The Crazy World of Arthur Brown - Fire (1968)

Before the flamboyant and theatrical styles of Marilyn Manson, George Clinton, KISS, and Alice Cooper, there was Arthur Brown. Primarily remembered for his hit heard below, this artist got his start with The Ramong Sound, which eventually went on to become the soul group The Foundations. His most notable stunt while performing was wearing a metal helmet on stage, while singing, and setting it on fire. He was also known to wear makeup all over his face, have himself lowered to the stage on cables, and on occasion strip naked while performing. The latter stunt quickly had him arrested and thrown out of Italy. He and his group disbanded on a US tour in 1969.

This song, his most popular, was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond. It was produced by Kit Lambert and Pete Townshend, of The Who, and sold over a million copies. It features an electronic organ and many brass instruments, but no guitar or bass guitar. The mono version of the song (not heard here) featured no brass instruments at all. It has been covered by Pete Townshend, supergroup ELP, Ozzy Osbourne, and many others.



The Crazy World of Arthur Brown - Fire (1968)

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Lyrics:

I am the god of hell fire
And I bring you

Fire
I'll take you to burn
Fire
I'll take you to learn
I'll see you burn

You fought hard and you saved and earned
But all of it's goin’ to burn
And your mind- your tiny mind
You know you've really been so blind
Now's your time to burn your mind
You're falling far too far behind

Oh no, oh no, oh no
You’re gonna burn

Fire
To destroy all you've done
Fire
To end all you've become
I'll feel you burn

You've been living like a little girl
In the middle of your little world
And your mind- your tiny mind
You know you've really been so blind
Now's your time to burn your mind
You're falling far too far behind
Ooh

Fire
I'll take you to burn
Fire
I'll take you to learn

You’re gonna burn
You’re gonna burn
You’re gonna burn (burn)
Burn (burn)
Burn (burn)
Burn (burn)
Burn (burn)
Burn!

Fire
I'll take you to burn
Fire
I'll take you to learn

Fire
I'll take you to burn
Fire
Fire