Released: 2020
“Fire On Fire” by Sam Smith is all about the intense and consuming nature of a passionate relationship. It highlights the highs and lows, showing how the intensity can be both destructive and beautiful at the same time. The song captures the struggle of being in a love that feels almost too powerful to handle.
In the opening lines, Sam reflects on being called ‘too romantic’ by their mother, suggesting a dreamy and idealistic nature. When they sing, ‘You’re dancing in the movies’, it shows how Sam is perceived as living in a fantasy world. However, meeting their lover makes them believe in the possibility of such romance.
The verse, ‘Maybe it’s ’cause I got a little bit older / Maybe it’s all that I’ve been through’, indicates growth and experiences that shape Sam’s perspective on love. They find comfort and a sense of identity with their partner, which is beautifully captured in ‘I’d like to think it’s how you lean on my shoulder / And how I see myself with you’.
In the chorus, ‘Fire on fire, would normally kill us / With this much desire, together, we’re winners’, Sam uses fire as a metaphor for their passionate love. Fire is dangerous and consuming, but also powerful and warm. The lyrics acknowledge that such passion can be overwhelming but insists that together, they are stronger.
Sam addresses the criticism of their intense relationship in lines like ‘They say that we’re out of control and some say we’re sinners’. This reflects societal judgment and how others perceive their love as too much. Yet, Sam defies this, focusing on the ‘beautiful rhythms’ they share with their lover.
In the second verse, Sam explores the dynamics of their relationship further. ‘When we fight, we fight like lions / But then we love and tell the truth’ highlights the fierce and honest nature of their connection. They embrace the chaos and passion, refusing to follow conventional rules, as seen in ‘We lose our minds in a city of roses / We won’t abide by any rules’.
The repeated line ‘You are perfection, my only direction’ reinforces the central theme. Despite the challenges, their partner remains the perfect and guiding force in Sam’s life. The metaphor of fire recurs throughout the song, emphasizing the intensity and transformative power of their love.
