‘Light My Fire’ is a song by the American rock band the Doors. It was recorded in August 1966 and released in January 1967 on their self-titled debut album.
Issued as an edited single on April 24, 1967, it spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and a further week on the Cash Box Top 100, nearly a year after its recording. Due to its erotic lyrics and innovative structure, the song has been recognized as one of the earliest psychedelic rock tracks ever. A year later, it re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968 following the success of José Feliciano's cover version of the song, peaking at number 87.
The band performed the song on various TV shows, including a live performance on The Ed Sullivan Show on September 17, 1967. They were asked by producer Bob Precht, to change the line "girl, we couldn't get much higher", due to the possible reference to drugs. However, the meaning of the line was confirmed to be literal, as in "high in the sky". The band agreed to do so, and did a rehearsal using the amended lyrics, "girl, we couldn't get much better". However, during the live performance, lead singer Jim Morrison sang the original, unaltered lyrics. Sullivan did not shake Morrison's hand as he left the stage. The band had been negotiating a multi-episode deal with the producers; however, after violating the agreement not to perform the offending line, they were informed they would never perform on the show again.
Songwriters – Jim Morrison, Robby Krieger, John Densmore, Ray Manzarek
Producer – Paul A. Rothchild
SONG LYRICS
[Intro]
[Verse 1]You know that it would be untrue
You know that I would be a liar
If I was to say to you
Girl, we couldn't get much higher
[Chorus]
Come on baby, light my fire
Come on baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire
[Verse 2]
The time to hesitate is through
No time to wallow in the mire
Try now, we can only lose
And our love become a funeral pyre
[Chorus]
Come on baby, light my fire
Come on baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire, yeah
[Instrumental Break]
[Organ Solo]
[Guitar Solo]
[Verse 3]
The time to hesitate is through
No time to wallow in the mire
Try now, we can only lose
And our love become a funeral pyre
[Chorus]
Come on baby, light my fire
Come on baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire, yeah
[Verse 4]
You know that it would be untrue
You know that I would be a liar
If I was to say to you
Girl, we couldn't get much higher
[Chorus]
Come on baby, light my fire
Come on baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire
Try to set the night on fire
[Outro]