I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire Lyrics

Lyric discussion by lilbeiner 

Cover art for I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire lyrics by Ink Spots, The

I don't ever care to rise to power (I don’t want everyone around me) I would rather be with you an hour (I just want to be with you for the short time that I have) For the things that one can buy (I can buy anything I want) Are not worth a lover's sigh (But what I buy, is not worth anything compared to what your worth)

I don't want to set the world on fire (I don’t need everyone to love me) I just want to start a flame in your heart (I just want you to love me) {metaphor} In my heart I have but one desire (I only want one thing) And that one is you, no other will do (

I've lost all ambition for worldly acclaim (I stopped trying to get everyone to love me) I just want to be the one you love (But I still am trying to get you to love me) And with your admission that you feel the same (And if you love me also) I'll have reached the goal I'm dreaming of, believe me (my achievement toward which you love me, is fulfilled) I don't want to set the world on fire (I don’t need everyone to love me) I just want to start a flame in your heart (I just want you to love me) {metaphor}

Song Meaning

@lilbeiner I know you posted this a couple of years ago, but something that struck about this song is that it was written in 1941 during WWII. "I don't ever care to rise to power" could refer to ambitions in war or ambitions that men have in general. "I would rather be with you an hour" could have reflected on the times and how the future was a bit uncertain. Think about the other line here clearly a reference to war --> "I don't want to set the world on fire." It has the double meaning of course that I...

My Interpretation

@lilbeiner I know both of you posted your responses a couple years ago and just wanted to say I agree with the meaning you guys clearly explained of this beautiful song. :))