About The Song
In 1972, “Burning Love” marked the culmination of Elvis Presley’s chart-topping career, standing as his 38th and final entry into Billboard’s pop music chart’s top ten. Ernst Jorgensen observed that, during this period, Elvis lacked enthusiasm for rock ‘n’ roll, or any such genre, as his marriage had recently dissolved. Instead, he channeled his musical focus into “love-lost” ballads like “Separate Ways,” recorded the day before tackling “Burning Love.”
March 27, 1972, found Elvis in RCA’s Studio C in Hollywood, facing a career-low chart performance. Since the summer of 1970, when “The Wonder of You” reached #9, he hadn’t produced a top ten single. His previous six singles hadn’t even breached the top 30 on the Hot 100. In dire need of a career revival, Elvis, guided by personal producer Felton Jarvis, embraced “Burning Love” during the recording session. Despite initial reluctance, Elvis, with the encouragement of Joe Esposito and Jerry Schilling, delivered an energetic version, completing it in six takes, albeit in a seemingly casual manner that hinted at his lack of emotional investment.
Post-recording, Elvis and the band dedicated time in Studio C to rehearse for upcoming tour shows in April, some of which would feature in MGM’s documentary, “Elvis on Tour.” “Burning Love” was part of the rehearsal repertoire, evident in performances at various tour stops. Notably, in the documentary, Elvis sang the song using a lyric sheet, possibly signaling his less-than-wholehearted commitment.
RCA released “Burning Love” as a single paired with the country track “It’s a Matter of Time” on August 1, 1972. Initially entering Billboard’s Hot 100 at #90 on August 19, the rock side gradually ascended the chart, gaining attention from radio DJs. It secured a spot in the top ten at #9 on September 30, eventually reaching its peak at #2 on October 28. The song maintained its presence on the Hot 100 until the end of November, boasting a 15-week run, with six of those weeks spent in the top 10. This success marked Elvis’ most significant hit since “Suspicious Minds” in 1969.
Video
Lyric
 Lord Almighty
I feel my temperature rising
Higher higher
It’s burning through to my soulGirl, girl, girl
You gonna set me on fire
My brain is flaming
I don’t know which way to goYour kisses lift me higher
Like the sweet song of a choir
You light my morning sky
With burning loveOoh, ooh, ooh
I feel my temperature rising
Help me, I’m flaming
I must be a hundred and nine
Burning, burning, burning
And nothing can cool me
I just might turn to smoke
But I feel fineCause your kisses lift me higher
Like a sweet song of a choir
And you light my morning sky
With burning loveIt’s coming closer
The flames are now lickin’ my body
Please won’t you help me
I feel like I’m slipping away
It’s hard to breath
And my chest is a-heavingLord Almighty
I’m burning a hole where I layCause your kisses lift me higher
Like the sweet song of a choir
You light my morning sky
With burning loveWith burning love
Ah, ah, burning love
I’m just a hunk
A hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love