Wildfires

Album: Untitled (Black Is) (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Untitled (Black Is) is a rapid response to the police killing of George Floyd released just three weeks after the murder took place. This song finds the neo-soul collective reflecting on police brutality against African Americans.

    You should be ashamed
    The bloodshed on your hands
    Another man
    Take off your badge
    We all know it was murder


    Sault take heart in their brothers' and sisters' determination not to give in to their pain. Instead, they declare African Americans will "always rise" as they compare the oppressed peoples' survival instincts to the transformative effect of "wildfire."
  • When BBC 6 music DJ Gilles Peterson first heard "Untitled (Black Is)," he was so blown away, he played the record in its 56:35 entirety that day on his show. He told Mojo magazine: "I thought, well am I just overly excited about it because I'm getting this brand new record handed to me on the day. But then I listen to it again and again and again. Not only is it a great response record, it's so full of great songs. You can feel this is just genuinely pure music."
  • The Guardian ranked "Wildfires" as their fifth-best song of 2020.

Comments: 2

  • Svmara from LondonTHIS SONG HITS MY SOUL DIFFERENTLY!! I can never get tired of listening to it.
  • AnonymousThis song is an amazing piece of work! The crystal clean sound of her voice has me listening to this over and over again! I'm 76 yrs old and the brutality of those who are to "serve and protect" goes beyond description! Beautiful song!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)Songwriter Interviews

Steve Cropper on the making of "In the Midnight Hour," the chicken-wire scene in The Blues Brothers, and his 2021 album, Fire It Up.

Weezer

WeezerFact or Fiction

Did Rivers Cuomo grow up on a commune? Why did they name their albums after colors? See how well you know your Weezer in this Fact or Fiction.

Is That Song Public Domain?

Is That Song Public Domain?Fact or Fiction

Are classic songs like "Over The Rainbow" and "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in the public domain?

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.