Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
We all came out to Montreux
On the Lake Geneva shoreline
To make records with a mobile
We didn't have much time
But Frank Zappa and the Mothers
Were at the best place around
But some stupid with a flare gun
Burned the place to the ground
Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky
Smoke on the water
They burned down the gambling house
It died with an awful sound
Funky Claude was running in and out
Pulling kids out the ground
When it all was over
We had to find another place
But Swiss time was running out
It seemed that we would lose the race
Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky
Smoke on the water
We ended up at the Grand Hotel
It was empty cold and bare
But with the Rolling-truck-Stones-thing just outside, ha
Making our music there
With a few red lights, a few old beds, huh
We made a place to sweat
No matter what we get out of this, ha
I know, I know we'll never forget
Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky
Smoke on the water
On the Lake Geneva shoreline
To make records with a mobile
We didn't have much time
But Frank Zappa and the Mothers
Were at the best place around
But some stupid with a flare gun
Burned the place to the ground
Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky
Smoke on the water
They burned down the gambling house
It died with an awful sound
Funky Claude was running in and out
Pulling kids out the ground
When it all was over
We had to find another place
But Swiss time was running out
It seemed that we would lose the race
Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky
Smoke on the water
We ended up at the Grand Hotel
It was empty cold and bare
But with the Rolling-truck-Stones-thing just outside, ha
Making our music there
With a few red lights, a few old beds, huh
We made a place to sweat
No matter what we get out of this, ha
I know, I know we'll never forget
Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky
Smoke on the water
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OK. A couple points here...
It is COMMON KNOWLEDGE to anyone familiar with Deep Purple or with classic rock in general that this song makes reference to the burning of the casino in Montreaux (sp?), and ONLY to that event (obviously including the recording of this song at that time, duh).
Personally, even though I'm a teenager, I am disgusted with those people who not only use pot but also degrade this song by claiming it refers to pot (be it bong or otherwise).
Like many classic rock songs, the lyrics to this song are relatively meaningless. The MUSIC, however, is fantastic. The opening riff is DEFINITELY one of the best known pieces of rock music ever made.
However, the intro is overshadowed by some better known rock songs. Though I hardly consider Jump (by Van Halen) to be a rock song, it is classified as one. The intro to that song is FAR better known than the intro to this song. There are other songs with very well known intros, riffs, and choruses...but this is definitely a good one.
Again...NO DRUG REFERENCES IN THIS SONG. Geez people get it right. Know your music before you talk about it.
@madnesslover_89 The lyrics to this song are FAR from meaningless! They tell a true story of a true event that happened to DP. I never have heard any reference to drugs in the song. I have only heard it about 1000X or more. I am no teenager like you and have probably have heard more great hard rock (in person) than you ever will!