The Meaning Behind The Song: Too Hot To Handle by UFO
UFO is a British rock band that rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like “Doctor Doctor” and “Only You Can Rock Me.” In 1977, they released their eighth studio album, “Lights Out,” which contained the track “Too Hot To Handle.”
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This song is a classic hard rock tune that features a driving bass line, catchy guitar riffs, and powerful vocals. But beyond its musical qualities, “Too Hot To Handle” also has a deeper meaning that speaks to the band’s experiences at the time.
The Story Behind The Song
At the time of the album’s release, UFO was experiencing a great deal of success but also facing numerous challenges. They had just signed a new record deal with Chrysalis Records after leaving their previous label, but they were also dealing with internal tensions and drug addiction.
In an interview with Classic Rock magazine, singer Phil Mogg explained that “Too Hot To Handle” was influenced by these struggles. He said: “It’s about how tough it is being in a successful rock band. It’s not a complaint, it’s a warning. We were really struggling with our drug addictions then, and we had this sudden influx of money. We were coming unstuck.”
The song’s lyrics reflect this sense of turmoil and insecurity. The chorus, which repeats the phrase “too hot to handle, too cold to hold,” seems to suggest that success is a double-edged sword that can be both exhilarating and overwhelming.
The Music
Beyond its lyrics, “Too Hot To Handle” is also notable for its musical qualities. The song is driven by a powerful bass line played by Pete Way, which provides a foundation for the rest of the instrumentation. The guitar work, supplied by Michael Schenker, is particularly notable, featuring a catchy riff that forms the backbone of the song.
Schenker’s guitar solo in the middle of the song is also worth noting. It’s a masterful display of technical skill that showcases his unique style and sound.
Overall, “Too Hot To Handle” is a great example of UFO’s hard rock sound, with its heavy drums, powerful vocals, and catchy hooks.
The Legacy Of “Too Hot To Handle”
“Too Hot To Handle” remains one of UFO’s most popular songs to this day. Its catchy chorus and memorable guitar riffs have made it a classic hard rock anthem that continues to be played on rock radio stations around the world.
The song has also been covered by other artists, including glam rock band Wig Wam and heavy metal band Striker, which speaks to its enduring popularity.
The Lyrics:
[V1] Listen baby, you’re just a screwI’m looking for someone like you
Don’t want nobody who’s keeping score
I’m looking for something and something more [Chorus] Too hot to handle, too cold to hold
You’re pushing me away but you won’t let go
Seems like you’re changing, things around
You’re spinning my life upside down, yeah yeah [V2] I’m living out an endless dream
I’m getting nowhere, or so it seems
Can’t you see the way that I feel
You’re turning my world into something real [Chorus] Too hot to handle, too cold to hold
You’re pushing me away but you won’t let go
Seems like you’re changing, things around
You’re spinning my life upside down, yeah yeah [Guitar solo] [Chorus] Too hot to handle, too cold to hold
You’re pushing me away but you won’t let go
Seems like you’re changing, things around
You’re spinning my life upside down, yeah yeah
FAQs
1. What inspired UFO to write “Too Hot To Handle”?
“Too Hot To Handle” was written during a difficult time for the band, as they struggled with drug addiction and the pressures of success. The song reflects these struggles and the tension between the exhilarating highs and overwhelming lows of rock stardom.
2. Who wrote the lyrics for “Too Hot To Handle”?
The lyrics for “Too Hot To Handle” were written by Phil Mogg, the lead singer of UFO.
3. How did the public react to “Too Hot To Handle” when it was released?
“Too Hot To Handle” was a commercial success, reaching number 34 on the UK charts and helping to solidify UFO’s status as a major hard rock band.
4. Is “Too Hot To Handle” a love song?
While “Too Hot To Handle” does contain some romantic themes, it’s not strictly a love song. The lyrics are more focused on the band’s experiences with success and the challenges that come with it.
5. Who played guitar on “Too Hot To Handle”?
The guitar work on “Too Hot To Handle” was performed by Michael Schenker, who was a member of UFO at the time.
6. What album was “Too Hot To Handle” featured on?
“Too Hot To Handle” was featured on UFO’s eighth studio album, “Lights Out,” which was released in 1977.
7. Has “Too Hot To Handle” been covered by other artists?
Yes, “Too Hot To Handle” has been covered by other artists, including heavy metal band Striker and glam rock band Wig Wam.
8. What is the meaning behind the phrase “too hot to handle, too cold to hold”?
The phrase “too hot to handle, too cold to hold” seems to suggest that success is a double-edged sword that can be both exhilarating and overwhelming.
9. What is the legacy of “Too Hot To Handle”?
“Too Hot To Handle” remains a classic hard rock anthem and one of UFO’s most popular songs. Its catchy hooks and memorable guitar riffs continue to inspire new generations of rock fans.
10. How does “Too Hot To Handle” fit into the larger context of UFO’s career?
“Too Hot To Handle” is a great example of UFO’s hard rock sound, with its heavy drums, powerful vocals, and catchy hooks. It’s also notable for showcasing the talents of Michael Schenker, who was a key member of the band at the time. As such, it’s often cited as a highlight of UFO’s discography.
