I wrote this in the spring and summer of 2001. The title comes from a very specific incident–I was in the bathroom at home when I smelled smoke on the breeze through the open window. It was that kind of smoke that you know isn’t from a barbecue or a fireplace, and I thought “There’s a house on fire.” And then I thought, “Whoa, I think there might be a song in there somewhere…” I wrote the first verse and chorus in the next day or so, and then let it marinate in the back of my mind for a while. A month or two later I wrote the rest of the lyrics, and it was one of those rare experiences where they just came through me–it was almost effortless. I wish that would happen more, because it’s such a magical thing. But sometimes it makes it more challenging to determine what the song’s about–I’m not 100% sure about this one.

The arrangement on the album just fell into place–I didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about it. I wanted the song to sound foreboding, which is why it’s in a minor key and has kind of a dirty sounding acoustic guitar. The organ felt appropriate for the second verse, primarily because of the religious imagery. And I had fun recording the ooohs for the chorus.

Oh yes–there really was a fire. And now I’m reminded of this song whenever I drive by the now-vacant lot where the house used to stand.

There’s something funny in the air
I see omens mixed with signs

The last resort is out of reach
The harbor’s filled with mines

We call it in–they call it sin
Hang up and run away

Leaving one hoarse voice in a one-horse town
and a burning need to pray

There’s a house on fire–sirens are screaming
Here I am dreaming of a blue desire
Making me shiver–smoke on the river–sparks in the  night

Arsonists and bystanders
Will need to be restrained
The hot seat will be understood
But still left unexplained
The clergy standing speechless
In twos and fours and fives
With martyrs going up in flames while bartering their lives

There’s a house on fire–sirens are screaming
Here I am dreaming of a blue desire
Making me shiver–smoke on the river–sparks in the night

Trying to cut loose–looking for a savior
Hoping to get by on time served and good behavior

I left you in a daydream–I saw you in a cloud
Hypnotized by changing seasons
Wrapped up in a shroud
Now everything’s exploding

Bombs bursting in the air
The proof is in the ritual and we haven’t got a prayer

There’s a house on fire–sirens are screaming
Here I am dreaming of a blue desire
Making me shiver–smoke on the river–sparks in the night