About the song
In the sweltering summer of 1972, Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, ignited the music scene with his scorching rendition of “Burning Love.” Written by Dennis Linde and originally recorded by Arthur Alexander earlier that year, Presley’s version would go on to become his final Top 10 hit in the American Hot 100, peaking at number 2 and cementing his legacy as a music icon.
Recorded at RCA’s Hollywood studios on March 28, 1972, “Burning Love” was released as a single on August 1, 1972, with the B-side “It’s a Matter of Time.” The song’s electric guitar opening and riffs, overdubbed and played by Linde himself, set the tone for a passionate and energetic performance that would captivate audiences worldwide. As Presley’s last big hit, “Burning Love” marked a triumphant conclusion to his illustrious career, which spanned over two decades.
The song’s success was not limited to the Billboard charts, where it rose to number 2 on the Hot 100 for the week of October 28, 1972. It also reached number 1 on Cashbox’s Top 40 Charts for the week of November 11, solidifying its place in music history. “Burning Love” was Presley’s 40th and final Top Ten hit on the Billboard US charts, a testament to his enduring popularity and influence.
Despite its popularity among his fans, Presley rarely performed “Burning Love” live, with notable exceptions including the concert film Elvis on Tour and the Aloha from Hawaii concert. However, in 1975, the song was included in his setlist for the majority of the year’s performances, both in Las Vegas and on the road.
Over the years, “Burning Love” has undergone various transformations, including a new backing track recorded in 1980, intended for the Guitar Man album, and a new orchestral arrangement recorded in 2015, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and released on the album If I Can Dream. These reinterpretations demonstrate the song’s timeless appeal and versatility, ensuring its continued relevance in the music world.
The personnel involved in the original recording of “Burning Love” reads like a who’s who of music legends, including James Burton, Dennis Linde, and Glen D. Hardin, among others. Their collective talents, combined with Presley’s unmistakable vocals, created a truly unforgettable recording that continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.
In conclusion, “Burning Love” is a testament to Elvis Presley’s enduring legacy as a music icon and his ability to ignite passion and excitement in his fans. As a cultural phenomenon, the song continues to inspire new generations of music lovers, ensuring its place in the annals of music history.
Video
Lyrics
Lord Almighty
Feel my temperature rising
Higher an’ higher
It’s burning through to my soul
Girl, girl, girl, girl
You gonna set me on fire
My brain is flaming
I don’t know which way to go, yeah
Your kisses lift me higher
Like the sweet song of a choir
You light my morning sky
With burning love
Ooh-ooh-ooh, I feel my temperature rising
Help me, I’m flaming
I must be a 109
Burning, burning, burning
And nothing can cool me, yeah
I just might turn into smoke but I feel fine
‘Cause your kisses lift me higher
Like a sweet song of a choir
And you light my morning sky
With burning love
It’s coming closer
The flames are now licking my body
Won’t you help me
I feel like I’m slipping away
It’s hard to breath
And my chest is a-heaving, mm
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)
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)
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)
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love (ah)