“Burning Love” by Elvis Presley, released in 1972, is one of his most iconic hits and stands as a prime example of his ability to blend rock and roll with a raw, energetic performance.
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About the song
The song marked a return to Presley’s rock roots during a period when he had been exploring other musical styles, and it became one of his last major hits, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The central theme of “Burning Love” is intense passion, likened to a burning fire, with the narrator describing how he’s overwhelmed by the heat and excitement of love.
The metaphor of fire is used throughout the song to convey the uncontrollable and all-consuming nature of the emotions that come with being in love, turning the romantic experience into something both thrilling and powerful.
Lines like “Your kisses lift me higher, like the sweet song of a choir” reflect the euphoric feeling the narrator gets from his lover’s touch, comparing it to a spiritual experience.
Elvis Presley’s vocal performance in “Burning Love” is explosive and full of energy.
His iconic voice, with its powerful range and unique timbre, perfectly captures the intensity of the song’s lyrics.
Elvis brings a sense of urgency and excitement to the performance, making the listener feel the heat and passion that the song describes.
His vocal delivery, particularly in the chorus where he belts out “I’m just a hunk, a hunk of burning love,” is electric and unforgettable.
Musically, “Burning Love” combines driving rock rhythms with elements of soul and gospel, which were key influences in much of Presley’s work.
The song features a dynamic arrangement with prominent electric guitar riffs, lively percussion, and backing vocals that add depth and texture to the sound.
The catchy melody and infectious rhythm make it an instant crowd-pleaser, while the energetic instrumentation gives the song its fiery, upbeat vibe.
The use of brass and background vocals also adds a gospel-like quality to the song, giving it a rich and layered sound that stands out in Elvis’ catalog.
Lyrically, “Burning Love” is simple yet effective, with the repetitive chorus and fiery imagery making it easy for listeners to connect with the song’s message.
Lines like “Lord Almighty, I feel my temperature rising” and “It’s coming closer, the flames are now licking my body” use vivid imagery to portray the physical and emotional intensity of love.
The straightforwardness of the lyrics allows Presley’s vocal performance to shine, as he fully commits to delivering the passion and intensity behind each line.
“Burning Love” is notable for being one of the last major hits of Elvis Presley’s career, released during a period when he was struggling with health issues and personal challenges.
Despite these struggles, his performance on “Burning Love” demonstrates that he still had the fire and charisma that had made him a global superstar in the 1950s and 1960s.
The song’s success helped cement his legacy as one of the greatest rock and roll performers of all time.
“Burning Love” is a fiery and passionate rock anthem that showcases Elvis Presley at his energetic best.
With its infectious melody, driving rhythm, and powerful vocals, the song captures the intensity and excitement of love in a way that few other songs do.
It remains a timeless classic, a testament to Presley’s ability to deliver unforgettable performances even in the later stages of his career.
“Burning Love” continues to be a fan favorite and a staple of Elvis Presley’s legendary musical legacy.
Video
Lyrics
Lord Almighty
I feel my temperature rising
Higher higher
It’s burning through to my soul
Girl, girl, girl
You gonna set me on fire
My brain is flaming
I don’t know which way to go
Your kisses lift me higher
Like the sweet song of a choir
You light my morning sky
With burning love
Ooh, ooh, ooh
I feel my temperature rising
Help me, I’m flaming
I must be a hundred and nine
Burning, burning, burning
And nothing can cool me
I just might turn to smoke
But I feel fine
Cause your kisses lift me higher
Like a sweet song of a choir
And you light my morning sky
With burning love
It’s coming closer
The flames are now lickin’ my body
Please won’t you help me
I feel like I’m slipping away
It’s hard to breath
And my chest is a-heaving
Lord Almighty
I’m burning a hole where I lay
Cause your kisses lift me higher
Like the sweet song of a choir
You light my morning sky
With burning love
With burning love
Ah, ah, burning love
I’m just a hunk
A hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
