Fire is a metaphor that has been used in many song lyrics, and country music is no exception. Be it to express a passionate love or to describe the intensity of a break-up, fire has been a go-to word choice for country singers.
Below we have put together a list of 10 of our favorite country songs about fire that span decades, from the likes of Johnny Cash and George Strait to more modern artists like Taylor Swift and Miranda Lambert.
So, without any further ado here they are:
1. Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash
First, on the list we have is an absolute classic, Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire. It is one of Johnny’s most popular songs that stayed at the number 1 position for 7 weeks straight. What is the song about? It’s all about a passionate love affair that will consume him like a burning ring of fire.
What’s more is, it’s been 60 years since the song was released but it is still a favorite of many. Just check the comments on the song’s YouTube page and you will know what we are talking about.
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2. Kerosene by Miranda Lambert
Kerosene comes from Miranda’s debut album “Kerosene” and it was a hit song that marked a significant milestone in Lambert’s career. Not only it became her first Top 20 country hit but it also brought a lot of recognition to her.
In the song, she sings of giving up on love because she feels that love has given up on her. The metaphor of kerosene here is used to represent the idea of burning bridges and letting go of the past.
Also Read: Country Songs about Dads
3. The Fireman by George Strait
The Fireman is one of the favorites of many country music fans. Released in 1985, it was the final single off George Strait’s album “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind”.
The song is full of imagery with swagger and classic country bravado. It talks about a “fireman” who puts out the fires of heartache, so it’s no surprise that it resonated with many listeners and was declared a fan favorite.
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4. Fire Away by Chris Stapleton
Next up, we have Chris Stapleton’s beautiful and heartfelt “Fire Away”. This song is from his debut album “Traveller” which won the Best Country Album at the 58th Grammy Awards.
The song is about the narrator who is willing to endure the pain and hurt caused by his lover’s harsh words and actions. Despite the pain, the narrator is not afraid to face the challenges and is willing to let his lover take her “best shot.”
5. Burning House by Cam
Burning House was inspired by a dream that Cam had. In the dream, she saw her boyfriend trapped in a house that was on fire, and she was desperately trying to rescue him.
The lyrics are full of metaphors talking about how her relationship has gone up in flames and how she cannot do anything to save it. There’s a lot of emotion in the song and it is definitely a must-listen.
Upon its release, the song became a major hit for Cam and was critically acclaimed selling over 1,125,000 copies.
6. Burnin’ It Down by Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean’s Burnin’ It Down is all about a night of passion between two lovers. While the lyrics are simple they perfectly capture the feelings of desire, intimacy, and connection that come with a passionate romance.
The song was released from his sixth studio album, “Old Boots, New Dirt” and in its second week, the song was at the number one position on Hot Country Song Chart.
7. Setting the World on Fire by Kenny Chesney
Here is a Country song about fire by none other than Kenny Chesney. This song is a collaboration between Kenny Chesney and pop singer, Pink. This is Kenny’s first song to chart in Australia and in total it sold 2 million copies in the US itself.
The lyrics tell the story of a night of love and passion that’s so intense, it feels like the two people involved are setting the world on fire.
8. Heart On Fire by Eric Church
“Heart On Fire” takes us on a trip down memory lane as Eric Church reminisces about a past relationship. The lyrics describe driving around in an old truck with his partner, listening to classic rock songs on the radio. The setting is rural, and the country vibes are evident in the lyrics.
9. (There’s A) Fire In The Night by Alabama
If there’s one band that doesn’t know how to make a bad song, then it’s Alabama. A band that has given us many classic country songs, they also gave us this gem (There’s A) Fire In The Night in 1984.
At its core, the song is about passion and desire. The lyrics follow the story of a man who meets a woman and spends a night with her. As the night progresses, their attraction grows stronger and stronger, igniting a fire that burns hotter with every passing moment.
10. Picture to Burn by Taylor Swift
In this song, Taylor Swift expresses her frustration and anger towards a past lover who didn’t treat her well. She acknowledges that her fantasy of a perfect relationship was not fulfilled and that the other person valued himself more than her. With lines such as “My daddy’s going to show you how sorry you’ll be”, you can really get the sense of her anger and vengeance.
The best part about this song is that Taylor was only 19 when she wrote it and yet she was able to capture the emotions that come with a broken relationship in such a beautiful manner.
More Country Songs about Fire
Here are some other great Country songs about fire:
- Standing Outside the Fire by Garth Brooks
- I’m On Fire by Bruce Springsteen
- I’m on Fire by Rascal Flatts
- Midnight Fire by Steve Wariner
- Feel That Fire by Dierks Bentley
- Burn by Jo Dee Messina
Wrapping Up
I hope that this list of Country songs about fire helped you find some new tunes to jam out to. Whether you’re looking for a song to relate to your own experience of heartbreak or just want something with an upbeat rhythm, there’s sure to be something here for you. So, plug in those headphones, turn up the volume, and enjoy the music!