Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazareth_(band)
Studio albums
Nazareth (1971)
Exercises (1972)
Razamanaz (1973)
Loud 'n' Proud (1973)
Rampant (1974)
Hair of the Dog (1975)
Close Enough for Rock 'n' Roll (1976)
Play 'n' the Game (1976)
Expect No Mercy (1977)
No Mean City (1979)
Malice in Wonderland (1980)
The Fool Circle (1981)
2XS (1982)
Sound Elixir (1983)
The Catch (1984)
Cinema (1986)
Snakes 'n' Ladders (1989)
No Jive (1991)
Move Me (1994)
Boogaloo (1998)
The Newz (2008)
Big Dogz (2011)
Rock 'n' Roll Telephone (2014)
Tattooed on My Brain (2018)
Surviving the Law (2022)
Burning Down
Nazareth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So long to say yes
Why don't they just say no?
They don't need anyone to be put to the test
Why don't they let us go
Livin' for the right to be, livin' for the right
Livin' for the right to be, livin' for the right
We needed a plan, we needed defenses
We couldn't raise a smile
As the world looked on, they raided our senses
There can be no reconcile
Burning down, burning down, burning down, burning down
There was a time before life was taken for granted
'Will never come again
Our flower is dead, the seed is unplanted
They put it all to flame
Burning down, burning down, burning down, burning down
Livin' for the right to be, livin' for the right
Livin' for the right to be, livin' for the right
Livin' for the right to be free
Livin' for the right to be, livin' for the right
Livin' for the right to be, livin' for the right
Livin' for the right to be free
Burning down, burning down , burning down , burning down
The lyrics of Nazareth's song "Burning Down" portray a feeling of frustration and helplessness towards a situation that is out of one’s control. The opening lines question the long time taken for someone to give an affirmative response, and why they can’t just say no if they aren't willing to agree. The singer seems to feel trapped and helpless, as if they are being put to the test without their consent. They plead for the freedom to live their life, without being constrained by someone else's expectations or judgment.
The second verse emphasizes the need for a plan to protect themselves, but they are unable to even raise a smile as every action is scrutinized. They feel like their senses have been raided and there is no chance for reconciliation. The chorus is repetitive and reflects the desire to be able to live free and without restrictions. The reference to "burning down" in the title is symbolic of the destruction of all they have worked for, as everything they have built has been brought down to ashes.
Overall, the lyrics of "Burning Down" depict a sense of anguish and desperation towards a situation that seems to have no positive outcomes. The song captures the emotions of feeling trapped, frustrated by the obstacles preventing you from achieving your dreams, and the inability to control external factors. The repeated emphasis on the right to be free and live one's life is a universal sentiment that resonates with many people.
Line by Line Meaning
If it takes them so long
Expressing frustration at the delay of a decision
So long to say yes
The delay is due to the indecisiveness of the decision-makers
Why don't they just say no?
Rather than prolonging the decision, it would be better for them to outright reject the proposal instead
They don't need anyone to be put to the test
They do not require any further information or evidence to make a decision
Why don't they let us go
As the delay is already frustrating enough, it would be better for them to let the proposers make their own decisions
We needed a plan, we needed defenses
Expressing the need for a strategy or protection
We couldn't raise a smile
Unable to find anything positive or hopeful
As the world looked on, they raided our senses
The events were traumatizing and overwhelming
There can be no reconcile
The situation cannot be mended or fixed
Burning down, burning down, burning down, burning down
Repetition of the phrase emphasizes the destruction and chaos
There was a time before life was taken for granted
Recalling a time when things were easier and simpler
'Will never come again
Nostalgia for a time that can never be relived
Our flower is dead, the seed is unplanted
A metaphor for the destruction/death of potential
They put it all to flame
The cause of destruction is external and intentional
Livin' for the right to be, livin' for the right
Cherishing the freedom and autonomy to make one's own choices and decisions
Livin' for the right to be free
The main desire and motivation, to live without restrictions or limitations
Burning down, burning down, burning down, burning down
Repeated for emphasis, reminding of the destruction and chaos caused
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BILLY RANKIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dylan Maher
on Black Betty
What year did Nazareth record Black Betty ?