Build a Fire
The KLF Lyrics


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Pulled up to rest, let the engine cool awhile
Open the beans, gather wood for the fire
I hum this tune, to all the girls I've known
Should I care, about the chances I've blown?

Build a fire, they're gonna build a fire
Build a fire, they're gonna build a fire
They're gonna build a fire
They're gonna build a fire

When daylight breaks, I'll be down that road
Rockman 'an me, with a lighter load
We'll stop for lunch, in some taco bar
Lee Marvin on the jukebox, 'Wanderin Star'





Build a fire, they're gonna build a fire
Build a fire, they're gonna build a fire

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The KLF's song "Build a Fire" talk about taking a rest after a journey, lighting a fire, and enjoying the moment. The first two lines of the song are a reference to the idea of taking a break and letting the engine cool down, while the following lines describe the gathering of wood for the fire, and the hum of a tune being sung to all the girls the artist has known. The lyrical hook "Build a Fire" suggests the primal human tendency of gathering around a fire in the wilderness or a new environment and making friends or finding emotional and social warmth. The songwriter questions whether it is his responsibility to worry about the opportunities he's missed in life.


The verses of the song continue with the description of the journey the singer takes with a friend, with the artist and Rockman travelling with a lighter load in the morning. They stop for lunch at a taco bar and listen to Lee Marvin's classic track, 'Wanderin Star', on the jukebox. The song concludes with the repetition of the chorus: "Build a fire, they're gonna build a fire," with its captivating and inviting tone reminding the listener of the importance of going through the journey of life with a sense of ease.


Overall, the song encourages the listener to pause, relax and appreciate life's moments, and even if they make mistakes, there is still something ahead to be happy about.


Line by Line Meaning

Pulled up to rest, let the engine cool awhile
Stopped the car, allowed the engine to cool before continuing to drive


Open the beans, gather wood for the fire
Prepare food and collect firewood for warmth and cooking


I hum this tune, to all the girls I've known
Reflecting on past romances and serenading them mentally


Should I care, about the chances I've blown?
Questioning the importance of missed opportunities in the past


Build a fire, they're gonna build a fire
Emphasizing the necessity and inevitability of creating a fire for survival


When daylight breaks, I'll be down that road
Planning to continue traveling when the sun rises


Rockman 'an me, with a lighter load
Traveling companion and I, with fewer belongings


We'll stop for lunch, in some taco bar
Intending to take a break and eat at a Mexican restaurant


Lee Marvin on the jukebox, 'Wanderin Star'
Referring to a song playing in the restaurant


Build a fire, they're gonna build a fire
Reiterating the importance of fire-building for survival




Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: James Francis Cauty, William Ernest Drummond

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Jesucrista

Me lleva directamente a mi adolescencia en la radio

Simon Spiers

This track half way through the album as like an interlude. Its a great song, one of my favourites.

TheMrSwilly

Couldnt have put it better :)

Nick Rose

still as good as it was back then!

Kaiser Basileus

This one's underrated.

DEATH BY ROBOTS(argentina)

es re twin peaks q buen album este .....lo escuche en su momento pero no le preste demasiada atencion

Juraj Bečka

the sound of solitude...

Charlie Media

WOW WHAT A BANGER FOR AFTER RAVEING ALL-NIGHTERS ...LAW 0/

David Ryan

Classic !

Goran H

recreated angelo badalamenti bass line from twin peaks

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