Burn

Although Ellie Goulding’s “Burn” may at first appear to be a standard party song, its imagery of fire and light and its theme of fearless love raise it far above its putative genre. Through its many Biblical allusions, “Burn” celebrates the fire of the Holy Spirit, the mission of evangelization, and the choice to be spiritually wide-awake rather than “sleeping” in a life of meaningless self-gratification.

Ever since the first Pentecost, when, as the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, there “seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them” (Acts 2:3), the Spirit’s presence has been symbolized by fire. “Burn”’s use of fire is its most obvious reference to the action of the Holy Spirit, but close examination of the lyrics reveals many more. From that beginning on Pentecost the church spread throughout the world, from the city of Jerusalem to the country of Israel to the whole Roman empire to, today, every corner of the globe; if there is anyone further out to hear the message, they will indeed “hear us from outer space.” Those who preach the good news in this way are “giving love to the world” by showing sinners the way of salvation. Being filled with the Spirit transforms us into “the stars of the human race” because, as Paul says, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation Christians “shine among them like stars in the sky” (Philippians 2:15). But this glory depends on our continued inspiration by God; Paul warns the church, “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire” (1 Thessalonians 5:19), just as Goulding sings, “We can light it up … so they can’t put it out.” Finally, “We don’t have to worry about nothing” expresses confidence in the help of the Advocate, who intercedes for us with the Father, so that Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but … present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

The lines, “When the light started out they don’t know what they heard” have a double reference that adds further depth to the song. First, in the Pentacostal context, those who witnessed the descent of the Holy Spirit and heard the apostles speaking in tongues were confused about what they heard; “amazed and perplexed, they asked each other ‘What does this mean?’” and some even thought that the apostles were drunk (Acts 2:12-13). Secondly, the reference to light recalls John’s description of Jesus’s incarnation: “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world … though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him” (John 1:9-10). When Jesus started out his ministry, no one knew what they were hearing; only gradually did they recognize that he was the Light of the world. Those who love darkness because of their evil deeds still refuse to understand or accept his message.

The lines “Everybody’s on the floor acting crazy, getting loco til the lights out” might seem to undermine my argument by indicating that the song is simply about the party scene. But immediately after these lines and juxtaposed with them, Goulding says, “I’m waking up” and “no sleeping now.” This contrast suggests that those who are “acting crazy” in a lifestyle of parties and drinking are actually asleep and oblivious to the more truly exciting possibilities of the spiritual world. They don’t know about the fire of the Spirit that the song celebrates-- nor do they realize that a final “lights out” will bring the Last Judgment at which we must answer for our deeds. Paul sets the example, directly contrasting the two lifestyles: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). This realization leads Goulding to say of the old life of “getting loco,” “it’s over now,” precisely because “we’ve got the love” that offers true meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.

When “Burn” is placed in a Biblical context, it is transformed from a superficial, stereotypical pop song into an inspiring affirmation of the power and mission of the Holy Spirit. In a similar way, the Spirit transforms ordinary people into shining stars, “on fire” with love for Christ and shouting the gospel to the skies. If we truly walk in the power of the Spirit, through us he will effect a radical transformation for the entire world. Let’s “strike the match”!