This Jimi Hendrix songs seems timely as there are political protests taking place all over the world. Jimi wrote it in reaction to the Watts Riots in LA in 1965. Although impossible, I tried to do justice to his incredible guitar playing and overall creativity. Still one of my favorites.
lyrics
House Burning Down
Jimi Hendrix
Look at the sky turn a hell fire red
Somebody's house is burning down down, down down
Down, down, down
Verse 1
Well I asked my friend, "Where is that black smoke coming from?"
He just coughed and changed the subject and said, "Oh, I think it might snow some"
So I left him sipping his tea and I jumped in my chariot
And rode off to see just why and who could it be this time
Sisters and brothers, daddies, mothers standing around crying
When I reached the scene the flames were making a ghostly whine
So I stood on my horse's back and I screamed without a crack
I say, "Oh baby why'd you burn your brother's house down?"
Chorus
Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey
Look at the sky turn a hell fire red, Lord
Somebody's house is burning down down, down down
Look at the sky turn a hell fire red, Lord
Somebody's house is burning down down
Down, down, down
Verse 2
Well, someone stepped from the crowd, he was nineteen miles high
He shouts we're tired and disgusted, so we paint red through the sky
I said the truth is straight ahead so don't burn yourself instead
Try to learn instead of burn, hear what I say
So I finally rode away but I'll never forget that day
Because when I reached the valley I looked way down cross the way
A giant boat from space landed with eerie grace
And came and taken all the dead away
Chorus
Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey
Look at the sky turn a hell fire red, Lord
Somebody's house is burning down down, down down
Look at the sky turn a hell fire red, Lord
Somebody's house is burning down down, down down
credits
from Sign Here,
released March 10, 2022
All vocals and instruments, gm
George Marinelli was an original member of Bruce Hornsby & The Range. A member of Bonnie Raitt's band since '93. Session player, writer, and producer of many a low budget album.
Tamar Berk pairs trenchant autobiographical lyrics with brittle guitars for songs that will win over fans of early Liz Phair. Bandcamp New & Notable May 8, 2022
Tense post-punk from Big Supermarket, “1800” threads bent-wire guitars through blinking keys and dead-eyed vocal lines. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 9, 2018
An ambitious pop song cycle about human loneliness and fear, thick with harmonies and buoyed by tight musicianship. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 27, 2018