everywhere I look I see
exclusive huddled
uninviting shelter
is privilege
of the same and competent
kerosene keeps me warm
I'm alone to watch it burn
kerosene
exposure is a pitiful
and pointless way of dying
before it gets me
I'll set a funeral pyre
kerosene keeps me warm
I'm alone to watch it burn
kerosene
i'm a man and
my dignity won't wave
Tonight buildings rage!
kerosene keeps me warm
it feels so good
to watch it burn
kerosene keeps me warm
feels so good
to watch it burn


Lyrics submitted by oofus

Kerosene song meanings
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17 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment
    I always thought this song was about the homeless and the lack of respect that they get. The kerosene is their way of keeping warm but also their way of taking back some little bit of control with the power that fire gives them to matter.
    Absoluton August 31, 2005   Link
  • +1
    General Comment
    I agree with Absolut, and I have no idea how you got that interpretation, fruitcake. "uninviting shelter is privilege of the same and competent" ^ It's sane and competent...one of the best quotes ever. "exposure is a pitiful and pointless way of dying before it gets me I'll set a funeral pyre" ^ Another great line.
    gofuckyourselfon March 03, 2006   Link
  • +1
    General Comment
    yea the optimism of the homeless is portrayed kinda. nice :-)
    pinkfadeon March 02, 2009   Link
  • +1
    General Comment
    I worked at a men's homeless shelter for three years (Portland, OR) and this song makes complete sense to me.
    DeeEl1on September 09, 2009   Link
  • +1
    My Interpretation
    It's about a homeless person. The lyrics are sung in a very ironic fashion.
    Nocturnaeon July 09, 2014   Link
  • +1
    General Comment
    It's about a homeless person who lives a lone, but survives by burning kerosene so he doesn't freeze.
    cbinghamon January 09, 2020   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    kerosene keeps me warm i like that part
    badreligionpigeonon July 26, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    This song is about the people who have nowhere to go and who have no chance to make it.
    Jae_Don March 04, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    i think this song is about someone who feels like a reject and takes it out on everyone else then kills himself before he gets caught. i think
    fruitcakeisgoodon January 06, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    I always thought this song was about the homeless and the lack of respect that they get. The kerosene is their way of keeping warm but also their way of taking back some little bit of control with the power that fire gives them to matter.
    Absoluton August 31, 2005   Link

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