About the song
Background of “The Fire Down Below” by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
- Released in 1976 on the album “Night Moves,” a landmark record for Seger’s national breakthrough.
- Not the most famous song on the album (compared to “Night Moves” or “Rock and Roll Never Forgets”), but a fan favorite for its raw energy.
- Known for its powerful instrumentation by the Silver Bullet Band and Seger’s signature raspy vocals, including a scream at the end that leads to a surprise “fake ending” followed by another burst of rock fury.
Themes in “The Fire Down Below”
- Passion and Desire: The lyrics are filled with intense imagery, suggesting a burning, all-consuming passion or raw emotions. Lines like “fire down below” and “burning like a cigarette” evoke a sense of urgency and restlessness.
- Rebellion and Frustration: The song has a rebellious energy, perhaps reflecting the frustrations of youth or a desire to break free from societal constraints.
- Ambiguity: While the “fire” is a powerful symbol, it’s open to interpretation. It could represent anger, love, or a yearning for something more.
It’s important to note that Seger himself hasn’t explicitly explained the meaning of the song. This ambiguity allows listeners to connect with the song on a personal level, finding their own meaning in the fiery imagery and driving music.
Video
Lyrics
Here comes old Rosie she’s looking mighty fineHere comes hot Nancy she’s steppin’ right on timeThere go the street lights bringin’ on the nightHere come the men faces hidden from the lightAll through the shadows, ah, they come and they goWith only one thing in commonThey got the fire down below
Here comes the rich man in his big long limousineHere comes the poor man all you got to have is greenHere comes the banker and the lawyer and the copOne thing for certain it ain’t never gonna stopWhen it all gets too heavyThat’s when they come and they goThey goWith only one thing in commonThey got the fire down below
Yeah, it happens out in Vegas happens in MolineOn the blue blood streets of BostonUp in Berkeley and out in QueensAnd it went on yesterday and it’s going on tonightSomewhere there’s somebody ain’t treatin’ somebody right
And he’s looking out for Rosie and she’s looking mighty fineAnd he’s walking the streets for NancyAnd he’ll find her every timeWhen the street light flicker bringing on the nightWell they’ll be slipping into darkness slipping out of sightAll through the midnightWatch ’em come and watch ’em go, oh goWith only one thing in commonThey got the fire down belowOh, burning down below
Yeah, it happens out in Vegas happens in MolineOn the blue blood streets of BostonUp in Berkeley and out in QueensAnd it went on yesterday and it’s going on tonightSomewhere there’s somebody ain’t treatin’ somebody right
And he’s looking out for Rosie and she’s looking mighty fineAnd he’s walking the streets for NancyAnd he’ll find her every timeWhen the street light flicker bringing on the nightWell they’ll be slipping into darkness slipping out of sightAll through the shadowsWatch ’em come and watch ’em go, oh they goWith only one thing in commonThey got the fire down belowOh, they got one thing in commonThey got the fire down belowOh, they got one thing in commonThey got the fire down belowOne, two, three