Background Information

"I wrote this about the music industry. It's … Read Full Bio ↴Background Information

"I wrote this about the music industry. It's not actually that political at all. It's basically just saying that if the mainstream doesn't communicate with the marginal people, they'll turn around and create it themselves, ya know? That's really what it was. I felt like the mainstream had stopped catering to me, and I was pissed off that they think that my mental age was twelve. You know how everything is geared up towards, like, brainwashing people and telling them that they're dumber than they actually are, or thinking that people aren't capable of digesting more what they are actually capable of digesting. And I really felt like I was hearing a lot of that with the music industry people sort of going, You can't really talk about politics in music. You can?t talk about this in music. You have to keep your music real simple so people get it.And really, we were actually playing a part in dumbing people down, and I felt like I didn't really want to be a part of that and I wanted to make a statement and be like, no! You can carry on doing that this is how you build the other."

Fire Fire
M.I.A. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I could spend a lifetime, stare at those eyes
You set it off, fire burning inside
If you really love me, then baby, don't lie
If you really love me, then baby, let's ride
I could spend a lifetime, stare at those eyes
You set it off, fire burning inside
If you really love me, then baby, don't lie
If you really love me, then baby, let's ride (Let's ride)

If you really love me, just say you the know vibe
I'll see you around in five 'cause you know I'll make the time for you (Yeah)
You know I'll make the time
I'll lay here by your side 'cause you know I'm only down for you
Oh we could do some things or we could take it slow
Just let me hit the brakes so I can let 'em go (Oh)
Want you to let me know, woah, yeah
Pour another drink and let the liquor flow (Let it flow)
Pulling all the drapes so we can set it low (We can set it low)
Like ain't nobody home (Like ain't nobody home)
I could spend a lifetime, stare at those eyes
You set it off, fire burning inside
If you really love me, then baby, don't lie
If you really love me, then baby, let's ride
I could spend a lifetime, stare at those eyes (Ooh, oh yeah)
You set it off, fire burning inside (Oh)
If you really love me, then baby, don't lie
If you really love me, then baby, let's ride (Let's ride)
I could tell you all the little things (The little things)
That you do to help me ease the pain (The pain, yeah)
But if you think it's time to raise the stakes (To raise the stakes, yeah)
Well, baby, that can be arranged (Ooh yeah)
Oh we could do some things or we could take it slow
I'll let you set the pace so I can let it go (Oh)
Want you to let me know, woah, yeah
Pour another drink and let the liquor flow (Let it flow)
Pulling all the drapes so we can set it low (We can set it low)
Like ain't nobody home (Like ain't nobody home)
I could spend a lifetime, stare at those eyes (Ooh, oh yeah)
You set it off, fire burning inside (Inside, yeah)
If you really love me, then baby, don't lie (Hey, yeah)
If you really love me, then baby, let's ride
I could spend a lifetime, stare at those eyes (Ooh, oh)
You set it off, fire burning inside (Hey, yeah)
If you really love me, then baby, don't lie
If you really love me, then baby, let's ride (Let's ride)
Ooh ooh, I could spend a lifetime, yeah

Oh yeah, I could spend a lifetime, yeah
Ooh, ooh (I could spend a lifetime)

Overall Meaning

In M.I.A.’s song Fire Fire, the lyrics describe a passionate love and desire between two people. The singer is enamored with their partner’s eyes, which set off a fire inside of them. The chorus repeats the lines “If you really love me, then baby, don’t lie / If you really love me, then baby, let’s ride,” expressing the singer’s desire for their lover to be truthful and committed to them. The verses describe the potential for a deep connection and a willingness to take things slow or fast, depending on the partner’s wishes. The tone of the song is sensual and romantic, with a strong emphasis on the physical and emotional connection between the two lovers.

Line by Line Meaning

I could spend a lifetime, stare at those eyes
I am completely enamored with you and could spend forever staring into your eyes.

You set it off, fire burning inside
Your presence has ignited a strong passion within me.

If you really love me, then baby, don't lie
I need your love to be genuine and true, please don't deceive me.

If you really love me, then baby, let's ride
If you truly love me, let's embark on a journey together.

If you really love me, just say you the know vibe
If you truly love me, you'll be able to sense and understand my energy and mood.

I'll see you around in five 'cause you know I'll make the time for you (Yeah)
I will always make time for you no matter what, and I'll see you soon.

You know I'll make the time
I prioritize spending time with you and will always make it happen.

I'll lay here by your side 'cause you know I'm only down for you
I'll always be there for you and stay by your side, I'm dedicated to you.

Oh we could do some things or we could take it slow
We have the option to experience new things together or simply take our time and enjoy the present.

Just let me hit the brakes so I can let 'em go (Oh)
Allow me to pause and take a break so I can release any stress or worries.

Pour another drink and let the liquor flow (Let it flow)
Let's relax and enjoy ourselves, have another drink and let loose.

Pulling all the drapes so we can set it low (We can set it low)
Let's create a cozy, intimate atmosphere by dimming the lights and drawing the curtains.

Like ain't nobody home (Like ain't nobody home)
Let's pretend that we're alone and able to fully let go and be ourselves in this moment.

I could tell you all the little things (The little things)
I appreciate every small gesture or action you do for me.

That you do to help me ease the pain (The pain, yeah)
Your kindness and support helps me to cope with any difficulties or hardships I'm facing.

But if you think it's time to raise the stakes (To raise the stakes, yeah)
If you're ready to take our relationship to the next level, I'm ready too.

Well, baby, that can be arranged (Ooh yeah)
I'm open to exploring a deeper level of commitment with you.

I'll let you set the pace so I can let it go (Oh)
I trust you to take the lead in our relationship and I'll follow your lead.

Ooh ooh, I could spend a lifetime, yeah
I truly believe that you're worth spending a lifetime with and I cherish every moment we have together.

Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Chase Christian

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS