Introduction
Kenny Rogers and The First Edition set the charts on fire in 1970 with their hit song, “Something’s Burning.” The track, the title song from their fifth album, became a global Top 20 hit, but its journey wasn’t without a spark of controversy.
Songwriter Mac Davis crafted the lyrics, weaving a tale of a love so intense it feels like a burning fire. The opening verse paints a picture of intimacy, with the narrator gazing at their sleeping lover and feeling their hearts beat in unison. The chorus explodes with the revelation: “Something’s burning / And I think it’s love.”
Despite its seemingly innocent message, some radio stations in the day deemed the lyrics suggestive and opted to ban the song. This, however, couldn’t hold back the song’s popularity. The smooth vocals of Kenny Rogers, backed by the tight harmonies of The First Edition, captivated audiences worldwide.
“Something’s Burning” transcended its chart success. In 1974, the Swedish group Blue Swede released a successful cover, further solidifying the song’s place in pop culture. Years later, even Dolly Parton, a frequent collaborator of both Rogers and Davis, included her own rendition on her 1996 covers album.
So, the next time you hear the opening chords of “Something’s Burning,” take a moment to appreciate the song’s enduring legacy. It’s a testament to the power of love songs, a touch of controversy, and the undeniable talent of Kenny Rogers and The First Edition.