Introduction:
Burning Love (1972), a pulsating rockabilly anthem by the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, is a testament to his enduring charisma and musical influence. Released as a single in August 1972, the song was produced by RCA Records and became a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Burning Love marked a return to Presley’s rock and roll roots after a period of exploring other genres, such as gospel and ballads, throughout the 1960s. This shift was a response to the changing musical landscape at the time, but many fans felt Presley’s raw energy and signature sound were missing. Burning Love delivered a powerful comeback, showcasing the electric guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and Presley’s impassioned vocals that had made him a rock and roll legend in the first place.
The song’s songwriter, Dennis Linde, was a rising star himself at the time. Though Presley had recorded other artists’ songs throughout his career, Burning Love was unique in that Linde not only wrote the song but also played the lead guitar parts on the recording. Presley’s long-time producer, Felton Jarvis, oversaw the recording sessions at RCA’s Hollywood studios in March 1972.
Burning Love was released with It’s a Matter of Time as the B-side and quickly became a hit. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, held off the top spot only by Bill Withers’ Lean on Me. Burning Love also performed well internationally, reaching number one in the United Kingdom and the Top 10 in several other countries. The song’s success helped propel the compilation album Burning Love and Hits from His Movies, Volume 2 to number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
Burning Love is considered a significant song in Presley’s career for several reasons. First, it marked a successful return to his rock and roll roots and reignited his popularity with fans who craved his early sound. Second, the song showcased Presley’s continued vocal power and stage presence, even as he entered his mid-thirties. Third, Burning Love helped bridge the gap between Presley’s earlier rock and roll sound and the emerging genres of the 1970s, influencing artists like Bruce Springsteen and countless others. The song remains a fan favorite and a staple of Presley tribute concerts, ensuring its place as a rock and roll classic.
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Lyrics:
You wanna do it again?Yeah, okayCan we roll in?We take twoOne, twoOne, two, threeLord AlmightyI feel my temperature rising, mmHigher and higherIt’s burning through to my soulGirl, girl, girl, you gonna set me on fireMy brain is flamingI don’t know which way to goYour kisses lift me higherLike the sweet song of a choirYou light my morning skyWith burning loveHmm, ooh-ooh-oohI feel my temperature risingHelp me, I’m flamingI must be a hundred and nineBurning, burning, burningAnd nothing can cool meI just might turn into smokeBut I feel fine‘Cause your kisses lift me higherLike a sweet song of a choirAnd you light my morning skyWith morning loveIt’s coming closerThe flames are now licking my bodyWon’t you help meFeel like I’m slipping awayIt’s hard to breathAnd my chest is a-heavingLord, have mercyI’m burning the hole where I layYour kisses lift me higherLike the sweet song of a choirYou light my morning sky with burning loveWith burning loveI’m just a hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)A hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)A hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)A hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)A hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)A hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)A hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)A hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)A hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)A hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)I need a hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)A hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)A hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)A hunk, a hunk (that’s a guess)