The lyrics of Heart's song "City's Burning" depict a tumultuous and intense situation between a young man and a girl. The young man is angry and driven by the desire to make money, while the girl is fearful and seeks solace in getting high. As they hear about the trouble happening downtown, their emotions intensify. The young man becomes more agitated, shouting out in anger, while the girl is overwhelmed and starts crying, even contemplating the idea of wanting to die. The chorus of the song, "City's burning," emphasizes the chaos and unrest in the city they inhabit. It portrays a sense of danger and destruction surrounding them. In an attempt to escape their troubling reality, they both turn to different outlets. The young man grabs the dial, looking for distractions or ways to distance himself from the fear. On the other hand, the girl seeks comfort in love songs, but all they can find is bad news and negativity. The repeated lines, "Ooohh mama tell me what to do, Aaahh daddy, you better pull us through," show their desperation for guidance and support from their parents. Ultimately, the song conveys a sense of despair and hopelessness in a city that is engulfed in chaos and turmoil. It highlights the contrasting emotions of anger, fear, and the search for some sort of escape or resolution.
