About the song
“Eternal Flame” stands as a poignant testament to love and longing, crafted by the American pop rock group The Bangles for their third studio album, “Everything” (1988). Written by group member Susanna Hoffs in collaboration with renowned songwriters Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, this power ballad captivated listeners upon its release on January 23, 1989.
The genesis of “Eternal Flame” began with a serendipitous meeting between Tom Kelly and Susanna Hoffs at The Bangles’ concert at Avalon Hollywood in October 1986. Impressed by the band’s performance, Kelly struck up a partnership with Hoffs, joining forces with his songwriting partner Billy Steinberg. Their creative synergy was immediate, blending Hoffs’ penchant for crafting melodies on her guitar with Kelly and Steinberg’s expertise in lyrical composition. This collaboration birthed a song that would resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
Featured prominently on The Bangles’ album “Everything”, “Eternal Flame” showcased Hoffs’ emotive vocals amidst a backdrop of gentle guitar melodies and heartfelt lyrics. The song’s ethereal quality and evocative imagery struck a chord with listeners, catapulting it to the top of the charts in nine countries, including Australia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Its universal theme of enduring love and longing transcended cultural boundaries, making it an anthem for romantic souls everywhere.
Beyond its initial success, “Eternal Flame” has endured through numerous cover versions by artists such as Human Nature and Atomic Kitten, each interpretation paying homage to the song’s timeless appeal and emotional resonance. These renditions further solidified its place in pop music history, cementing “Eternal Flame” as a beloved classic that continues to captivate new generations of listeners.
The song’s production reflected the collaborative spirit of its creators, blending Hoffs’ personal approach to songwriting with Kelly and Steinberg’s meticulous craftsmanship. From its inception at Avalon Hollywood to its global success as a number-one hit, “Eternal Flame” remains a shining example of how music can capture the essence of heartfelt emotion and leave an indelible mark on popular culture.
Video
Lyrics
Close your eyes
Give me your hand, darling
Do you feel my heart beating?
Do you understand?
Do you feel the same?
Am I only dreaming?
Is this burning an eternal flame?
I believe it’s meant to be, darling
I watch you when you are sleeping
You belong with me
Do you feel the same?
Am I only dreaming
Or is this burning an eternal flame?
Say my name
Sun shines through the rain
A whole life so lonely
And then you come and ease the pain
I don’t want to lose this feeling, ohh
Say my name
Sun shines through the rain
A whole life so lonely
And then you come and ease the pain
I don’t want to lose this feeling, ohh
Close your eyes
Give me your hand
Do you feel my heart beating?
Do you understand?
Do you feel the same?
Am I only dreaming
Or is this burning an eternal flame?
Close your eyes
Give me your hand, darling
Do you feel my heart beating?
Do you understand?
Do you feel the same?
Am I only dreaming?
Is this burning an eternal flame?
Close your eyes
Give me your hand, darling
Do you feel my heart beating?
Do you understand?
Do you feel the same?
Am I only dreaming, ohh
An eternal flame?
Close your eyes
Give me your hand, darling
Do you feel my heart beating?
Do you understand?
Do you feel the same?
Am I only dreaming?
Is this burning an eternal flame?
Close your eyes
Give me your hand, darling…