Fire is a common metaphor used in popular music and is generally associated with passion and destruction. As one of the four classical elements, fire is diverse in its symbology because of its double nature. That’s why many songs about fire have been written over the years.
Musicians take advantage of this duality and often craft songs using fire as a symbol of passion between two lovers or liken it to the destructive nature of a relationship gone wrong. Below, we’ve compiled a great playlist with songs from all music genres.
1. Things We Lost in the Fire by Bastille
| Genre | Indie Pop |
| Year Released | 2013 |
| Album | Bad Blood |
“Things We Lost in the Fire” is a song written and recorded by British Indie pop/rock band Bastille. It was released on the band’s award-winning and chart-topping album Bad Blood. The album was certified platinum in the US and won the British Breakthrough Act at the 2014 Brit Awards. Riding the success of Bastille’s international hit “Pompeii,” the song received favorable airplay on BBC radio, sending it to #28 in the United Kingdom, where it was also certified gold.
2. Fire and the Flood by Vance Joy
| Genre | Indie Pop, Indie Folk |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Dream Your Life Away |
“Fire and the Flood” was written and recorded by Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy and released on his 2015 album Dream Your Life Away. While writing the tune, Joy first came up with a guitar riff that ended up being played by a horn section during recording. The song has an epic sound to it, and listeners evidently agreed. It was certified gold after peaking at #6 on the Billboard Rock Airplay chart.
3. I See Fire by Ed Sheeran
| Genre | Folk Pop |
| Year Released | 2013 |
| Album | The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug |
“I See Fire” is a powerful folk ballad written by Ed Sheeran for the film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The film’s director, Peter Jackson, gave Sheeran creative license for the song but told him to focus on the final 10 minutes of the film and lead the audience from Tolkien’s Middle-earth back into reality. Sheeran is a lifelong fan of Tolkien novels, and The Hobbit was the first book he ever read himself. “I See Fire” fared decently in the US, topping the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles, eventually earning Ed Sheeran a platinum record.
4. House Fire by Tyler Childers
| Genre | Folk Rock, Country |
| Year Released | 2019 |
| Album | Country Squire |
Hailing from the hills of Kentucky, Tyler Childers embodies the coarse spirit forged in the backwoods of Appalachia. Most country singers can perform songs well enough, but Childers is in a class by himself since he writes his own songs and it shows in the sincerity of his gritty vocals. From the clanging acoustic guitar and energizing banjo to the song’s foot-stomping rhythm, “House Fire” is one of the best tracks off of Childers’ chart-topping 2019 album Country Squire. The music video features Childers and friends around a campfire before two of his friends, a young couple, leave to have an epic dance together and set their house on fire.
5. Fire n Gold by Bea Miller
| Genre | Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Not an Apology |
Shortly after placing ninth on the second season of The X Factor US, Bea Miller got a record deal and started working on new material. “Fire n Gold” was first released on her EP Young Blood and later appeared on her first studio album, Not an Apology. According to Miller, the song is meant to remind people that feel alienated and are going through hard times that they aren’t alone and have a purpose in life, even if they haven’t discovered it yet.
6. Lost in the Fire by Gesaffelstein & The Weeknd
| Genre | Dance, Electronic |
| Year Released | 2019 |
| Album | Hyperion |
“Lost in the Fire” is a collaboration between French DJ Gesaffelstein and Canadian artist The Weeknd. The song’s sexually explicit lyrics caused a fair share of controversy as Weeknd toed the line between dramatic love and compulsive lust. Still, the song earned Gesaffelstein and The Weeknd a Top 15 hit on five separate Billboard charts, including the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart, where it peaked at #3. The record was also certified platinum by the RIAA.
7. Fire Away by Chris Stapleton
| Genre | Country Rock |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Traveller |
“Fire Away” is a song about loving somebody through the hard times when they may be struggling mentally and emotionally. Chris Stapleton is joined on the track by his wife, Morgane Hayes-Stapleton, as she provides harmony vocals. The lyrics are powerful and complement the soul-ballad feel of the song. The music video, which won Video of the Year at the 2016 CMA Awards, highlights the devastating impacts of mental health illness as it follows the story of a young couple from their seemingly worry-free days, through struggle and suffering, to the eventual tragic conclusion of someone taking their life.
8. Fire and Rain by James Taylor
| Genre | Folk Pop, Soft Rock |
| Year Released | 1970 |
| Album | Sweet Baby James |
Widely regarded as his signature song, “Fire and Rain,” was written by James Taylor and released on his 1970 breakthrough album, Sweet Baby James. Taylor wrote the tune at a time of deep personal strife. The lyrics reference his friend Suzanne Schnerr who committed suicide while Taylor was recording his first album in England. The second part of the song is about the singer’s battle with addiction, and finally, the last part looks back on Taylor’s early music days as he dealt with the fame and money that came from a successful music career. “Fire and Rain” peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was ranked number 227 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. If you enjoy songs with deep meaning, you’ll love this song.
9. Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys
| Genre | R&B |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | Girl on Fire |
Like her other hit song, “No One,” Alicia Keys also debuted “Girl on Fire” at the MTV Video Music Awards, with surprise appearances by gymnastics legend Gabby Douglas and the incomparable Nicki Minaj. The song was inspired by Alicia’s husband, record producer Swizz Beatz, and the birth of their song, Egypt. The song was a Top 15 hit on seven separate US Billboard charts and was certified 7x platinum by the RIAA.
10. Fire on Fire by Sam Smith
| Genre | Soul, Pop |
| Year Released | 2018 |
| Album | Love Goes |
“Fire on Fire” was co-written by Sam Smith alongside fellow Brirt and multi-award-winning producer Steve Mac. With the accompaniment of the BBC Concert Orchestra, the song was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London. The song was written for the 2018 adaptation of the Richard Adams novel Watership Down. The lyrics speak of a young couple’s intense love that is filled with passion and desire through the ups and downs of their relationship. Despite the song failing to chart on any US Billboard charts, it did manage to earn Sam Smith and Mac a platinum record. This is a powerful song about young love.
11. Setting the World On Fire by Kenny Chesney (Featuring Pink)
| Genre | Country Pop, Country Rock |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | Cosmic Hallelujah |
Sometimes the most unconventional partnerships end up being the most dynamic. Such is the case with Kenny Chesney’s duet with Pink on the crossover hit “Setting the World On Fire.” The song earned Chesney his twenty-fifth Top 40 hit on its way to topping both the Billboard Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs charts. It was produced by former ACM Producer of the Year Buddy Cannon and became certified double-platinum. Chesney noted he chose Pink to collaborate with because of her incredible vocal expression that channels feelings of joy, desire, toughness and hurt at the same time. This is one of my personal favorite songs about fire.
12. Setting Fires by The Chainsmokers (Featuring XYLØ)
| Genre | Dance-Pop, EDM |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | Collage EP |
“Setting Fires” was co-written and recorded by Alex Pall and Drew Taggart of the Chainsmokers. The band’s distinctive style perfectly complements the unique voice of Paige Duddy, known by her stage name Xylø, who sings vocals on the track. The music video for “Setting Fires” was directed by James ‘Zola’ Zwadlo and features fire prominently throughout. From firebreathing and fire poi to skaters throwing tricks on flaming skateboards, this video is lit. The gold-certified record has more of a club feel than Chainsmokers’ songs that came before it.
13. Burn It Down by Linkin Park
| Genre | Electronic Rock, Rap Rock |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | Living Things |
Linkin Park’s lead vocalist, the late Chester Bennington, described “Burn It Down” as having high energy and strong electronic melodies, which is why the band selected it as the lead single from their Living Things album. The song topped the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart and earned Linkin Park a triple-platinum album. Moreover, the music video for the song was nominated for Best Rock Video and Best Visual Effects at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards. As of April 2023, the video has nearly 360 million views on YouTube.
14. Another in the Fire by Hillsong United
| Genre | Contemporary Worship Music |
| Year Released | 2019 |
| Album | People |
“Another in the Fire” is about feeling content and knowing everything will be okay as you face adversity so long as you believe in God. No matter the problem or hardship you may be up against, if you walk with the Lord, there is always someone else with you in the fire. The song was recorded by the contemporary Christian group Hillsong United and released on their album People, which won Worship Album of the Year at the 2019 Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards. It earned the band a #1 record on the Billboard Christian Albums chart and #2 on the Billboard 200.
15. Light My Fire by The Doors
| Genre | Psychedelic Rock |
| Year Released | 1967 |
| Album | The Doors |
Widely considered the Doors’ signature song, “Light My Fire,” rocks from start to finish. Perhaps the most memorable part of the tune is the Vox Continental organ that plays throughout. Although the songwriting is attributed to the whole band, it was the band’s founding member and guitarist Robby Krieger that deserves the most credit. According to Krieger, the melody was inspired by the rock standard “Hey Joe” and the lyrics to “Play With Fire” by the Rolling Stones. “Light My Fire” is regarded as one of the greatest songs of all time.
16. Fireman by Lil Wayne
| Genre | Hip Hop, Rap |
| Year Released | 2005 |
| Album | The Carter II |
”Fireman” was released at the height of Lil Wayne’s dominance across the early 2000s hip-hop scene. The attention to detail in the song’s production can be heard from the start. The unmistakable sound of a lighter flicking and a wailing siren off in the distance pulls the listener in as Weezy begins spitting bars like a dragon – straight fire. The song was certified double-platinum and is considered one of Lil Wayne’s most memorable songs.
17. Heart On Fire by Eric Church
| Genre | Country Rock |
| Year Released | 2021 |
| Album | Heart |
“Heart On Fire” is a nostalgic look back at young love. The lyrics feature Eric Church reminiscing about an old flame, presumably his first love. He admits that whenever he’s feeling down, he looks at an old photograph of his partner and it brings him back to feeling like his heart’s on fire. Church pays homage to artists from Elvis to Don Henley, but unmistakable influences of Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp can be heard throughout the song. Eric Church is accompanied on the record by the powerful vocals of former band member Miss Joanna Cotten.
18. Set Fire to the Rain by Adele
| Genre | Power Pop |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | 21 |
“Set Fire to the Rain” is a power-pop ballad that was released as the third single off of Adele’s certified 14x Multi-Platinum album, 21. There is no official video for the song, as Adele was recovering from vocal surgery when it was released as a single in November 2011. In lieu of a music video, she released an incredible performance of her singing the song on the album, Live at the Royal Albert Hall. The live version of “Set Fire to the Rain” from the Royal Albert Hall won the Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 55th Grammy Awards. The song became Adele’s third consecutive #1 single from the same album.
19. Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 1963 |
| Album | Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash |
“Ring of Fire” is one of Johnny Cash’s best-known songs and is regarded as one of the Greatest Songs of All Time. Co-written by his future wife, June Carter (Cash), it earned Cash a gold record and sat atop the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart for nearly two months. From the moment the unmistakable mariachi-style trumpets begin to sound their horn, and Johnny Cash starts singing with his signature deep bass vocals, listeners are transported into the ring of fire where love burns bright and consumes all.
20. Sippin’ on Fire by Florida Georgia Line
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Anything Goes |
“Sippn’ on Fire” is a steamy track recorded by country music duo Florida Georgia Line. The song blazed up the Billboard charts, topping the Country Airplay chart and peaking at #3 on the Hot Country Songs chart. Just a year after its release, “Sippin on Fire” was certified platinum by the RIAA. The music video for the song was filmed in the desert outside of Las Vegas and features the band performing in a burning ring of fire. As smoke emits from the fire, it turns into surreal images, capturing the intensity of the song’s passionate lyrics.
21. Sleep Now in the Fire by Rage Against The Machine
| Genre | Rap Rock |
| Year Released | 1999 |
| Album | The Battle of Los Angeles |
“Sleep Now in the Fire” is a hard rock song written and recorded by Rage Against the Machine. The song reached #16 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and the album, The Battle of Los Angeles, is considered one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The music video, which was directed by political documentary filmmaker Michael Moore, was nominated for Best Rock Video at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. Limp Bizkit ended up winning the award, and Rage bass player, Tim Commerford, was arrested at the awards ceremony after disrupting the show, coming on stage, and climbing a prop during Limp Bizkit’s acceptance speech.
22. Fire We Make by Alicia Keys (Featuring Maxwell)
| Genre | Neo Soul |
| Year Released | 2013 |
| Album | Girl on Fire |
“Fire We Make” is a collaboration between Alicia Keys and Maxwell. Filled with sensual vibes and soft, seductive vocals, the song topped the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart and was certified gold by the RIAA. It features some moody electric guitar grooves laid down by esteemed blues guitarist Gary Clark, Jr. Lyrically. The song is a passionate love song where the song’s two narrators speak of the sexual tension and chemistry between each other, which they compare to fire.
23. The Fireman by George Strait
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 1985 |
| Album | Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind? |
“The Fireman” is a tongue-in-cheek commentary on a man that has a tendency to go for women that are a bit on the fiery side. The narrator claims he can cool down any woman that is heated, like a fireman puts out flames. George Strait’s matter-of-fact delivery over a Western swing arrangement made the song popular among country music fans in the mid-1980s. It peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earned Strait a certified gold record.
24. I’m On Fire by Bruce Springsteen
| Genre | Rock, Rockabilly |
| Year Released | 1985 |
| Album | Born in the U.S.A. |
“I’m On Fire” is a short and moody track written and recorded by Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen. Throughout the song, the simple yet universal lyrics elicit feelings of passion, lust, and desire. The short length of the record leaves listeners wishing the song was longer and wanting something they cannot have, much like the lyrics convey. In 1985, the song peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, while the music video won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Male Video. It’s been covered extensively by many artists, from Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash to John Mayer and Lorde.
25. Fire for You by Cannons
| Genre | Indie Pop, Electropop |
| Year Released | 2019 |
| Album | Shadows |
With its soft, melodic harmony and groovy synth beats, “Fire for You” is undeniably catchy and has an ethereal dream-like sound. “Fire for You” was the first single released on Cannons’ second studio album Shadows. It brought popularity to the band after it was featured on an episode of the TV show Never Have I Ever. Following mainstream attention, the band signed a record deal with Columbia Records. The song subsequently earned Cannons a #1 record when it topped the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart. If you’re looking for songs to vibe to, then this is a great one.
26. We Didn’t Start the Fire by Billy Joel
| Genre | Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 1989 |
| Album | Storm Front |
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” is an uptempo pop-rock ballad by Billy Joel. It features an epic lyrical list of historical events beginning from the year the Piano Man was born until he wrote the song in 1989. Many people describe it as a chronicle of the Cold War, as Joel references momentous events around the world. Although Billy Joel wasn’t keen on the song’s melody, the lyrics resonated with fans, and it topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart on the way to becoming certified triple-platinum.
27. Play With Fire by The Rolling Stones
| Genre | Blues Rock, Baroque Pop |
| Year Released | 1965 |
| Album | “The Last Time” B-Side |
“Play With Fire” was written and recorded by the Rolling Stones at a late-night studio session before the band left for a tour the following day. Only Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were awake to cut the record after a long recording session. The song is a stripped-down, acoustic guitar-driven, romantic ballad that provides commentary on the mid-1960s London high society. The title comes from the popular saying that if you play with fire, you will get burned. Originally included on the B-Side to the more upbeat, rocking song “The Last Time,” it was later featured on the Stones’ US release of the Out of Our Heads album, which was certified platinum and topped the Billboard 200 chart.
28. Fire on the Mountain by Grateful Dead
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1978 |
| Album | Shakedown Street |
A staple at hundreds of Grateful Dead concerts, “Fire on the Mountain” usually evolved into lengthy jam sessions that showcased the band’s characteristic improvisational music. According to lyricist Robert Hunter, there were wildfires burning in the hills near the recording studio where he and Mickey Hart created the song. Hunter claims the song was written with “heated inspiration” and fear of the fire’s potential approach. The lyrics are both literal and figurative. They imply that once you give something all that you’ve got, it may be time to move on, lest you burn out, like fire on a mountain.
29. Shepherd of Fire by Avenged Sevenfold
| Genre | Heavy Metal |
| Year Released | 2013 |
| Album | Hail to the King |
If you’re a fan of first-person shooters and fighting games, you may have heard this song before. It is featured in Call of Duty: Black Ops II on the Zombie mode Origins and also EA Sports UFC. “Shepherd of Fire” peaked at #9 and #28 on the Billboard Rock Airplay and Hot Rock & Alternative Songs charts, respectively. The first song on the album, “Shepherd of Fire,” seems to transport listeners to the depths of Hell and sets the scene for the rest of the record. It’s Avenged Sevenfold’s first groove-based, riff-oriented record that sounds like it drew influences from Led Zepplin and Black Sabbath.
30. Firework by Katy Perry
| Genre | Dance-Pop |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | Teenage Dream |
“Firework” is regarded as Katy Perry’s epitaph or magnum opus. It was inspired by Jack Kerouac’s book On The Road, in which extraordinary people therein are described as buzzing and full of life like a firework shooting across the sky. The song is one of the most commercially successful songs of all time, earning Perry a diamond-certified record on its way to being certified 12x Multi-Platinum. “Firework” and its inspirational message resonated with fans and went to #1 on six separate Billboard charts, including the Hot 100, where it spent four weeks atop the chart.
31. Through the Fire and Flames by DragonForce
| Genre | Power Metal, Speed Metal |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | Inhuman Rampage |
“Through the Fire and Flames” is the most successful song by the British power metal band DragonForce. It saw increased popularity after It was featured in the popular rhythm play-along video game Guitar Hero III: Legends of the Rock and is one of the hardest songs to play in the game. Known for its ultrarapid twin guitar solos, the song shreds from start to finish. Guitarist Herman Li managed to break one of his strings during the recording session, but the band kept the recording, and it’s the version that appears on the album.
32. Night’s on Fire by David Nail
| Genre | Country, Country Pop |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Fighter |
“Night’s on Fire” was co-written by David Nail along with longtime collaborator Jonathan Singleton, who also worked with Nail on his hit single “Let It Rain.” The song was pitched to and was on hold with another artist before Nail worked with his publisher, label, and songwriting friend to let him cut the record first. Singleton also played acoustic guitar and sang background harmony on the track. “Night’s on Fire” earned Nail a gold record and was a Top 20 hit on both the Billboard Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs charts where it peaked at #14 and #17, respectively.
33. Firecracker by Josh Turner
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2007 |
| Album | Everything Is Fine |
“Firecracker” was the first single released on traditional country singer Josh Turner’s album Everything Is Fire. The song peaked at #2 and #50 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Hot 100 charts, respectively, on its way to earning Turner a gold-certified record. The lyrics use a firecracker as a metaphor to describe the explosiveness of the narrator’s lover. The song features Josh Turner’s signature bass-baritone vocals that will send shivers down your spine, accompanied by a mean playing fiddle.
34. Soul On Fire by Third Day (Featuring All Sons & Daughters)
| Genre | Christian Rock |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Lead Us Back: Songs of Worship |
“Soul On Fire” is a spiritual rock song by the contemporary Christian band Third Day. The lyrics are undeniably catchy and recount the narrator’s longing with a fervent desire to return to the first days of his spiritual worship when he first began following Jesus Christ. “Soul On Fire” appeared on the group’s 2015 album Lead Us Back: Songs of Worship, which charted very well in the US, including on the Billboard Christian Albums chart, where it went to #1.
35. Feel That Fire by Dierks Bentley
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2008 |
| Album | Feel That Fire |
“Feel That Fire” was the first single and title track released on Dierks Bentley’s chart-topping 2008 album. The song references all the things that make the narrator’s girlfriend feel alive and on fire. Dierks sent over 2,000 boxes of the caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts snack, Cracker Jack, to radio stations across America since the song references the snack. He chose over 50 stations as winners of a concert with Bentley. The promotion worked, as radio personalities gave the song favorable airplay on its way to earning Dierks his sixth #1 record on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
36. Just Like Fire by P!nk
| Genre | Pop Rock, Electropop |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | Alice Through the Looking Glass: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack |
“Just Like Fire” is a song co-written by P!nk for the live-action feature film Alice Through the Looking Glass. It features P!nk’s distinct sound but also showcases her pushing boundaries as the singer displayed her skill as a rapper, too. The song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media and earned P!nk a platinum record in the US, UK, Australia, Brazil, and Canada. The music video was released a couple of days before the film premiered in theatres. If you’re looking for songs about fire then this is a song you simply must have on your playlist.
37. Wildfire by Mandolin Orange (Featuring John Teer)
| Genre | Folk, Americana |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | Blindfaller |
Some songs you can’t help but listen to on repeat without them ever getting old. Such is the case for me with Mandolin Orange’s historically and politically conscious song “Wildfire.” The lyrics are about how bigotry and hatred can spread like wildfire and draws on the history of America’s complicated past involving racism, which the song laments should have ended with the Civil War. Executive Director of the Americana Music Association, Jed Hilly, said in reference to the song that if the world listened to Americana music for just one hour, there would be world peace.
38. Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2008 |
| Album | Only by the Night |
Some songs take on a different meaning than the band originally intended. According to Kings of Leon, the song was never meant to be called “Sex on Fire” or even be sexual in nature at all. It was written for lead singer Caleb Followill’s future wife, model Lily Aldridge. The song was meant to be “Set Us on Fire,” but a sound engineer that was in the studio during mixing heard it as “Sex on Fire.” It became a running joke, and eventually, the lyrics and title of the song. The song earned Kings of Leon a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and was certified platinum.
39. Fire Burning by Sean Kingston
| Genre | Electropop, Dance Pop |
| Year Released | 2009 |
| Album | Tomorrow |
“Fire Burning” was a Top 10 hit on six separate Billboard charts, including the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, where it went #1 and peaked at #5 on the Hot 100. Released in the spring of 2009, the song became a summer dance anthem and set dance clubs on fire on its way to being certified double-platinum. Produced by RedOne, who is best known for his work on Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face,” the catchy hook is paired with heavy synthesizers and an array of percussive sounds that makes it all the more danceable. This is one of the most popular songs about fire and burning in the electropop genre.
40. On Fire by Lloyd Banks (Featuring 50 Cent)
| Genre | Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2004 |
| Album | The Hunger for More |
Released as his first single, “On Fire” put Lloyd Banks on the map as an ascendant artist in the early 2000s hip hop scene. Banks put himself in good company as a member of the group G-Unit. The song was co-produced by Eminem, who also shares writing credits with Curtis Jackson, aka 50 Cent. The song peaked at #3 and #4 on the Billboard Rhythmic and Hot Rap Songs charts, respectively. “On Fire” is largely a coming-out song for Banks, who signed with G-Unit and released his debut album at just 21 years old.
41. Wildfire by Michael Martin Murphy
| Genre | Country, Soft Rock |
| Year Released | 1975 |
| Album | Blue Sky – Night Thunder |
“Wildfire” is a song about a legendary ghost horse that was popularized in stories from natives of the desert Southwest. The song defies any one genre and was a successful crossover hit of rock, country, folk, and even pop. As such, it became Michael Martin Murphey’s most popular song, peaking at #3 on the Hot 100 and topping both the Adult Contemporary and Easy Listening charts. According to Murphey, he dreamed up the song’s lyrics from his subconscious. He called it mystical inspiration. Sixteen years after its release, “Wildfire” was certified platinum by the RIAA.
42. Firestarter by The Prodigy
| Genre | Big Beat, Rave |
| Year Released | 1996 |
| Album | The Fat of the Land |
“Firestarter” is regarded as one of the Greatest Dance Songs of All Time. The British band, The Prodigy, recorded and released the easily recognizable techno and heavy metal mashup song as the lead single from their 1996 album The Fat of the Land. The official music video, which was filmed in black-and-white, was shot in a deserted tunnel in the London Underground. “Firestarter” became The Prodigy’s first international hit, earning the band a #1 record in five countries across Europe, including their UK home.
43. Fire by Pointer Sisters
| Genre | Rock, R&B |
| Year Released | 1978 |
| Album | Energy |
“Fire” was originally written by Bruce Springsteen, but the most popular version of the tune was recorded by the R&B group Pointer Sisters. It became the group’s first gold single and set the trajectory for a successful career. In addition to climbing all the way to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, “Fire” is considered one of the Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time.
44. Play With Fire by Sam Tinnesz (Featuring Yacht Money)
| Genre | Pop Rock, Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | Warplanes EP |
Written and recorded by Nashville-based singer-songwriter Sam Tinnesz, “Play With Fire” touches on one’s desire for thrilling activities that most people would consider dangerous. The narrator admits that he’s always liked to play with fire, that is, participating in rebellious, adrenaline-spiking acts that make him feel most alive. As of April 2023, the original release of the record has over 250 million streams on Spotify alone.
45. Fireball by Pitbull (Featuring John Ryan)
| Genre | Samba, Euro Dance |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | Globalization |
According to co-producer Ricky Reed, “Fireball” was inspired by a day spent drinking the cinnamon-flavored liqueur on the roof of a beach house with Pitbull. The song was co-written and co-produced by John Ryan, who also adds vocals to the track. The music video is mostly in black and white and features clubgoers dancing, complete with firebreathing entertainers. In addition to the song being certified 4x Multi-Platinum, it was a Top 40 hit on six different US Billboard charts.
46. Burn by Ellie Goulding
| Genre | Electropop, Synth-Pop |
| Year Released | 2013 |
| Album | Halcyon Days |
“Burn” performed successfully in the US where it reached the Top 25 on seven different Billboard charts, including the Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart where it claimed the #1 spot. With such a great performance on the radio, it’s no surprise that the song has been certified 5x Multi-Platinum for selling over 5 million units. At the time of writing, the music video for “Burn” has racked up an incredible 1.5 billion views on YouTube. It was also nominated at the 2014 Brit Awards for British Single of the Year and British Video of the Year.
47. Fire by Kasabian
| Genre | Psychedelic Rock |
| Year Released | 2009 |
| Album | West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum |
The British music and pop culture publication New Musical Express ranked “Fire” by Kasabian #65 on its list of 150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years. The song peaked at #3 in the UK, where it also earned Kasabian a double-platinum record. The band describes the song as an attempt to combine rock’n’roll with dance music. The music video shows a bank robbery that went wrong but with a twist. The assailants are armed with guitars, and the loot they walk off with turns out to be sheet music.
48. Burn One Down by Ben Harper
| Genre | Alternative Rock, Indie |
| Year Released | 1995 |
| Album | Fight for Your Mind |
Ben Harper is a great example of a grassroots artist achieving success. He toured extensively with the likes of Dave Matthews Band and other jam bands, growing his fan base organically. “Burn One Down” was written and recorded by the three-time Grammy Award winner and released on his 1995 album Fight for Your Mind. Despite limited airplay throughout the country, the album was certified gold in the United States. The sound of the song has previously been described aptly as a mix between Bob Marley and James Taylor, with the lyrics celebrating cannabis.
49. Smoke and Fire by Sabrina Carpenter
| Genre | Pop, Synth Pop |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | Single |
“Smoke and Fire” was co-written and recorded by American singer-songwriter-actress Sabrina Carpenter. The song marks a natural maturity in Carpenter’s music as she has grown and taken more risks with this release. Although the lyrics are intimate, Carpenter didn’t necessarily see the song as being extremely personal; rather, she hoped it would uplift her listeners that found themselves in a similar, difficult situation, like following a breakup. With smoke and fire, you can feel the heat as Sabrina Carpenter takes a big step forward as a musician.
50. Slow Dancing In a Burning Room by John Mayer
| Genre | Blues Rock, Soft Rock |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | Continuum |
“Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” was written and recorded by John Mayer for his 2006 album Continuum. Production of the song was handled by Grammy Award-winning producer and former drummer of the John Mayer Trio, Steve Jordan. Billboard magazine dubbed the song Mayer’s best on their list picked by critics of his 20 best songs. From the poignant metaphor of a relationship in turmoil akin to dancing in a burning room to the torrid guitar solo, Mayer perfectly communicates the hopeless feeling of a relationship doomed to fail. If you enjoy songs with metaphors, you’ll love this song because it has many.
51. Burning Love by Elvis Presley
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1972 |
| Album | Single |
One of the King of Rock and Roll’s signature songs, “Burning Love” peaked at #2 and #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts, respectively. It took 20 years after its release, but “Burning Love” was eventually certified platinum by the RIAA. It has been covered extensively and used in numerous television shows and movies throughout the years, from The Golden Girls and The Simpsons to New Girl and Avengers: Infinity War.
52. Let It Burn by Jazmine Sullivan
| Genre | R&B, Pop |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Reality Show |
“Let It Burn” is a timeless soul song by Jazmine Sullivan. It prominently features a synthesizer and feels like a throwback to the late 80s or early 90s R&B scene, and for a good reason, too. The song features samples from the 1989 song “Ready or Not” by R&B group After 7, which was written by Kenneth Edmonds, better known as Babyface. “Let It Burn” was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song and Best Traditional R&B Performance. It earned Sullivan a gold record and peaked at #4 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.
53. Burning by Sam Smith
| Genre | Soul |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | The Thrill of It All |
“Burning” is soul song featuring beautiful piano instrumentation and Sam Smith’s smooth vocals. Instead of trying to make a big pop record, Smith wanted to produce something personal, like a diary. As such, the song is easily relatable and seems to resonate with fans around the world. Released on Smith’s 2017 album The Thrill of It All, which went #1 in both the UK and US. Additionally, the record was named #10 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 50 Best Albums of 2017 and has been certified double-platinum.
54. Burning House by Cam
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Untamed |
After performing her song “Burning House” on the Bobby Bones Show, country singer-songwriter Cam’s career really began to take off. Her single became a successful crossover hit, peaked at #2 on both the Billboard Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs charts, but also climbed to #29 on the Hot 100. Eventually, the song was certified triple-platinum and even earned Cam a Grammy Award nomination for Best Country Solo Performance. The song was inspired by a dream Cam had in which she was trying to save an ex-boyfriend from a burning house.
55. Standing Outside the Fire by Garth Brooks
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 1993 |
| Album | In Pieces |
Often accompanied by fire pyrotechnics at his live concerts, “Standing Outside the Fire” is an inspiring country rock song by Garth Brooks. The song is about living life to the fullest, taking chances, and not playing it safe. It asks what good life is if we don’t respond to passion, step into the fire, and chase down our dreams. The song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and featured Garth Brooks’ future wife, Trisha Yearwood, on background vocals. If you’re looking for songs about dreams to give you some motivation to chase yours, give this song a listen.
56. Fire Water Burn by Bloodhound Gang
| Genre | Funk Metal, Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 1996 |
| Album | One Fierce Beer Coaster |
Best known as the roof is on fire song, “Fire Water Burn,” was written and recorded by the Bloodhound Gang. It prominently features lyrics borrowed from the 1984 song “The Roof is on Fire” by Rock Master Scott & the Dynamic Three. In the same vein as Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” the song references several pop culture icons, from Marvin Gaye and Jimi Hendrix to Han Solo and President John F. Kennedy.
57. Fire on the Mountain by Marshall Tucker Band
| Genre | Country Rock, Southern Rock |
| Year Released | 1975 |
| Album | Searchin’ for a Rainbow |
“Fire on the Mountain” was a song that George McCorkle of The Marshall Tucker Band originally wrote for his friend Charlie Daniels. Daniels nixed the song for his own album but did play a mean fiddle when The Marshall Tucker Band decided to record it. The song features elements of southern and country rock, complete with a fiddle and steel guitar. The instrument that stands out the most, though, is the flute and its enchanting expression during the song’s bridge. “Fire on the Mountain” peaked at #38 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Wrap Up:
That does it for this playlist. Let us know if there are any great songs that we should add in the comments section below.
Hi, my name is Kevin and I’m from Butler, Pennsylvania. I’ve been obsessed with music and audio gear for as long as I can remember. I started this website to help people find professional advice related to a wide range of audio topics. We have a number of Audio Engineers on our team who have been designing and fixing audio gear for decades.