About the song
“Burning Love.” Even the title itself crackles with the kind of primal energy that defined a certain era of Elvis Presley. But to simply label it as a “rock and roll” song would be to do it a disservice. It’s a seismic shift, a potent distillation of the King’s later career, a moment where he seemed to reconnect with the raw, untamed spirit of his youth, albeit through a more mature, seasoned lens.
Released in 1972, a period where Elvis was navigating the complexities of his Las Vegas residency and a changing musical landscape, “Burning Love” arrived like a thunderbolt. It wasn’t the slick, polished pop of some of his later work, nor was it the raw, hip-shaking rebellion of his Sun Records days. Instead, it was a potent blend of gospel-infused soul, driving rock and roll, and a touch of that theatrical grandeur that had become synonymous with his live performances.
Consider the context: the early 1970s. Rock was evolving, becoming more expansive, more experimental. Yet, here was Elvis, tapping into a fundamental, almost elemental, expression of passion. The song, penned by Dennis Linde, captures the visceral intensity of romantic infatuation, a feeling so overwhelming it’s akin to being consumed by fire. But it’s not simply the lyrical content that makes “Burning Love” so compelling. It’s the sheer force of Elvis’s vocal delivery. He attacks the song with a ferocity that’s both exhilarating and slightly unnerving. There’s a palpable sense of urgency, a feeling that he’s channeling something deeply personal.
The arrangement, too, is masterful. The driving rhythm section, the soaring backing vocals, and the prominent piano lines create a dense, layered soundscape that perfectly complements Elvis’s powerful performance. It’s a sonic tapestry that draws from the rich traditions of American popular music, weaving together elements of rock, soul, and gospel into a seamless whole. “Burning Love” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s enduring ability to captivate audiences, to tap into the raw emotions that lie at the heart of the human experience. It’s a reminder that even in the twilight of his career, he remained a force of nature, a performer capable of igniting a fire that still burns brightly today.
Video
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)
