Although known primarily as a singer, May also plays the bodhrán, guitar and tambourine. Described as "a unique vocal talent," May is known for her musical style of rockabilly revival and has also been compared to female jazz musicians such as Billie Holiday.
Born in Dublin, the youngest of five children, she fell in love with rockabilly at the age of nine, though was also exposed to a range of musical styles, from Irish traditional music to Elvis Presley. She now specialises in rockabilly, singing her own material and covers. Her debut album with Blue Harlem was No Turning Back, which was followed by Swing Street, and Talk to Me. Her first solo release was Love Tattoo.
May has shared the stage with Alison Moyet, Dionne Warwick, Bryan Ferry, Anastasia, The Supremes, Sister Sledge, Scissor Sisters, Matt Bianco, Elvis Costello, Jools Holland, Elton John, and Jeff Beck.
Flame of Love
Imelda May Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And your heart is on fire
And you're burning with desire
Well it's the flame of love
When your heart beats down at times
Burn, yet you're feeling fine
Oh that's my to shed aside
When the flame burn bright, bright
Every time you're hold ot down
This is your dear life
Oh it's the flame of love
But if you feel good in your heart
And if you are ever far
Oh that's thats when the tear drops fall
And down the flame of love
The lyrics of Imelda May's song Flame of Love are all about the emotions and sensations felt when experiencing love. The song starts with the powerful image of waking up in the morning with your heart on fire, burning with desire - a clear reference to the intensive feelings of passion and longing that often come with love. The mention of the "flame of love" immediately conjures up images of fire and heat, reminding us of the intensity and energy that surrounds this feeling.
The next few lines talk about the ups and downs of love, with the heart sometimes beating down but yet still feeling fine. This can be interpreted as the way love can sometimes bring about difficult moments, but ultimately leaves us feeling complete and fulfilled. The mention of "my to shed aside" is curious, but might refer to letting go of any inhibitions or fears that stand in the way of experiencing love fully.
The chorus of the song is a repetition of the main theme - that the "flame of love" burns bright and lifts us up, but also has the power to bring us down and cause tears to fall. The song thus speaks of love as a powerful force that can both build us up and tear us down, depending on the circumstances. The use of fire and heat metaphors throughout the song give it an intense and passionate feel that perfectly captures the nature of romantic love.
Line by Line Meaning
When I wake in the morning
At the start of my day
And your heart is on fire
And you feel wholehearted
And you're burning with desire
And you have a strong longing
Well it's the flame of love
That's the passionate feeling of love
When your heart beats down at times
When you feel disheartened sometimes
Burn, yet you're feeling fine
You still manage to feel okay
Oh that's my to shed aside
You need to shed those feelings away
That is the flame of love
Those are the negative things affecting the love
When the flame burn bright, bright
When the feeling of love is strong
Every time you're hold ot down
Even when you're held down
This is your dear life
This is your life's preciousness
Oh it's the flame of love
This strong emotion is the flame of love
But if you feel good in your heart
But if you feel content in your heart
And if you are ever far
And if you are physically distant
Oh that's thats when the tear drops fall
That's when the tears will fall
And down the flame of love
This strong feeling of love will fade away
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BURGESS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind