Build A Fire

Album: It's About Time (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Build a Fire" is about Patty Smyth's 25-year relationship with tennis legend John McEnroe. She told Spin that their relationship was still strong. "The deeper you go with somebody the deeper your fire can get."
  • Before this song (and the rest of It's About Time), Smyth, who fronted the band Scandal, hadn't released a solo album since before getting together with McEnroe. It had been 28 years.

    Her last solo release was in 1992, with Patty Smyth, which featured her hit duet with Don Henley, "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough."
  • Smyth told American Songwriter that "Build a Fire" was "an older song." It had started with a different title, and she wrote it with two Nashville songwriters, but didn't specify who they were.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Kiss

KissFact or Fiction

Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.

The End Of The Rock Era

The End Of The Rock EraSong Writing

There are no more rock stars - the last one died in 1994.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Oliver Leiber

Oliver LeiberSongwriter Interviews

Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.

Second Wind Songs

Second Wind SongsSong Writing

Some songs get a second life when they find a new audience through a movie, commercial, TV show, or even the Internet.