Introduction:
“Something’s Burning” is a song performed by Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, released in 1970 as the title track of their fifth studio album. While the song is considered a rock ballad, it also incorporates elements of country rock and soft rock. It was written by Mac Davis, a successful country music songwriter, who also wrote hits for artists such as Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a passionate love affair, with the singer describing the intense physical and emotional connection between two lovers. The lyrics were considered controversial at the time, as they were seen as being too suggestive for radio airplay. However, Rogers believed in the song’s potential and was determined to get it heard. He and the band performed the song on “This Is Tom Jones” in the UK, where they felt the audience would be more receptive to its sensual themes.
“Something’s Burning” was a commercial success, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number 8 on the UK Singles Chart. It was also a hit in other countries, reaching the top 20 in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The song’s success helped to establish Kenny Rogers and The First Edition as a popular act, and it remains a classic of the era.
In 1996, Dolly Parton, a friend and occasional collaborator of both Davis and Rogers, covered “Something’s Burning” for her album “Treasures”. Her version of the song was also a hit, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Parton’s recording helped to introduce the song to a new generation of listeners and cemented its place as a timeless classic.