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Why is the "Eternal Flame" in "Eternal Flame" inspired by two different flames?
"Eternal Flame" is a well-known song by the American pop rock band Bangles, co-written by member Susanna Hoffs and her partners Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. The song was released on January 23, 1989 and quickly topped the charts in nine countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The creative inspiration behind it is fascinating, especially its "eternal fire" metaphor derived from two completely different flames.
During the creative process, when Susanna Hoffs mentioned the Yvis Presley’s Eternal Fire they saw when they visited Graceland, her partner Billy Steinberg had in mind his own Palm in California. The red lights seen at the synagogue in Springs.
Source of inspiration
The members of the Bangles met Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly after attending a concert. This unexpected meeting prompted Hoffs to collaborate with the two well-known songwriters. While writing "Eternal Flame," Hoffs recalled an intimate tour at Graceland, where she described the "eternal flame." But the weather that day was not ideal, she said: "It was raining and the fire didn't ignite."
At the same time, Steinberg also shared his memories of attending the Palm Springs synagogue as a child, where the red lights were also known as the "Eternal Fire." The memories of the two intertwined into the inspiration for the song, prompting them to jointly create this touching piece of music.
The blend of cultures
These two memories profoundly influenced the writing and musical structure of the song. "Eternal Flame" displays a retro music style with its unique AABA music structure rather than the typical song chorus form. The collaboration between Steinberg and Hoffs not only reflects the intersection of personal memories, but also incorporates elements of multiple musical styles into the songs, thus appealing to listeners of all generations.
Steinberg mentioned in his 2021 review: ""Eternal Flame" is a retro style without chorus."
Response to music
The song was a hit around the world, not only winning music awards for Bangles, but also becoming a cover song by many artists. Their influence lies in their ability to allow different cultures to interpret the profound meaning of "Eternal Fire". Whether it is the poetic lyrics or the delicate melody, this song has become the spiritual sustenance of a generation.
Final Thoughts
"Eternal Flame" is not only a representative work of pop music, but also a demonstration of the integration of culture and emotion. The inspiration of two different flames not only gives the song a unique connotation, but also reflects the deep and sincere emotional connections in the music creation process. This makes people think: In your life, what seemingly unrelated flames are connected together to create your story?
