Together, Campbell and Lanegan formed a unique combination of gruff vocals and dulcet voices. They released a series of albums: Ballad of the Broken Seas, which received a nomination in the 2006 Mercury Awards, Sunday at Devil Dirt, which was released in May 2008. The album received US release in Fall 2008. Their third album Hawk was released in August 2010. The same year the live album "Live At The Barbican London 2010 " was released.
Flame That Burns
Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Flame that burns
The flame that burns
Flame that burns
The flame that burns
Flame that burns
The flame that burns
Takes you through the years
Takes you through the pain
Can't stop the tears when they fall like rain
For the flame that burns
Flame that burns
Beware my child
Beware
To take care my friend
Got to take care
You don't know who to love
Don't know who to trust
When it hurts so bad blood flows where it must
For the flame that burns
Flame that burns
Unto eternity
One day we shall
We shall be free
When stars rain down like dust
Have heart my child
Oh but you must
Don't you hang your head
Don't you feel no shame
If I were with you now
I would do the same
For the flame that burns
Flame that burns
The lyrics of "The Flame That Burns" by Isobel Campbell, at first glance, seem to be about a flame that burns throughout one's life, taking them through the highs and the lows, the joys and the pains. It is a representation of the human experience, a metaphor for the struggles and the moments of triumph that we face as we make our way through life. The repetition of the phrase "Flame that burns" serves as a reminder of the persistence of this flame and how it is always there, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not.
The lyrics then take a darker turn, warning listeners to beware and to take care, emphasizing the importance of being cautious and aware of those around us. The lines "You don't know who to love, don't know who to trust, when it hurts so bad blood flows where it must" serve as cautionary advice to those who may be struggling with matters of the heart. The pain caused by love and trust can be intense, leading to emotional bleeding that can be difficult to heal.
The song concludes on a hopeful note, describing a time when we will be free and the stars will rain down like dust. The singer encourages listeners to keep their heads up and not feel ashamed of their struggles, reminding them that they are not alone. This final verse serves as a message of hope, urging listeners to keep going and to take heart in the knowledge that someday they will be free from their struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
The flame that burns
The intense passion or desire that drives and motivates a person
Flame that burns
The fiery intensity of emotions that can sometimes be overwhelming
Takes you through the years
The flame continues to burn and remain strong over the years, persevering through challenges and obstacles
Takes you through the pain
The intensity of the flame has the power to lead a person through difficult and painful moments in life
Can't stop the tears when they fall like rain
The flame can evoke strong emotions that bring tears and cannot be controlled
Beware my child
Be cautious and vigilant, especially when it comes to matters of the heart
Beware
Be aware of potential dangers and risks that come with strong emotions and passion
To take care my friend
Take care of yourself and be mindful of your well-being
Got to take care
It is essential to take care of oneself in order to manage the intensity of emotions that come with the flame
You don't know who to love
It can be difficult to discern who to trust and love amidst the intensity and passion of the flame
Don't know who to trust
Uncertainty and doubt can arise when it comes to trusting others in the midst of intense emotions
When it hurts so bad blood flows where it must
The intensity of emotional pain can cause physical reactions such as crying or even tangible discomfort
Unto eternity
The flame can endure and burn persistently for an indefinite amount of time
One day we shall
There may come a time when the intensity of the flame subsides or is resolved
We shall be free
Once the flame is resolved, there may be a sense of liberation, freedom, or relief
When stars rain down like dust
An element of awe or unexpectedness may be present when the flame is resolved
Have heart my child
Stay strong and have courage amidst the intensity and uncertainty of the flame
Oh but you must
Having a strong heart, courage, and resilience is crucial in managing the intensity of the flame
Don't you hang your head
Do not feel defeated or ashamed in the midst of emotional intensity or struggle
Don't you feel no shame
Do not carry shame or guilt in the face of intense emotions or the challenges that come with the flame
If I were with you now
The singer offers support and understanding for the challenges of managing the intensity of the flame
I would do the same
The singer empathizes with the emotional intensity and understands the struggle of managing the flame
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CAMPBELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind