Torch Song
by AFI

Album: Crash Love (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the opening track of American rock band AFI's eighth studio album, Crash Love.
  • Lyrically this is a literal "torch song" (i.e. a sentimental love song in which the singer laments an unrequited or lost love, where one party is either oblivious to the existence of the other, or where one party has moved on). The phrase comes from the term "to carry a torch for someone," which comes from the metaphor of a burning flame, to keep a fire burning. Examples of torch song, which are generally sung by female vocalists, include Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You," (which is often misinterpreted as a song about people who will be together forever) and Susan Boyle's "Cry Me a River."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

Roger McGuinn of The Byrds

Roger McGuinn of The ByrdsSongwriter Interviews

Roger reveals the songwriting formula Clive Davis told him, and if "Eight Miles High" is really about drugs.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

Dan Reed

Dan ReedSongwriter Interviews

Dan cracked the Top 40 with "Ritual," then went to India and spent 2 hours with the Dalai Lama.

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"They're Playing My Song

It wasn't her biggest hit as a songwriter (that would be "Bette Davis Eyes"), but "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" had a family connection for Jackie.