As teenagers, the band members, like most rock 'n' roll groups, were intent on becoming pop stars. Instead of creating a brand-new sound or striving for something different, their philosophy was to take popular styles of rock 'n' roll and push them to the edge. It was at that that the band excelled. The passion and soul they pumped into their music on is still in the grooves of each record. And although they set out to be nothing more than a "typical" rock group, they made some of the most atypical records of the 1960s!
Forming in late 1965, the Shadows of Knight were all friends and aquaintances, except for lead singer Jim Sohns, whom they stole from a rival group. The group's early sounds were highly influenced by black music and by white British interpretations of black music. Venturing into hard-edged R&B, the group made two LP' for Dunwich Records within its first year (both records now available again, thanks to Sundazed Records). Those albums are essential listening for anyone who loves the gritty early sounds of groups like the Rolling Stones and the Pretty Things. Of course, it's their version of Them's "Gloria" that shot the Shadows to the top of the American pop charts. Their rise to fame was fast, and the pressures were very hard for the group to handle. By 1967, the group, disillusioned by its mismanagement, began to fall apart. Guitarist Jerry McGeorge went on to form the understated H.P. Lovecraft. Both the bassist Joe Kelly and the drummer Tim Schiffour held out for more straight-ahead blues in the Joe Kelly Blues Band. Jim Sohns held on.
By late 1968, Sohns was the only surviving member, legally securing the Shadows of Knight name for himself. The "group" was then contracted with by bubblegum producers Kasenetz and Katz to record under that name for K&K's Teem Records label. Grabbing at any straw handed to him, Sohns quickly moved to New York, assembled a group of musicians, and went on to record some of the best records of the bubblegum genre.
A master at interpreting popular sounds, Sohns was able to take teen appeal and mix it with his gritty soulful voice for an unbelievable version of "Shake." Jim (under various psuedonyms) is also quite obviously the vocalist on many other soulful bubblegum songs pressed for K&K labels. Firmly grounded in the bubblegum genre and sensing another change in popular music, Jim began to have an interest in harder rock 'n' roll sounds. His last great single is perhaps the most perfect melding of rock and bubblegum sounds: "Run, Run Billy Porter"/ "My Fire Department Needs A Fireman."
Although Sohns kept the Shadows of Knight name alive, he lost his chart-topping drive in 1969 and began to rehash his earlier Chicago career, so his subsequent records are neither timely nor so impassioned.
On July 29th 2022, Jim Sohns passed away from complications due to a stroke. He was 75 years old.
My Fire Department Needs A Fireman
The Shadows of Knight Lyrics
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You better turn in the fire alarm
My temperature's about a hundred and ten
'Cause that's the mood my baby puts me in
(I said) my fire department needs a fireman
(Baby) but good hot lovin' is so hard to stand
(Come on) my fire department needs a fireman
Open up your door and let me in
Fire's gettin' hotter, it's burnin' within
I feel like I'm standin' in a red hot oven
When she stops givin' me her good good lovin'
(You know) my fire department needs a fireman
(Jerry) butgood hot lovin' is so hard to stand
(Good god) my fire department needs a fireman
But good hot lovin' is so hard to stand
Got to have your lovin', got to have your fire
C'mon baby, you're a real live wire
Open up your door, woman, let me in
The fire's gettin' hotter, it's burnin' within
(I said) my fire department needs a fireman
(Baby) but good hot lovin' is so hard to stand
(Come) my fire department needs a fireman
(Good god) but good hot lovin' is so hard to stand (ah)
My fire department needs a fireman
(Oh) but good hot lovin' is so hard to stand
(I said) my fire department needs a fireman
But good hot
The lyrics to The Shadows of Knight's song "My Fire Department Needs A Fireman" depict a passionate and intense desire for love and physical connection. The singer expresses that their partner, referred to as "baby," has the ability to ignite their desires and turn them on. The line "My temperature's about a hundred and ten, 'Cause that's the mood my baby puts me in" highlights the intense arousal and excitement that this person feels when they are with their partner.
The repetition of the line "my fire department needs a fireman" emphasizes the urgency and intensity of their desire for physical intimacy. They compare their desire for love and passion to a fire that needs a fireman to be put out or controlled. They acknowledge that while they need the fireman (symbolizing their partner), the intense heat of their passion can be hard to handle at times.
The lyrics also suggest that the singer's partner holds power over them. When their partner withholds their "good good lovin'," it feels like standing in a red hot oven. This further emphasizes the intensity of their desire and the impact their partner has on them emotionally and physically.
Overall, "My Fire Department Needs A Fireman" explores the theme of burning desire, passionate love, and the references to fire and heat create a vivid and intense imagery related to the singer's longing for their partner's love and physical connection.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JERRY KASENETZ, JEFFRY KATZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Schlote
When I was in 4th grade I got shipped to my Aunts and my cousin had this record and I played it to death the whole week I was there. Imagine my surprise to find it in my suit case when I got home. I was worried they would think I stole it and hid it when ever they came to visit. I would guess my aunt put it in my luggage because that loud Rock N Roll drove her nuts and she wanted ride of that 45. Lol
BK007
This is bubblegum music produced by 10cc at strawberry studios in 1969. Eric Stewart plays the guitar and Graham Gouldman is also involved.