Cities on Flame
Blue Öyster Cult
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My heart is black, and my lips are cold Cities on flame with rock and roll Three thousand guitars they seem to cry My ears will melt, and then my eyes Oh, let the girl, let that girl, rock and roll Cities on flame now, with rock and roll Gardens of nocturne, forbidden delights Reins of steel, and it's alright Cities on flame, with rock and roll Marshal will buoy, but Fender control So, let the girl, let that girl rock and roll Cities on flame now, with rock and roll My heart is black, and my lips are cold Cities on flame with rock and roll Three thousand guitars they seem to cry My ears will melt, and then my eyes So, let the girl, let that girl rock and roll Cities on flame now, with rock and roll
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Written by: Samuel Pearlman, Donald Roeser, Albert Bouchard
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Album Details"Cities on Flame" is a song by the American hard rock band, Blue Öyster Cult. It was included in their self-titled debut album, "Blue Öyster Cult," released in January 1972.
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Songwriting CreditsBlue Öyster Cult's lead vocalist Eric Bloom, drummer Albert Bouchard and manager/lyricist Sandy Pearlman are the credited songwriters for "Cities on Flame."
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Guitar Riff InspirationThe famous guitar riff of the song was reportedly inspired by Black Sabbath’s “The Wizard,” and intended as a tribute to their music style.
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Chart PerformanceDespite being one of Blue Öyster Cult's most famous songs, "Cities on Flame" did not make much of an impact on the charts upon its initial release. But it gained popularity over time and is now considered a classic.
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Live Show Staple"Cities on Flame" has become a staple of Blue Öyster Cult’s live performances, often serving as the encore, showcasing a lengthy, improvised guitar solo.
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Album ArtworkThe debut album cover of Blue Öyster Cult, which includes the song "Cities on Flame," showcases a cryptic symbol known as the "Hook-and-Cross," which is often associated with the band. However, it does not have any relation to the song itself.
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Album's ConceptThe debut album, featuring "Cities on Flame," is notably described as a loosely conceptual record about an alien invasion.
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Song InterpretationWhile the lyrics are open to interpretation, the overarching theme of "Cities on Flame" suggests turmoil, rebellion, and destruction, as indicated by the recurring phrase "My heart is black, and my lips are cold."
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Influence on Other Bands"Cities on Flame" is noted for its influence on the heavy metal genre and has been covered by bands like Iced Earth, proving its enduring appeal.
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Pop Culture AppearancesThe song has made appearances in cultural media over the years. Notably, it was featured in the video game "Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock."
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Citation
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"Cities on Flame Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2844928/Blue+%C3%96yster+Cult/Cities+on+Flame>.
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