“Eternal Flame” by The Bangles is a timeless ballad that stands out as one of the band’s most successful and recognizable songs. Released in January 1989 with “What I Meant to Say” on the B-side as the second single from their third studio album, “Everything,” it became a major hit worldwide and solidified The Bangles’ place in pop music history.
The song was written by Susanna Hoffs, the band’s lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, along with established hitmaker Billy Steinberg. The inspiration for “Eternal Flame” came partly from two sources: one was a visit to Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home, where an eternal flame burns in his memory, and the other was from the eternal flame at the gravesite of John F. Kennedy. “Eternal Flame” is a love song that expresses a deep and enduring romantic longing. The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and heartfelt emotion, with Hoffs questioning if the love she feels is reciprocated and hoping it will last forever. The chorus captures this sentiment with the lines, “Is this burning an eternal flame?”
Musically, “Eternal Flame” is a departure from The Bangles’ more upbeat, jangly pop-rock sound, showcasing a softer, more intimate side of the band. The song features a minimalistic arrangement, primarily driven by piano and string accompaniment, which allows Hoffs’ delicate and emotive vocal performance to shine. The stripped-down instrumentation and lush production create a haunting and timeless atmosphere.
“Eternal Flame” was a commercial triumph. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, making it their second chart-topping single on that chart – after “Walk Like an Egyptian”. The song also topped the charts in several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Sweden. The song’s success helped propel the album “Everything” to higher sales and increased the band’s global popularity.
“Eternal Flame” has been covered by various artists across different genres, reflecting its wide-reaching impact. Notably, British girl group Atomic Kitten released a cover version in 2001, which also became a chart-topping hit in several countries.
The Bangles – Eternal Flame – Lyrics