The Beau Brummels were an American rock band, formed in San Francisco in 19… Read Full Bio ↴The Beau Brummels were an American rock band, formed in San Francisco in 1964. The band's original lineup included Sal Valentino (lead vocals), Ron Elliott (lead guitar and main songwriter), Ron Meagher (bass guitar), Declan Mulligan (rhythm guitar, bass, harmonica), and John Petersen (drums). The Beau Brummels were discovered by Autumn Records, where Sylvester Stewart—later known as Sly Stone—produced the group's early recording sessions. Initially, the band's musical style blended beat music and folk music, and has been described as early and influential folk rock. Much like their contemporaries, The Byrds, their early music drew comparisons to the Beatles. Their later work incorporated other music genres such as psychedelic rock and country rock.

The Beau Brummels broke into the mainstream with their debut single, "Laugh, Laugh", for which they would later be credited for setting the aesthetic foundation for the San Francisco Sound. The band's popularity continued with the subsequent album, 1965's Introducing the Beau Brummels, and the Top 10 single "Just a Little". The group's commercial success declined by the following year, at which time the financially struggling Autumn label was acquired by Warner Bros. Records. After recording an album of cover songs, Beau Brummels '66, the band released a pair of critically acclaimed albums: Triangle in 1967 and Bradley's Barn in 1968.

The band underwent several personnel changes, beginning with Mulligan's departure in 1965. Guitarist Don Irving joined the band in late 1965 when Elliott began to suffer seizures resulting from a diabetic condition, leaving him unable to tour with the band. Shortly after the release of Beau Brummels '66, Irving left the group when he was inducted into the armed forces. Petersen left to join Harpers Bizarre, reducing the Beau Brummels to a trio for the recording of Triangle. Meagher was drafted for military service in 1968, leaving Valentino and Elliott as the only remaining band members. The duo worked with prominent Nashville session musicians to record Bradley's Barn before parting ways in 1969 to focus on solo material and participate in projects by other artists. The five original Beau Brummels reformed in 1974, and the band released an eponymous album the following year.

Play With Fire
The Beau Brummels Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Well, you've got your diamonds and
You've got your pretty clothes
And the chauffeur drives your car
You let everybody know

But don't play with me
'Cause you're playing with fire...

Your father took your diamonds and
Tiaras by the score
Now you gets your kicks in Stepney
Not in Knightsbridge anymore

So don't play with me
'Cause you're playing with fire...

[Instrumental Bridge]

Now you've got your diamonds and
You shall have some others
But you'd better watch your step, girl
Or start living with your mother

So don't play with me
'Cause you're playing with fire...

So don't play with me
'Cause you're playing with fire...

Overall Meaning

The Beau Brummels's song 'Play With Fire' is a warning to a wealthy and spoiled woman who flaunts her wealth in front of everyone. The lyrics describe how she has diamonds, pretty clothes, and a personal chauffeur. However, the singer cautions her not to play with him because she is playing with fire. He is not interested in her wealth; instead, he is warning her about the inevitable downfall she could face in a relationship with him. He implies that she can't handle the sort of passion and intensity he wants to offer her. Despite her wealth and status, he is not interested in letting her play around with him, as he considers himself a force to be reckoned with.

The singer then talks about how the woman's father has taken her diamonds and tiaras, and she now gets her kicks in Stepney rather than Knightsbridge. The warning is even more urgent now that the woman has lost some of her wealth, and he says that she'd better watch her step or start living with her mother. The singer is ultimately warning her to beware of the consequences of playing with fire.

Line by Line Meaning

Well, you've got your diamonds and
You possess material wealth in the form of diamonds

You've got your pretty clothes
You have attractive clothing

And the chauffeur drives your car
You have a chauffeur to drive your car

You let everybody know
You make it obvious to others

But don't play with me
However, don't try to manipulate me

'Cause you're playing with fire...
because it has serious consequences

Your father took your diamonds and
Your father confiscated your diamonds

Tiaras by the score
You had numerous tiaras

Now you gets your kicks in Stepney
Now you find enjoyment in a less affluent area

Not in Knightsbridge anymore
You no longer indulge in the luxurious environment of Knightsbridge

So don't play with me
So it's best if you don't try to mess with me