey's solo career, released in 1984. The song is most recognized as being the signature tune for the film "Beverly Hills Cop." The chorus appears to refer to the conflict and danger of chasing and solving crime, with the "heat" being the pressure that detectives and police officers must work under, both figuratively and literally. As the song continues, it becomes apparent that the most likely interpretation for the "heat" is the tumultuous excitement of the city streets. In a sense, it represents the excitement of the city that never sleeps. The heat is an intense feeling and captures the rush and anxiety embodied in city life - the pulse of the city is contagious, and it's difficult to ignore it. The song is an anthem for the passionate spirit of the city, where life is lived on the streets.
The song's bridge is part of the reason it has remained as popular as it is. The lyrics break from the rest of the song for a moment to build up to the chorus, creating a moment of anticipation that has become a favorite among fans of the genre. The bridge transitions the song into the chorus with the 'oh-wo-ho' chants, sending the song into overdrive.
Interestingly, "The Heat Is On" initially came about because of the movie "Beverly Hills Cop." The filmmakers needed a song for the film that would represent the intense emotions of the action sequences, and producer Don Simpson suggested that Glenn Frey may be the right artist for the job. Simpson had seen Glenn Frey play in Aspen and imagined that his music would suit the film's theme. Glenn Frey then recruited Harold Faltermeyer to co-write the song and play keyboards.
Line by Line Meaning
The heat is on, on the street
There's a tense atmosphere around and it's especially prevalent in the streets
Inside your head, on every beat
It's something that's affecting everyone at an internal level
And the beat's so loud, deep inside
It's a persistent and overwhelming feeling
The pressure's high, just to stay alive
The stakes are high and there's a sense of danger lurking around
'Cause the heat is on
All of these factors combine and create the heat that's referred to
(Tell me can you feel it)
An invitation to acknowledge the tension and energy surrounding you
Caught up in the action I've been looking out for you
The singer is experiencing the same stressful environment and trying to help someone else navigate it
The shadows high on the darker side
There's an underlying sense of danger and unpredictability present
Behind the doors, it's a wilder ride
Things are more chaotic and intense behind closed doors
You can make a break, you can win or lose
There are possibilities for escape or triumph, but also the chance of failure
That's a chance you take, when the heat's on you
All of these risks are heightened due to the intense atmosphere
(Burning, burning, burning)
An emphasis on how intense and hot the situation is
(i can feel the fire)
The fire has now become a literal presence that can be felt
(flames are burning higher)
The tension is becoming more severe and dangerous
(baby can't you feel it)
An appeal for understanding and a shared experience of the stress and energy
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HAROLD FALTERMEYER, KEITH FORSEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rf5210
What could be more 80s than a guitar solo and a saxophone? This is solid gold! Thank you Glen..
@krisfalkenberg
Breaking the silence
Know oneself an understand the land an universe thee is harvest from and constitute itself with. For principles keep us together an united, whom defends the land of the whole hearted. Ordinary common traditions in masses and per pressure or forces, target the heart land to influence its practice, lobby and products, but confidence is in the principle of the soil, not forces whom are under them, power less to influence an wholly. That those who build them (forces), paint a pretty picture and boast the good it does and honors the bad who eat it and do, celebrating with the donated blood. Long speeches aren't loved by all ears, the rest is left for the silent to speak candidly, freeing the animal, as many questions solve an answer.
@CHUNGAandNANOOK
@@krisfalkenbergh’okay buddy
@travisbaxter6597
LIBERTY@@krisfalkenberg
@shelleywinters2582
Amen 🎉
@TerrasaltasBoavista-ur7pf
Verdade.
@Tubes78
Remember when a soundtrack would get you hyped for a movie?
@johnnyvee20
I stumbled upon the Mid90s playlist on Spotify before I knew about the movie. Was so hyped to watch it after hearing the soundtrack.
@TheChameleon703
RIP Glen Frey. Thank you for all your great music. Who's still listening in 2024?? I am.
@AlinaAdam-gk3cn
Meeeee