If we are going to think about symbolism in music, then there aren’t many better words that convey emotions than “fire.” For years, songwriters have been using the word to represent a range of emotions. Therefore, it won’t be too difficult to find some of the best songs about fire.
It has been used metaphorically to describe love, jealousy, and hate. Likewise, it can be used relative to passion, desire, and anger. It can be used as a negative connotation as much as a positive one. Such a wide usage means we are going to find a range of emotions in this list. So, let’s get started with…
Contents
- Top 115 Best Songs About Fire
- 1 Light My Fire by Jose Feliciano
- 2 Fireball by Deep Purple
- 3 Fire by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
- 4 Fire by The Crazy World of Arthur Brown
- 5 Chariots Of Fire by Vangelis
- 6 Play With Fire by The Rolling Stones
- 7 We Didn’t Start The Fire by Billy Joel
- 8 Eternal Flame by The Bangles
- 9 Fire And Ice by Pat Benatar
- 10 Fire And Water by Free
- 11 Fire by The Ohio Players
- 12 Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple
- 13 Great Balls of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis
- 14 Fire and Rain by James Taylor
- 15 Into the Fire by Dokken
- 16 Burnin’ for You by Blue Öyster Cult
- 17 Light Up the Sky by Yellowcard
- 18 Set Fire to the Rain by Adele
- 19 The Fire by The Roots feat. John Legend
- 20 Fire Woman by The Cult
- 21 House on Fire by Rise Against
- 22 Wheels on Fire by Bob Dylan
- 23 This Fire by Franz Ferdinand
- 24 I’m on Fire by Bruce Springsteen
- 25 Burn by Ellie Goulding
- 26 The Fire Down Below by Bob Seger
- 27 Disco Inferno by The Trammps
- 28 House of Fire by Alice Cooper
- 29 Fire on the Mountain by Grateful Dead
- 30 Ashes to Ashes by David Bowie
- 31 Burn the Witch by Radiohead
- 32 Ashes by Celine Dion
- 33 Fireproof by One Direction
- 34 In Flames by In Flames
- 35 Fire in My Soul by Oliver Heldens ft. Shungudzo
- 36 I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing by Aerosmith
- 37 Wildfire by John Mayer
- 38 Cold as Ice by Foreigner
- 39 Burning Love by Elvis Presley
- 40 Heat of the Moment by Asia
- 41 Hot in Herre by Nelly
- 42 Set the World on Fire by Black Veil Brides
- 43 Firefly by Breaking Benjamin
- 44 Hot Blooded by Foreigner
- 45 The Burn by Matchbox Twenty
- 46 Phoenix by Fall Out Boy
- 47 Fire and the Flood by Vance Joy
- 48 Love is a Fire by Courrier
- 49 Flames by Sia & David Guetta.
- 50 Backdraft by La Flame ft. Travis Scott
- More Best Songs About Fire
- Want to Find More Amazing Songs?
- Best Songs About Fire – Conclusion
Top 115 Best Songs About Fire
1
Light My Fire by Jose Feliciano
Most people would probably opt for The Doors version of this memorable song about fire. They did write it, after all. But, not being a fan of theirs at all, I have included this version. I happen to think it is better anyway, regardless of what I like or don’t.
It first appeared as a B-side to his version of “California Dreaming.” He is one of these people who are passionate about music and its opportunity for creativity. That has often got him into hot water with narrow-minded people who are reluctant to see any benefit in experimentation.
His version of this song has a laid-back Latin feel, with some excellent guitar work.
2
Fireball by Deep Purple
Album: Fireball
Taken from the album of the same name, this was the follow-up to Deep Purple in Rock. That was always going to be a hard act to follow. Nevertheless, it still got to #1 in the UK Album chart and other European countries and did okay in America.
“Fireball,” the single, only performed reasonably well, reaching #15 in the UK. This was “Deep Purple 2.0,” you could say. And the single and album were recorded under difficult circumstances.
Trial by fire?
Keyboard player, Jon Lord, had long suffered with his back over the years. This was caused by lifting his Hammond C3 organ around even before Purple. Bass player Roger Glover had problems with his stomach which caused him to miss some gigs.
The in-fighting between Blackmore and Gillan had started over who was the more important member of the band. But they managed to get this album out. And, whilst not as good musically as some, it has stood the test of time.
3
Fire by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Jimi Hendrix created the riff and had the original idea at Jim Marshall’s shop in Hanwell, West London. The band had returned to London from the South Coast of England after New Year 1966 to 1967. It was recorded a few weeks later for the album, Are You Experienced.
Let me tell you a tale…
It was in 1966 that Jim, Mitch, and Noel began to make their mark on the London club scene. They were all still new to each other and learning. Jimi created the riff and wanted Mitch to use some of his jazz drumming skills for the fills. Let’s say he half did that.
Mitch, at that time, was quite formal, but still a creative drummer. He had been taught jazz drumming by Jim Marshall himself. He had played in a few local bands, but this was different. Therefore, he was unsure about going too far. Especially, as he later said, “You didn’t know where Jimi was going to go next.”
We all know what happened next…
This is a song that featured in the stage set for years. It was a song that showed Jimi at his brilliant best, or occasionally at his “out of tune and everything else,” terrible worst. Either way, this is one of the best songs about fire ever written. We thank Mitch for that.
4
Fire by The Crazy World of Arthur Brown
“I am the God of Hellfire”. That’s how he would introduce this song and often his stage set. Here was one of the original music anarchists. A man with two characters in many ways. The inventor of “Shock Rock,” who Alice Cooper says inspired him and was the reason for his later theatrics. But, was also a kind man who would do anything to help anyone.
Heaven only knows what the “you can’t do that because of the health and safety” brigade would say today. He lit the stage up in more ways than one.
Sweetness and Light
All the pleasant, little sweetness and light ‘poppy’ bands of 1968 were given a rude awakening. Here was a man with an operatic voice, piercing scream, and a crazed expression who wanted to burn you.
It was a song written by Arthur Brown, Vincent Crane (later of Atomic Rooster), Mike Finesilver, and Peter Ker. It was powerful, with a heavy organ sound, not something that was very common then.
I suppose you could call him a one-hit-wonder because he didn’t achieve such success again. But, if he was a one-hit-wonder, it was some hit. Certainly, one of the most unique songs talking about fire.
5
Chariots Of Fire by Vangelis
Mention music that instantly reminds you of a particular film, and this is probably at the top of some people’s list. The music was composed by Vangelis Papathanassiou, better known as Vangelis.
He was a Greek composer of electronic music. On this track, the bulk of the sounds came from a Yamaha CS-80 synth.
As a film, Chariots Of Fire was honored in just about every way possible. The album topped the chart in America and was successful in other countries. It was used at the London Summer Olympic Games in 2012 for every medal ceremony.
Appropriate, considering what happened with two British sprinters at the Paris Olympics, that was the story of the film. It made a pleasant change to watch a film that stayed as close to “actual” history rather than a film studio’s “distorted” and manipulated version of it.
6
Play With Fire by The Rolling Stones
Many people offer opinions on the Stones and their performances in and around 1965 when this track was released. The vast, overwhelming majority of whom never saw them in the early 60s in London.
The fact is, The Rolling Stones were just not as good as The Beatles. Lennon and McCartney had already established themselves as songwriters that could never be matched in the ‘pop’ world. Furthermore, The Stones may not even have been the best band in West London at that time. Most thought The Yardbirds were better; the Who certainly were.
When success came…
They had a go at writing their songs. Of course, they had to. Ballads like “Angie,” “As Tears Go By,” and “Ruby Tuesday,” along with the rocker “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” were all very good songs.
“Angie” is still one of my favorite tracks from that period. And there were others over the years. But none in the same league as the ‘White’ Album and Sgt. Pepper’s.
Deserved More Than B-Side Status
But, if we’re talking about good songs they wrote, then I think “Play With Fire” should be in there somewhere. Additionally, it’s a great song that uses fire in the lyrics.
Released as the B-side to “The Last Time” in 1965, it was in some ways overlooked. It was better than that. I happen to think it was a good song about getting involved with a woman when perhaps you shouldn’t.
7
We Didn’t Start The Fire by Billy Joel
Sometimes, you come across a song that is just “clever.” This is one of them. An interesting piece of work from the album Storm Front.
This song uses the spoken word, except in its chorus. It takes major, and local events from the years 1949, the year of his birth, until 1989, the year he wrote it. It is just a series of historical statements referring to the incidents. But, it is very cleverly written and rhymed.
Criticisms
It took its fair share of criticism in some quarters. One high-profile observer remarked that it wasn’t a song at all. I don’t agree; just because the words are spoken and not sung does not make it any less of a song.
The words are an indication that we are not wholly to blame for the mess the world is in at the moment. He has got a point, of course; it isn’t all our fault. But we certainly seem to enjoy fanning the flames to make sure it gets worse. I did enjoy the little fire pun there. Sorry.
8
Eternal Flame by The Bangles
Taken from the 1988 album, Everything, this was described in its marketing paraphernalia as a power ballad. I don’t think so. Out in that same year came “Listen To Your Heart” by Roxette. That was a power ballad.
As a song about flames, it is better described as a pretty little love song. Because that’s what it is. It is a song about love and the hope that it is reciprocated by the object of their attention.
Inspired by Elvis?
Partly written by band member and vocalist Susanna Hoffs, it was inspired by a visit they made to Graceland, where an “eternal flame” is burning to Presley’s memory. Except, it wasn’t that day because it was raining, but the thought is there.
It was a big success in a lot of countries, which is not surprising. Written with that sweet ‘pop’ thing in mind, it hit #1 in the UK, America, and ten other countries. The album was quite good as well. Nothing fancy, just good, solid soft rock. A very good track.
9
Fire And Ice by Pat Benatar
There are some similarities in the career of Pat Benatar to those of British singer Kiki Dee. They both seemed to promise so much. Both did reasonably well. But, neither reached the heights that may have been expected of them.
This track from Benatar is a good example of what I mean. A very good song that she co-wrote and delivered in her punchy style. It was released in 1981 on her album, Precious Time.
It wasn’t a great success as it only reached #17 in America and did nothing much elsewhere. Nevertheless, a good track from an, at times and in some quarters, underrated singer. And this is a list of the best songs about fire. So, in it goes.
10
Fire And Water by Free
Taken from the album of the same name released in 1970, this album was their breakthrough. This was their third album, and whilst the other two did very little, Fire And Water did well.
It went to #2 on the UK Album charts and stayed there for over four months. It also reached #17 on the American Album chart.
Destined for greatness…
That was the expression that was used about the band after this track and album. They dominated the Isle Of Wight Festival in 1970. But, unfortunately, issues got in the way. The “greatness” predicted didn’t materialize, except in the eyes of those fans that stayed with them.
We are left with this track that shows just how good they were.
11
Fire by The Ohio Players
Let’s change style and genre and go to this stunning track from The Ohio Players. This seemed to be a time when we were blessed with some great funk music. And funk music meant great drumming and great track-defining bass lines. This was definitely one of those.
You sometimes come across a song that you just can’t sit still when you hear it. The Ohio Players could produce them. Repetitive it might be, but the rhythm section drives it on, and the horns blast through when needed. A superb track that was indicative of its time.
12
Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple
It isn’t possible to list some songs that deal with fire and ignore this one. This is a song with one of the most recognizable guitar riffs you will hear. And, of course, Roger Glover’s thundering bass that will bite you if you get too close.
True Story…
It was taken from their sixth album, Machine Head, which I have always considered the best album they made. This song tells the story of a real fire in Montreux, Switzerland, at the casino by the lake.
Deep Purple had gone there to record as they were behind with making a new album and wanted a peaceful location. They didn’t get much peace, but it did give them one of their best-ever tracks. Anyways, the casino did catch fire in the middle of a Frank Zappa concert. And they sat and watched as the whole place burned to the ground. A tragic start, but a popular song about smoke and fire to this day.
13
Great Balls of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis
For the last two choices, I have picked two tracks with a personal interest. No need to go into why. Back to 1957 for the first one and this classic from Jerry Lee.
It was a song written by Otis Blackwell and Jack Hammer but became synonymous with Lewis. So much so that a film was made about him using the track as its title.
The man was a force of nature, and it is hard to define his stage performance or his personality. He did his country stuff during the show. But, it was when he got into what he did best that the roof went off. And, none more so than when he played this track.
Burning down the house…
It was only his third single to be released and sold well over a million on its first run. And two million in its first two weeks. It went to #1 in the UK but didn’t quite make the top spot on the main American chart.
Although, it did go to #1 on the Country Music charts. That just goes to show how ridiculous these charts are. “Great Balls of Fire” a Country song? Of course, it is.
14
Fire and Rain by James Taylor
Album: Sweet Baby James (2019 Remaster)
Released in 1970, this is one of the greatest tracks recorded since those early 60s days when music changed forever. His lyrical writing holds plenty of sadness that is so noticeable in his voice.
He refers to the suicide of Suzanne, a friend from his childhood. He talks about his addictions, which almost consumed him at one point, and his struggles with fame. Being a very private person, it was hard for him to write all this down.
Lighting new candles…
It didn’t make the top 40 in the UK but reached #3 in America. However, the song and the album reached a whole new set of people that were deeply impressed by his music. Quite right too.
Along with Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, James Taylor is one of the great songwriters of that generation. And this metaphorical use of fire is typical of how he wrote his songs.
15
Into the Fire by Dokken
16
Burnin’ for You by Blue Öyster Cult
17
Light Up the Sky by Yellowcard
18
Set Fire to the Rain by Adele
19
The Fire by The Roots feat. John Legend
20
Fire Woman by The Cult
21
House on Fire by Rise Against
22
Wheels on Fire by Bob Dylan
23
This Fire by Franz Ferdinand
24
I’m on Fire by Bruce Springsteen
25
Burn by Ellie Goulding
26
The Fire Down Below by Bob Seger
27
Disco Inferno by The Trammps
28
House of Fire by Alice Cooper
29
Fire on the Mountain by Grateful Dead
30
Ashes to Ashes by David Bowie
31
Burn the Witch by Radiohead
32
Ashes by Celine Dion
33
Fireproof by One Direction
34
In Flames by In Flames
35
Fire in My Soul by Oliver Heldens ft. Shungudzo
36
I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing by Aerosmith
37
Wildfire by John Mayer
38
Cold as Ice by Foreigner
39
Burning Love by Elvis Presley
40
Heat of the Moment by Asia
41
Hot in Herre by Nelly
42
Set the World on Fire by Black Veil Brides
43
Firefly by Breaking Benjamin
44
Hot Blooded by Foreigner
45
The Burn by Matchbox Twenty
46
Phoenix by Fall Out Boy
47
Fire and the Flood by Vance Joy
48
Love is a Fire by Courrier
49
Flames by Sia & David Guetta.
50
Backdraft by La Flame ft. Travis Scott
More Best Songs About Fire
-
- Burning House by Cam
- This Girl Is on Fire by Whitney Houston
- Firework by Katy Perry
- Fire and Rain by Birdy
- Fire and Brimstone by Linkin Park
- Keep the Fire Burning by REO Speedwagon
- Lit by Steve Aoki ft. Gucci Mane
- Fireside by Arctic Monkeys
- Fire Escape by Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
- Burning Bridges by Ludacris ft. Jason Aldean
- Feeling the Burn by Citizen Cope
- Fireman by Lil Wayne
- Burn It Up by Janet Jackson ft. Missy Elliott
- Catch My Breath by Kelly Clarkson
- The Fire and the Flood by Vance Joy
- The Fireman by George Strait
- Spark by Amy Macdonald
- Trial by Fire by Yelawolf
- Burning in the Skies by Linkin Park
- Burning Down the House by Talking Heads
- Fire Away by Chris Stapleton
- Burn One Down by Ben Harper
- Raging Fire by Phillip Phillips
- She Lit a Fire by Lord Huron
- The Fire Within by Jennifer Thomas.
- Light Em Up by Fall Out Boy
- The Roof Is on Fire by Rock Master Scott & the Dynamic Three
- Fire in the Hole by Steely Dan
- Let the Flames Begin by Paramore
- Fire to the Rain by The Hype Theory
- Great Fire by XTC
- Fire Water Burn by Bloodhound Gang
- Walk Through the Fire by Peter Gabriel
- Light of Fire by The Doors
- The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia by Vicki Lawrence
- Light It Up by Major Lazer ft. Nyla and Fuse ODG
- Set Fire to the Night by Ellen Shipley
- World on Fire by Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators
- Burn Baby Burn by Ash
- The Fire of Love by The Gun Club
- Burnin’ Sky by Bad Company.
- Through the Fire and Flames by DragonForce
- Souls on Fire by The Ghost Inside
- Fire Coming Out of the Monkey’s Head by Gorillaz
- Burnin’ for You by Blue Öyster Cult
- (She’s) Hot to Cold by Alabama Shakes
- Catching Fire by Harry Styles
- Heart on Fire by Jonathan Clay
- Fire and Fury by Skillet
- Cold Fire by Rush
- Phoenix Rising by Annihilator
- The Fire Inside by Bob Seger
- I’m on Fire by Bruce Springsteen
- Light My Candle by Cast of Rent
- In the Heat of the Night by Sandra
- Forest Fire by Lloyd Cole & The Commotions
- Firecracker by Josh Turner
- I’m Burning for You by Sara Evans
- A World on Fire by Bo Burnham
- Eternal Flame (La Flama Enterna) by Martina Stoessel
- Burn the House Down by AJR
- Lake of Fire by Nirvana
- Light My Fire by The Doors
- Burn it to the Ground by Nickelback
- Burnin’ Up by Jonas Brothers
Want to Find More Amazing Songs?
We have you covered. Take a look at our detailed articles on the Best Songs About Dreams, the Best Songs About Magic, the Best Songs about Fighting, the Best Songs about Friday, the Best Songs about Friday, and the Best Songs About the Sun and Sunshine for more incredible song selection.
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Best Songs About Fire – Conclusion
I have looked at some great songs and tried to include a couple you may not have been expecting. I have also, unfortunately, had to leave plenty out.
As we said at the beginning, it is a great subject for a songwriter. And, they have certainly made the most of it.
Until next time, happy listening.
