Songs about fire are songs that capture the power and beauty of this natural element. From its destructive force to its life-giving warmth, songs about fire remind us of both its danger and its potential. Whether you’re listening to a song written a few decades ago or one released just yesterday, these songs will leave you feeling inspired by the elemental power of fire.
That’s why in this post I’m going to cover the 31 best songs about fire of all time. Read on to find out which songs made the list!
What Are the Best Songs About Fire?
There are tons of songs about fire and this list only covers a fraction of the ones out there. That being said, here is my collection of the best 31 fire-related songs out there.
1. “Into the Fire” by Bruce Springsteen
This powerful anthem from Springsteen’s album “Born in the U.S.A.” features a classic Springsteen tone and descriptive lyrics.
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
The song is about the strength and courage that firefighters have to respond to danger and put their lives in danger to save others. The lyrics are incredibly moving, and the music is beautiful and uplifting. This song is a perfect tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
Read Next: Best Funeral Songs of All Time
2. “Light My Fire” by The Doors
This classic hit from The Doors’ debut album is a psychedelic masterpiece, featuring swirling organ lines and Jim Morrison’s soulful vocals.
Come on, baby, light my fire
Come on, baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire
The song’s lyrics are a celebration of living life to the fullest and embracing how you really feel. According to Songfacts, Krieger (the Doors’ guitarist) wrote the song to be about leaving inhibitions behind in flames of passion.
3. “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash
“Ring of Fire” was written by June Carter and Merle Kilgore and made famous by Johnny Cash.
It’s a classic song about the dangers of love. The flames of passion can be incredibly intoxicating, but they can also burn you alive… Sizzle sizzle.
Love is a burning thing
And it makes a fiery ring
Bound by wild desire
I fell into a ring of fire
The song’s catchy, upbeat tempo, piercing trumpet intro, and Cash’s deep, gravelly voice all add to the song’s emotional intensity.
4. “Burn” by Ellie Goulding
This upbeat pop hit from Goulding’s album “Halcyon” features her soaring vocals and a catchy, upbeat tempo.
‘Cause we got the fire, fire, fire, yeah we got the fire fire fire
And we gonna let it burn burn burn burn
It’s a powerful anthem about letting go and living in the moment. The lyrics encourage listeners to forget their troubles and enjoy the present, while the driving beat and infectious chorus will have you dancing along in no time.
So remember, if you’ve got the fire, then let it burn!
5. “Fire” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
“Fire” is a blistering track by The Jimi Hendrix Experience that perfectly captures not just the musical prowess of Jimi Hendrix but his signature way of lyrically exploring the nuances of relationships.
I have only one burning desire
Let me stand next to your fire
Hendrix’s iconic guitar playing and incendiary lyrics make for a song that is both visceral and unforgettable.
Read Next: 43 Best Easy Guitar Riffs For Beginners (Learn These Now)
6. “Firework” by Katy Perry
This upbeat pop hit from Perry’s album “Teenage Dream” is all about self-empowerment and believing in oneself.
You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
The lyrics remind us that we all have greatness within us, and it’s up to each of us to find and ignite our inner firework and be as true to ourselves as we can be.
So go out there and show the world what you’re worth! Let your colors burst and leave them all in awe. You’re a firework, baby!
7. “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel
This energetic rock tune is a rapid-fire history lesson, covering events from the 1940s to the 1980s.
We didn’t start the fire
It was always burning, since the world’s been turning
Joel’s vocals are equally frenetic as he sings about the world’s tumultuous past, and the song’s catchy chorus and memorable lyrics have made it a hit that has transcended decades.
It’s a sobering reminder that, as individuals, we are powerless to stop the course of history. Although we may not have started the fires, we must learn from them and try not to repeat them in the future.
8. “Burn” by Usher
This R&B hit from Usher’s album “Confessions” features his smooth vocals and a catchy beat.
It’s gon’ burn for me to say this, but it’s coming from my heart
The song is about the pain of a failed relationship and the desire to move on and start anew.
Although the protagonist knows what he must do, it’s still hard to go ahead and move on.
9. “Fire” by Pointer Sisters
The Pointer Sisters’ “Fire” is a hot and steamy song about a passionate love affair.
Ooh fire
Hot kisses like fire
Burn me up with fire
The lyrics are full of sexual innuendos, and passion while the tune of the song itself is upbeat and dare I say groovy. If you’re looking for a song that will get your heart racing, “Fire” is a top contender.
10. “Fire” by Crazy World of Arthur Brown
This psychedelic rock hit from Brown’s album “The Crazy World of Arthur Brown” is an explosive celebration of the primal energy that drives us.
Fire, I’ll take you to burn
Fire, I’ll take you to learn
I’ll see you burn
Brown’s wild vocals, interesting music video, and the song’s driving beat make it one to remember. Overall, it’s a dark and foreboding song that tells of a bleak future.
Read Next: Songs About Monsters
11. “Set the World on Fire” by Black Veil Brides
This is one of those songs that’s sure to get your blood pumping.
With heavily distorted guitars, double kicks, and a fast tempo, “Set the World on Fire” is great for getting your heart rate up.
When your life becomes a war
Set the world on fire
It’s a rallying cry for those who are tired of the status quo. It’s about fighting for what’s right, no matter what the cost may be, and standing up against the liars and the cheats.
12. “Ignite” by Zedd
An epic and adrenaline-pumping song about rising to the challenge and conquering – “Ignite” is the perfect soundtrack for getting in the zone whether you’re about to compete or really conquer any obstacle life throws at you.
There’s a fire that burns inside
It’s an instinct that never lies
With pulsating synths and a catchy hook, “Ignite” is sure to get you fired up (see what I did there).
13. “Light It Up” by Major Lazer
Major Lazer knows how to get the party started – with a bang! This high-energy song is the perfect soundtrack for letting loose and having a good time.
Set it ablaze like a candle we lit, hotter
Yeah light it up, set it a
Light it up, light it up
Light it up
This upbeat reggae-infused dance track is all about living life carefree. With catchy lyrics and a pulsating beat, “Light It Up” encourages listeners to let their inner fire shine and embrace the party spirit.
14. “Fire N Gold” by Bea Miller
“Fire N Gold” is all about finding your inner strength and potential. It celebrates the power of individuality and encourages listeners to embrace their unique qualities.
Even in the dust, we shine
With fire and gold in our eyes
With contrasting sections of soft, mellow verses, and powerful choruses, this song takes you on a rollercoaster of ups and downs.
15. “Old Flames” by Coheed and Cambria
This rock ballad reflects on past love and the memories that still burn bright. It’s about a man who is struggling to come to terms with his past. He reflects on the choices he made and how they have affected his relationship with his loved one.
We all go up in flames, going out in style
And Heaven help us if they’d ever let
The narrator realizes that he wasn’t the man his partner needed him to be, but he vows to change and be a better partner for her.
16. “Burning Down the House” by Talking Heads
What paints a better picture of fire than a song titled “Burning Down the House”.
Well, the song isn’t simply just about lighting a match to a home but rather a metaphor for destroying something safe that entraps you said David Byrne.
There has got to be a way
Burning down the house
The lyrics are sung almost on the verge of screaming while the music is intense and energetic, creating a somewhat chaotic atmosphere.
17. “Light My Way” by Audioslave
“Light My Way” by Audioslave is a haunting ballad about a man who is struggling to find his way in life.
Won’t you light my way
Won’t you light my way
He compares his struggles to those of a bullet and prays for help from a higher power. The song is a plea for guidance and a reminder that we all need help sometimes to help light our way.
Audioslave also clearly demonstrates (as per their album cover) that the “light” in question is likely referring to a flame of some sort.
18. “The Fire” by Papa Roach
Yet again, another song using fire as a way to describe a relationship or lack thereof.
The song explores the idea of a relationship that seemingly goes in and out of style quite frequently.
Fly around the fire
In and out of desire
The couple is in love one day while the next they’re “in and out of desire”. It describes the cycle of a passionate relationship, going from burning brightly “like a fire” one day to feeling like it’s “burned out” the next.
19. “The Fire” by The Roots
upbeat hip-hop track is an inspirational song about never giving up. It references staying true to oneself and staying motivated to achieve one’s goals.
Oh, the fire, the fire
Oh, the fire, the fire
The song encourages you to find the courage to keep going even when things are tough and let the fire inside you burn brightly.
It’s perfect for anyone who is feeling down or struggling in life, as it provides words of encouragement and motivation.
20. “Fire” by Gavin DeGraw
Yet another passionate and upbeat anthem about never giving up and always fighting for what’s important in life.
The music video for this tune features a lot of imagery of sports athletes working hard and ultimately achieving their goals.
Oh we on fire
We on fire
The lyrics reflect that same message of hope and determination, urging the listener to stay strong, never give up, and always keep fighting for what matters most to you.
So turn up the volume, let loose, and get ready to ignite your inner champion.
21. “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor
This absolutely beautiful fingerpicking guitar song is a heart-wrenching ballad about the death of a loved one. The lyrics are written in a stream-of-consciousness style, giving the listener a raw and emotional glimpse into the singer’s thoughts and feelings.
I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain
I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end
The song’s introspective words speak to the struggles of overcoming loss, heartbreak, and personal hardships, using the metaphor of natural disasters such as rain and fire to represent the difficult moments in life. It’s really a beautiful song that uses the fire element in a captivating way.
Its soothing melody combined with Taylor’s soulful vocals make it a timeless classic.
Read Next: Saddest Songs of All Time
22. “I’m On Fire” by Bruce Springsteen
This song has always come off a little creepy to me. Of course, I love the tune, the arrangement and the vocal performance but the lyrics… hmm.
Oh, oh, oh, I’m on fire
It’s a soulful ballad that captures the intense desire and longing of a love affair. The song’s passionate vocals set the mood for a fiery romance, as Springsteen sings about the burning desire he feels for someone.
The song’s production and Springsteen’s emotive delivery make it a standout track on his album “Born in the U.S.A.“
23. “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis
“Great Balls of Fire” is a piping hot, piano-driven rock and roll song about the pure, unrestrained passion of love.
Goodness gracious great balls of fire
The song’s energetic piano solos and lively lyrics, which speak to the burning passion and excitement of falling in love, make it a party classic that still gets played to this day.
24. “This Wheel’s On Fire” by Bob Dylan & The Band
“This Wheel’s On Fire” is a folk-rock masterpiece that tells the story of a tumultuous relationship through the metaphor of a burning wheel.
Wheel’s on fire
Rolling down the road
The song’s crowd-like vocals add to the song’s intensity, as Dylan sings about the ups and downs of a relationship that is spiraling out of control.
25. “Play With Fire” by The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones warn us not to “play with fire” in their song of the same name.
But don’t play with me
‘Cause you’re playing with fire
But what is this song really about? Is it about a dangerous relationship? A love that is just too hot to handle? Or maybe a passionate romance that is destined to end in disaster? Well, the answer is really up to the listener.
26. “Sex on Fire” by Kings Of Leon
Maybe it’s Caleb Followill’s unique voice or the sweet guitar riffs played throughout this song but there’s just something about it that absolutely rocks! It’s about a relationship that is hot, fiery, and passionate.
Your sex is on fire
This steamy rock tune that the intensity and passion of a physical relationship. This is definitely a standout track for Kings of Leon as the band sings about the fiery desire they feel for someone.
27. “Sleep Now in the Fire” by Rage Against The Machine
“Sleep now in the fire” is a politically-charged punk rock anthem that uses the metaphor of fire to speak out against social and economic injustice.
The Party blessed me with its future
And I protect it with fire
The song’s message fiery energy makes it a powerful statement, as the band calls out the corrupt systems and institutions that hold people down. It’s a perfect song to get your blood pumping, for sure!
28. “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire” is the perfect song to describe anyone who is feeling unstoppable. It’s an empowering ballad that celebrates the strength and resilience of a woman on the rise.
This girl is on fire
This girl is on fire
She’s walking on fire
This girl is on fire
The song’s uplifting lyrics and powerful visuals in the music video make it a great choice to listen to if you need a fire lit inside you.
29. “Fire In My Soul” by Walk Off the Earth
Walk Off the Earth is undoubtedly known for their impressive musical abilities. Who doesn’t remember that viral video of like 5 people playing 1 guitar and making it sound amazing?!
I’ll get this fire higher
I got that fire in my soul
I’ll get this fire higher
I got that fire in my soul
Fire!
This anthemic tune is all about positive energy and having fire in your soul to overcome obstacles and take on anything.
30. “Fire and the Flood” by Vance Joy
We heard of fire and rain, now let me introduce to you, Fire and the Flood. Yes, it’s another sound with a metaphor based on a natural disaster.
You’re the fire and the flood
And I’ll always feel you in my blood
This folk-pop ballad tells the story of a man who is absolutely smitten with a women. When he sings “you’re the fire and the flood” he’s referring to the way he feels about her: like a raging fire, and like a powerful, unstoppable force of nature.
He’s consumed by her presence and can’t help but feel the need to always be with her, whether physically or spiritually.
31. “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele
The contrast between fire and rain seems to be a recurring theme for many artists. Perhaps it’s because the two elements represent such opposite forces: fire can represent passion, energy, life and destruction, while rain can represent despair, sadness, freshness or even healing.
But I set fire to the rain
Watched it pour as I touched your face
Adele sings about the end of a love affair and the emotional turmoil that comes with it, using the metaphor of a raging storm to represent the complicated feelings of loss and heartbreak.
The song’s poignant lyrics combined Adele’s powerful vocals make it a powerful expression of heartache and grief.
Final Thoughts
Although the lyrics and meaning of these songs vary, they all seem to capture a sense of awe and wonder about fire.
I’ll admit some aren’t completely about fire but rather use fire as a metaphor for something else.
Whether it is its destructive or creative power, fire has long been a source of fascination for humans. Hopefully, this list of songs about fire has given you a few new ideas for songs you can add to your playlist.
0 Comments