Many legends surround the inception of this song. Indeed, it is a matter of closeness between two people, as is evident. And the singer had a great time doing this with his significant other. It’s safe to assume that the title’s reference to “fire” means the subject matter is a steamy love affair. Caleb Followill, the song’s lead singer and primary songwriter claims much.
Some have speculated that Caleb wrote the song about his then-girlfriend Lily Aldridge. In an interview, he stated, “I knew Sex on Fire kinda had a ring to it but I made it about this couple who hated each other and the only thing that kept them together is sex, And I wrote another version and it’s like very graphic and filthy, and I wrote another version by the end of it I have written couple of them. After I saw they were interested I was scared a little bit cause I was like can’t write a song about your sex being on fire and even get what it even means.”
Others believe the song’s inspiration came from something else (who he ultimately married in 2011). However, according to Followill’s own words, the latter is not true. He implied that he did not have a specific woman in mind when composing the piece.
Despite its complicated origins, this song is essentially about a romantic relationship. Moreover, it appears that the singer is enjoying himself, or at least delighting in the fact that his partner is.
Verse 1 Song Lyrics Meaning
The song opens with sexual activity that may or may not be in a private setting. However, this seems not to affect the marriage. This is just too fantastic to quit doing right now. To maintain their silence and productivity, this happened.
When we talk about the “commotion,” we’re referring to everything that goes on throughout a sexual encounter. The air is filled with the sounds of grinding and heavy movement. This song has been unfairly labeled as pedophilic due to the lyric “kiddie-like play,” which is not what the songwriter had in mind. Having sex rejuvenates people and brings them great pleasure. It looks like a game for kids, but it’s intended for grownups.
Chorus
The vocalist is paying respect to their lover with the now-iconic line, “your sex is on fire.” All four Followill brothers wrote the song’s lyrics: Jared, Matthew, Caleb, and Nathan.
Verse 2 Song Lyrics Meaning
Kings of Leon details their various locations on sexual adventures in the second verse. In a back alley, around dawn, and with enough ambition to get oral sex while driving. When her gentle lips caress him, he feels complete bliss. Lyrics in the last portion of the stanza read, “Feels like you’re dyin’,” a slang term for reaching a peak emotional state.
Verse 3 Meaning
There are several reasons why engaging in sexual activity is considered to be a “hot” behavior. For starters, it is a scorching day. For another, the friction created by the movement of the two bodies increases the temperature.
Third, the activity serves to warm the body because of the required effort. Exercise is another benefit. The Kings of Leon provides a vivid picture of this sex to the point where the listener can almost “taste” it. It is also no secret that making love is essentially a verbal experience.
Sex on Fire Meaning
The artist is mature enough to know that nothing is permanent. Therefore, even if they only experience this sex once more, it will be their life’s best or most significant time. “Sex on Fire” is a fantastic ode to “excellent” great sex.
Although the song could be interpreted in various ways, the underlying message of “just having wonderful sex” is impossible to ignore. However, the lyrics are surprisingly light and modest, given the scope of their sexual explorations.
What started off as a funny song turned out to be an absolute belter, and Caleb says, “To see how successful it became was like, ‘Whoa, this is not what I expected.’ But I look back now with nothing but pride.” This fiery track that is featured in numerous TV shows, including Gossip Girl, and The Masked Singer.
Additional Context
The song has been a massive commercial success since its release; receiving two nominations at the 51st Grammy Awards in 2009 for “Best Rock Song” and “Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.” Sex on Fire won for “Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.” The band members Caleb Followill, Jared Followill, Matthew Followill, and Nathan Followill are all credited with writing the song.
Lyrics
Lay where you’re laying
Don’t make a sound
I know they’re watching
They’re watching
All the commotion
The kiddie-like play
Has people talking
They’re talking
You
Your sex is on fire
The dark of the alley
The breaking of day
Head while I’m driving
I’m driving
Soft lips are open
Them knuckles are pale
Feels like you’re dying
You’re dying
You
Your sex is on fire
Consumed
With what’s just transpired
Hot as a fever
Rattling bones
I could just taste it
Chased it
But it’s not forever
But it’s just tonight
Oh, we’re still the greatest
The greatest
The greatest
And you
Your sex is on fire
You
Your sex is on fire, ah, ah
Consumed
With what’s just transpired
And you
Your sex is on fire
Consumed
With what’s just transpired
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Matthew Followill / Jared Followill / Nathan Followill / Caleb Followill
Sex on Fire lyrics © Songs Of Southside Independent Music Publishi, Music Of Windswept, Martha Street Music, Followill Music, Windswept Music, Coffee Tea Or Me Publishing, Mcfearless Music
Listeners of music from the 2000’s, might also appreciate the song Umbrella by Rihanna.
Editor’s Note: This article was first published October 17th, 2022 and last updated April 5th, 2023.
