About the song
“Burning Love.” Released in 1972 as a single, this electrifying track was a massive hit, soaring to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming his biggest hit of the 1970s. It marked a powerful return to his rock and roll roots, injecting a dynamic, almost gospel-infused energy into his sound during his Las Vegas era. It’s far more than just a popular song; it’s a timeless declaration of fervent desire, a showcase for Presley’s unmatched vocal prowess, and a thrilling reminder of the sheer excitement he could generate with a microphone in his hand.
The lyrics of “Burning Love,” penned by Dennis Linde, are a straightforward and vibrant expression of intense romantic desire. The narrator is completely consumed by his feelings, describing a love that’s so powerful it feels like a fire within him, urging his beloved to fan the flames rather than extinguish them. There’s a palpable sense of urgency, a playful yet passionate plea for reciprocation, making the listener feel the exhilarating rush of infatuation. Phrases like “Lord Almighty, I feel my temperature rising / Higher and higher, it’s burning love” and “Your kisses lift me higher / Like the sweet song of a choir” perfectly capture this blend of feverish emotion, almost spiritual ecstasy, and playful romantic pursuit. The song speaks to the universal human experience of profound attraction, the overwhelming sensations of new love, and the joyful surrender to passionate feelings. It’s about the raw, visceral energy that true desire can unleash, urging one’s partner to embrace and amplify that shared intensity. It resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt utterly consumed by an exhilarating, all-encompassing love.
Elvis Presley’s vocal performance on “Burning Love” is nothing short of electrifying and stands as one of his most powerful and memorable rock performances of the 1970s. His voice, with its incredible range, its gospel-honed power, and its remarkable ability to convey both playful flirtation and commanding intensity, delivers the lyrics with a palpable sense of genuine excitement and unbridled charisma. He doesn’t just sing the words; he embodies the passionate lover, making the listener feel every nuance of his desire, his energy, and the sheer joy he takes in expressing such ardent emotion. There’s a perfect blend of his signature growl, his powerful belting, and a rhythmic urgency that perfectly matches the driving beat. The vocal hooks are undeniable, from his enthusiastic “Oh-oh-oh” interjections to the soaring power he brings to the chorus, making it an undeniable anthem. Elvis’s brilliance lies in his unparalleled ability to infuse such a vibrant narrative with raw, authentic feeling and compelling stage presence, connecting with audiences on a visceral, energetic level through the sheer honesty and breathtaking power of his instrument. It’s a masterclass in conveying rock and roll passion through pure vocal force and irresistible charm.
The musical arrangement of “Burning Love” is a pristine example of early 1970s rock and roll, often infused with gospel and R&B elements, meticulously crafted to serve the song’s energetic narrative and Elvis Presley’s electrifying vocal. It typically features a prominent, driving electric guitar riff that provides the song’s primary hook, a relentless, propulsive drum beat that underpins the fiery energy, and a solid, grooving bassline that creates an irresistible, rhythmic foundation. The inclusion of soulful organ or piano flourishes adds layers of instrumental excitement and a gospel-tinged warmth, while dynamic horn sections often punctuate the choruses with triumphant blasts. The instrumentation is tight, forceful, and meticulously crafted to convey the song’s passionate and energetic attitude. The production is crisp, powerful, and remarkably clear, designed for maximum impact, ensuring that every instrumental punch and, crucially, Elvis Presley’s commanding vocal are heard with pristine clarity. It’s an arrangement that feels both raw and incredibly polished, perfectly suited for a song that became an anthem of passionate devotion.
“Burning Love” resonated profoundly with audiences because its universal themes of intense romantic desire, exhilarating passion, and the sheer joy of being deeply in love are deeply understood and passionately felt. It became one of Elvis Presley’s most iconic and beloved hits of the 1970s, a true signature song that cemented his enduring legacy as the King of Rock and Roll. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder of that exhilarating, all-consuming feeling of Burning Love.
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Lyrics
Lord Almighty, I feel my temperature risin’, mmm
Higher, higher, it’s burning through to my soul
Girl, girl, girl, girl, you’re gonna set me on fire
My brain is flamin’, I don’t know which way to go, yeah
Your kisses lift me higher
Like a sweet song of a choir
You light my mornin’ sky with burning love, mmm
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, I feel my temperature risin’, mm
Help me, I’m flamin’, I must be a 109, mmm
Burnin’, burnin’, burnin’ and nothing can cool me, yeah
I just might turn into smoke, but I feel fine
‘Cause your kisses lift me higher
Like the sweet song of a choir
And you light my mornin’ sky with burning love
It’s comin’ closer, the flames are now lickin’ my body, mm
Won’t you help me? I feel like I’m slippin’ away
It’s hard to breathe, and my chest is a-heavin’, mmm, hmm
Lord, have mercy, I’m burning a hole where I lay, yeah
Your kisses lift me higher
Like the sweet song of a choir
You light my morning sky with burning love
With burning love (a hunk, a hunk of burning love, ah)
I’m just a hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)
I’m just a hunk, a hunk of burning love, ah (ah)
A hunk, a hunk of burning love, ah (ah)
A hunk, a hunk of burning love, ah (ah)
A hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love, ah (ah)
A hunk, a hunk of burning love, ah, ah (ah)
I’m just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
