Mike Posner is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. He has collaborated with such artists as Kid Cudi, Wale, Big Sean, Bun B, One Be Lo, Eric Holljes, and 3OH!3. He worked with Don Cannon and DJ Benzi on his first mixtape, "A Matter of Time," which was released in early 2009. In early 2009, he hired manager Daniel Weisman of Elitaste, Inc, who also manages Wale.
In July 2009, Posner signed a major label deal with J Records (RCA/Sony).
Posner's second mixtape, "One Foot Out The Door" was released on October 27, 2009.
The web series accompanying this mixtape, also titled "One Foot Out The Door," first aired on September 30, and ran every other week through December 2009.
He performed on national television for the first time on the TV show Last Call with Carson Daly on Tuesday, October 27, 2009.
In 2015-16, his comeback single "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" charted in the Top 10 in dozens of countries. In 2021, Posner's 2010 single "Please Don't Go" went viral on TikTok, where where users would wear a scarf and glasses and drive in a car.
Staring at the Fire
Mike Posner Lyrics
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I stand next to what I hate just for the thrill
Spent the first quarter of my life on a million dollar bill
'Cause I can't stop staring at the fire
We've got our crosses and our buildings, built 'em tall
And my book's another brick inside the wall
We sure make ourselves feel busy, but we don't do much at all
Except sit around and stare at the fire
Opposite, a block full of police
But they both have the same problem with God as you and me
It's that they can't stop staring at the fire
Watch it burn, burn, burn
Watch it burn, burn, burn
Watch it burn, burn, burn
Watch it burn, burn, burn
Went to an ashram a million miles from here
An old man on a blanket appeared
He waved me to come closer, and he whispered in my ear
"Son, you've got to stop staring at the fire"
But all my ego trips come in flocks
And they tell me, "Kid, it's really not that hot"
Take your anxiety and your guilt, just throw it all on top
Now I can't stop standing in the fire
Oh, watch me burn, burn, burn
Watch me burn, burn, burn
Watch me burn, burn, burn
Watch me burn, burn, burn
Oh, watch me burn, burn, burn
Watch me burn, burn, burn
Watch me burn, burn, burn
Watch me burn, burn, burn
The lyrics of Mike Posner's song "Staring at the Fire" delve into the theme of restlessness, self-destructive tendencies, and the struggle to break free from destructive patterns. The singer admits to always having difficulty staying still, as they are drawn to things they know are harmful or negative just for the excitement it brings. This behavior has led them to waste a significant portion of their life chasing material wealth and temporary thrills, effectively numbing themselves to the point where all they can do is stare at the fire - a symbol of both destruction and fascination.
The song continues to explore the metaphorical buildings and crosses we construct in our lives, representing our societal norms, religious beliefs, and personal barriers. Despite our constant busyness and activity, the singer laments that we often fail to truly engage in meaningful actions or introspection, instead getting caught up in superficial distractions. Even in the face of protests and clashes between different groups, the underlying issue for all parties, including the singer, is their inability to look away from the destructive allure of the fire, which could signify chaos, desires, or inner turmoil.
The narrative takes a turn as the singer recounts a transformative experience at an ashram far away, where an elder advises them to break free from the obsessive cycle of staring at the fire. This moment symbolizes a potential awakening or realization for the singer, as they come to understand the necessity of letting go of ego-driven impulses and facing the uncomfortable truths within themselves. However, the pull of their ego and ingrained behaviors prove strong, leading them to acknowledge that they are now engulfed in the flames they once simply observed.
The chorus "Watch me burn, burn, burn" serves as a powerful repetition throughout the song, underscoring the singer's struggles with self-destructive tendencies, self-awareness, and the ongoing battle to break free from the seductive but destructive forces that hold them captive. The imagery of burning can be interpreted as both a metaphorical purification process and a warning of the consequences of being consumed by one's own destructive behaviors. Ultimately, the lyrics of "Staring at the Fire" convey a poignant reflection on the cyclical nature of self-sabotage, introspection, and the eternal struggle to break free from destructive patterns and find true transformation.
Line by Line Meaning
I've always had trouble staying still
I struggle to remain stagnant and unmoving
I stand next to what I hate just for the thrill
I seek out things I despise for excitement and adrenaline
Spent the first quarter of my life on a million dollar bill
My early years were consumed by material wealth and excess
'Cause I can't stop staring at the fire
Because I am endlessly fixated on the flames
We've got our crosses and our buildings, built 'em tall
We have erected symbols of faith and structure, reaching great heights
And my book's another brick inside the wall
My story contributes to the barriers that separate us
We sure make ourselves feel busy, but we don't do much at all
We keep ourselves occupied, yet accomplish very little
Except sit around and stare at the fire
Except for engaging in contemplation of the inferno
And the protesters have gathered in the streets
Activists have assembled in protest outdoors
Opposite, a block full of police
Across from them stands a crowd of law enforcement officers
But they both have the same problem with God as you and me
They all share a common struggle with their beliefs in a higher power
It's that they can't stop staring at the fire
Their fixation on the flames prevents them from moving forward
Went to an ashram a million miles from here
Travelled to a distant ashram for spiritual guidance
An old man on a blanket appeared
Encountered an elderly man seated on a blanket
He waved me to come closer, and he whispered in my ear
He gestured for me to approach and shared his wisdom with me
"Son, you've got to stop staring at the fire"
"My son, you must break free from your fixation on the flames"
But all my ego trips come in flocks
My moments of self-importance arrive in rapid succession
And they tell me, "Kid, it's really not that hot"
They reassure me that the intensity is not as great as perceived
Take your anxiety and your guilt, just throw it all on top
Pile up your worries and remorse to confront them head-on
Now I can't stop standing in the fire
Now I find myself unable to step away from the flames
Oh, watch me burn, burn, burn
Observe as I experience the scorching heat
Watch me burn, burn, burn
Witness me engulfed in flames
Watch me burn, burn, burn
See me consumed by the fire
Watch me burn, burn, burn
Watch me as I am devoured by the inferno
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Mike Posner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind