Peak
2
Weeks
23
Score
4,207
Chart Year
1979
This smoldering song was written by Bruce Springsteen, who at the time was embroiled in litigation with his former manager, which kept him from recording his own songs. His friend Robert Gordon was the first to record it, releasing it on his 1978 album Fresh Fish Special. The song became a hit when the Pointer Sisters recorded it later in 1978 at the suggestion of their producer, Richard Perry, their version hitting #2 in the US. Springsteen wrote this for Elvis Presley, his idol growing up. He sent Elvis a demo of it in 1977, but Presley died soon after. The song would have fit well for Elvis, as it's about a passionate lust a couple has for each other. Springsteen sometimes writes from the perspective of a man burning with desire, which can come off a bit predatory. In this song, the girl is saying no, but he's not accepting that answer because her kiss tells a different story. When sung from the girl's point of view, these concerns are allayed - The Pointer Sisters make it clear they are welcoming these advances: My words say split, but my words they lie 'Cause when we kiss, ooooh, fire Another Springsteen song with a similar theme is "Because The Night," which became a big hit for Patti Smith. While many people who heard this song knew it had hit potential, Springsteen did not release it until 1986, as he was more concerned with the continuity of his albums than making hit records. Springsteen's version was included on his boxed set, Live 1975-1985. It was released as a single when the set came out, reaching #46 in the US. Springsteen considered using this on his albums Darkness On The Edge Of Town (1978) and The River (1980), but decided it did not fit the mood of either album. Radio stations sometimes inserted their station name into the Pointer Sisters version of this song after the line, "You turn on the radio." For example: I'm riding in your car You turn on the radio... 98.3, The Pulse! You're pulling me close... The Pointer Sisters scored with upbeat, danceable songs like "I'm So Excited" and "Jump (For My Love)," but their biggest hits were "Fire" and another slow-burning, lusty song: "Slow Hand." That one was written by John Bettis and Michael Clark, and became a country hit for Conway Twitty after The Pointer Sisters released their version.
I'm ridin' in your car, you turn on the radio You're pullin' me close, I just say no I say I don't like it, but you know I'm a liar 'Cause when we kiss, Ooooh, fire Late at night, you're takin' me home You say you wanna stay, I say I want to be alone I say I don't love you, ut you know I'm a liar 'Cause when we kiss, ooooh, fire You had a hold on me, right from the start A grip so tight, I couldn't tear it apart My nerves all jumpin', actin' like a fool Well, your kisses they burn, but my heart stays cool Well, Romeo and Juliet, Samson and Delilah Baby you can bet, a love they couldn't deny My words say split, but my words they lie 'Cause when we kiss, ooooh, fire Ooooh, fire Kisses like fire Burn me up with fire I like what you're doin' now Fire Touchin' me Fire Touchin' me Burnin' me Fire Take me home Bruce Springsteen version: I'm driving in my car, I turn on the radio I'm pulling you close, you just say no You say you don't like it, but girl I know you're a liar 'Cause when we kiss, Fire Late at night I'm takin' you home I say I want to stay, you say you want to be alone You say you don't love me, girl you can't hide your desire 'Cause when we kiss, Fire You had a hold on me, right from the start A grip so tight I couldn't tear it apart My nerves all jumpin' actin' like a fool Well your kisses they burn but your heart stays cool Romeo and Juliet, Samson and Delilah Baby you can bet their love they didn't deny Your words say split but your words they lie 'Cause when we kiss, Fire
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nov 11, 1978 | 86 | 40 |
| 2 | Nov 18, 1978 | 70 | 56 |
| 3 | Nov 25, 1978 | 61 | 65 |
| 4 | Dec 2, 1978 | 51 | 75 |
| 5 | Dec 9, 1978 | 41 | 85 |
| 6 | Dec 16, 1978 | 32 | 94 |
| 7 | Dec 23, 1978 | 28 | 98 |
| 8 | Dec 30, 1978 | 28 | 98 |
| 9 | Jan 6, 1979 | 20 | 106 |
| 10 | Jan 13, 1979 | 19 | 107 |
| 11 | Jan 20, 1979 | 14 | 112 |
| 12 | Jan 27, 1979 | 11 | 115 |
| 13 | Feb 3, 1979 | 8 | 118 |
| 14 | Feb 10, 1979 | 5 | 121 |
| 15 | Feb 17, 1979 | 4 | 122 |
| 16 | Feb 24, 1979 | 2 | 124 |
| 17 | Mar 3, 1979 | 2 | 124 |
| 18 | Mar 10, 1979 | 4 | 122 |
| 19 | Mar 17, 1979 | 7 | 119 |
| 20 | Mar 24, 1979 | 8 | 118 |