Am I only dreaming, or
Is this burning an eternal flame?

The Bangles’ “Eternal Flame” is a sexy song about new love. Does he feel the same strong feelings that she does? Can’t he feel her heart pounding when she holds his hand to her chest? Certainly, this must be the beginning of a love eternal. That is what she hopes for.

The bridge of “Eternal Flame” is strong and unexpected: (“Say my name..). It is what really takes the song from just another love song to a journey we take with Susanna Hoffs as she embarks on this roller coaster of emotion. Her voice offers a unique sound in rock history, like a cross between early Stevie Nicks and Kate Bush.

The Bangles’ instrumentation in Eternal Flame is fantastic. Note the intro. It is very unusual. It sounds almost like an atonal clock beat ticking to the entrance of the strings. It is very memorable. Hearing the strings along with Hoffs voice is an amazing combination that the Bangles did not use that often in their recordings.

I think The Bangles had the vibe that they were all the lead singer, but it is clear that Hoffs was the superstar.

Note the lack of drums. The beat is held with a tambourine or bells on a drum kit. Of course, during the final chorus we get a more typical drum sound, but it is still every two measures or so. The rest of the band singing backup vocals really did a great job. They add a depth to the sound that contrasts great with Hoff’s high voice.

Eternal Flame Lyrics

Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling,
Do you feel my heart beating?
Do you understand?
Do you feel the same?
Am I only dreaming,
Is this burning an eternal flame?

I believe it’s meant to be, darling,
I watch you when you are sleeping,
You belong with me.
Do you feel the same?
Am I only dreaming,
Or is this burning an eternal flame?

Say my name
Sun shines through the rain,
A whole life so lonely,
And then come and ease the pain.
I don’t want to lose this feeling, oh.

Say my name
Sun shines through the rain,
A whole life so lonely,
And then come and ease the pain.
I don’t want to lose this feeling, oh.

Close your eyes, give me your hand,
Do you feel my heart beating?
Do you understand?
Do you feel the same?
Am I only dreaming,
Or is this burning an eternal flame?

Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling,
Do you feel my heart beating?
Do you understand?
Do you feel the same?
Am I only dreaming,
Is this burning an eternal flame?

Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling,
Do you feel my heart beating?
Do you understand?
Do you feel the same?
Am I only dreaming, ah
An eternal flame?

Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling,
Do you feel my heart beating?
Do you understand?
Do you feel the same?
Am I only dreaming, ah,
Is this burning an eternal flame?
Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling…

written by Susanna Hoffs