Lyric discussion by ryandwilliams 

Cover art for Man on Fire lyrics by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

I think it's about appreciating the bad things that happen to us in life as learning experiences. He wants to get as much as he can out of life and become a better man by living through the "heartache and shame" instead of having a perfect life with romance, safety and comfort.

That's what I got out of it anyway. Beautiful song.