Music Notes

Fire in These Hills, by ID

My 28th and final choice for "The Soundtrack of Your Life"  is a fitting one, the end track of the 2024 Imagine Dragons album Loom.

Sound:
Oddly enough, Fire in These Hills has a trumpet in the background. The feel is slow-paced and vibe-y, similar to the album cover art. Dan Reynolds' voice comes in from a distance at certain moments, and overall the production is quiet, simple and understated, for the Dragons at least.

Theme:
Dan here is contemplating the sunset of his relationship with his ex-wife Aja Volkman, turning perhaps for comfort to his loyal fans, who are with him and the band through it all.

Fire in These Hills is very much a final track, carrying a distinct feeling of sadness and weariness, as Dan realizes how much he's poured himself into his decades-long career, perhaps sacrificing relationships in the process. Like a child, he expresses open vulnerability and a longing to return full circle in the bridge, "I'm so tired… I've run so far, can I please come home?"

In an NPR Weekend Edition interview, the hostess described Fire in These Hills as "very inspirational" and "a song of encouragement…" I don't see that in it myself, honestly. I see a song of loss, change, and a desire to make things right after it's too late. Perhaps the most optimistic moment is when he realizes "after everything, you're here with me still…" we are unsure who he's thinking of, though: his four kids? His fans? His ex-wife, who he insists is still his best friend? Such is life.

The emotional impact is greater at the Amazon Music Songline performance, especially with the strings backing and the sun setting over the scenic California coastline. There is also some commentary which adds enlightenment.

Significance:
Perhaps what stands out to me most about Fire in These Hills is that I fell asleep listening to it on my first evening. I don't usually fall asleep with my earbuds in, but this is such a slow, peaceful song that once I turned the Bluetooth volume one crank down, my mind started drifting and the next thing I knew I was like "wait, what just happened? how many times did I let this play?" (About six or eight, according to my music player app.)

Enjoy this finale. I don't have as much to say about it as I thought I would, which is a relief.

Words: 400.