We call them cool
Those hearts that have no scars to show
The ones that never do let go
And risk it the tables being turned

We call them fools
Who have to dance within the flame
Who chance the sorrow and the shame
That always come with getting burned

But you got to be tough when consumed by desire
'Cause it's not enough just to stand outside the fire
We call them strong
Those who can face this world alone
Who seem to get by on their own
Those who will never take the fall

We call them weak
Who are unable to resist
The slightest chance love might exist
And for that forsake it all

They're so hell bent on giving, walking a wire
Convinced it's not living if you stand outside the fire

[Chorus:]
Standing outside the fire
Standing outside the fire
Life is not tried it is merely survived
If you're standing outside the fire

There's this love that is burning
Deep in my soul
Constantly yearning to get out of control
Wanting to fly higher and higher
I can't abide standing outside the fire

[Chorus x2]



Lyrics submitted by kevin

Track duration: 03:47

"Standing Outside the Fire" as written by Garth Brooks Jenny Yates

Lyrics © MICHAEL H GOLDSEN INC

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


Standing Outside The Fire song meanings
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25 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:I agree with happyberry. I have taken a risk in love, almost to the point of moving to the other end of the
    country (literally) to be with him. Turns out he didn't feel the same way about me as I did for him
    but I am not sorry for having felt that way, even though I have a broken heart (chance the sorrow and the
    shame) it's the memories that I will cherish.
    Flag lpartin2on October 06, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Such a good song. It does seem to define different types of people, how they face life, and how others seem to view them. My favorite part is those viewed as "weak", who give so much of themselves, who don't give up even when they fail, as opposed to their "strong" counterparts who are perceived as rarely if ever failing.
    Flag Scorpy75on August 24, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:i agree with muthos. one should not have to have the walls around their heart and should try to take the risks in life and dance in the fire. i really do believe that its not living if you stay out of the fire.
    Flag draconianfireon February 17, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I believe that what garth is saying doesnt just apply to love like so many think. Yes it can apply mostly to love but also to risks in general. If you never talk to that person, you never go the that party, you don't ever take that risk then what does your life become? Many would say that this sounds mean but really take a minute and think about it. Think about a couple of the risks you've taken in life and ask yourself, what would have happened if I hadn't done that?

    Now that you thought of what it would be like aren't you glad that you took that risk and went to that party, or talked to that person? I agree wholeheartedly with garth when he says "Life is not tried it is merely survived" because life keeps moving on with or without us. We are the ones that grab it and make things of it.
    Flag draconianfireon February 16, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I absolutely love this song! It's about how there are people who "dance within the flames" and take chances on love, even though they often end up getting hurt. And there are people who don't date or give thier hearts away. They have a wall up inside that protects them from getting hurt.
    Flag fourpawson July 27, 2009   Link
  • 0
    My Interpretation:This song can also be applied to the Faith of Christianity, or any monotheistic faith. Jesus Christ's is always compared to a Burning Heart, and this song takes that metaphor and just adapts it to a general audience.
    Flag erklepon January 07, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song just gives me so much courage to face everyday life.
    Flag bear_hug20on November 17, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I agree with Philomathetes. Kyriel, you seem to have misunderstood that “hot” or “dancing within the flame” and “cool” or “standing outside the fire” are primarily metaphors for the intensity of one’s passion, and only secondarily comments on one’s social standing. “Dancing within the flame” (hot) means being full of passion, taking risks romantically, and putting one’s heart and soul on the line for love. It may be foolish, it may make one weak, vulnerable, it may lead to sorrow and shame, to getting the opposite of what you hoped to get. “Standing outside the fire” (cool) means playing it safe romantically, always staying in control of oneself, protecting oneself and one’s feelings, and always carefully thinking things through. It may successfully prevent one’s heart from being damaged, lead to a fierce independence and internal strength, or prevent someone from getting emotionally destroyed.

    However, despite the risks involved with “dancing within the flame” and the judgment of many that it is better not to take romantic risks and “face the world alone,” Garth advocates taking the risk, letting one’s passions soar, and putting one’s heart on the line for love. While one has to be a tough person to risk being rejected or having their heart broken or being destroyed by their uncontrollable romantic passions, these are the only people who truly LIVE. Surviving, by never letting oneself feel passionately about another or by being too cautious, is not living. “Life is not tried, it is merely survived, if you’re standing outside the fire”. One should get in touch with that fire in one’s own soul, the love which, while uncontrollable and dangerous, is what gives life purpose, direction, and meaning. Those who try too hard to control their love are bound to miss the best things that real living has to offer.
    Flag Muthoson October 31, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song is by far 1 of the best country songs 2 me :] and i dont really like country that much
    Flag xInfantryxManxon October 22, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:probably one of the most inspirational songs ever
    Flag bmwmusicgirlon July 13, 2008   Link

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