It’s hard to overstate exactly how much of a pop juggernaut Born in the U.S.A. was for Bruce Springsteen. Prior to the album’s 1984 release, “Hungry Heart” had been his only Top-10 hit, and The River had been Springsteen’s only album to produce as many as two Top-40 entries on Billboard’s Hot 100. Born in the U.S.A. generated seven singles, all of which reached the Top 10. While each of those singles created a similar impact upon release, three in particular have stood the test of time. “Dancing in the Dark,” “I’m on Fire,” and the title track are easily Springsteen’s most popular tracks on Spotify.
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Among musicians, “I’m on Fire” stands out even among this esteemed trio of songs. According to the website SecondHandSongs, it is Springsteen’s most-covered song, with 151 artists having created their own version. The five cover versions featured here have done their part to introduce the beloved Springsteen tune to new generations, particularly with four of them having been put out more than two decades after the original’s release. Each of these versions also puts its own spin on this ‘80s classic.
Big Country from Eclectic (1996)
The Scottish band Big Country is best known for the rousing 1983 hit “In a Big Country,” so it’s not too surprising they gave “I’m on Fire” a more upbeat feel. The live performance features a propulsive beat and a much fuller sound than Springsteen’s original, with mandolin and violin included in the mix. The performance is one of seven cover songs on Eclectic, which also includes a version of the second most-covered song of all time, “Summertime” from the George Gershwin opera Porgy and Bess. (According to SecondHandSongs, only “Silent Night” has been covered more often.)
John Mayer from Battle Studies (2007)
Mayer released his version of “I’m on Fire” as a bonus track for Battle Studies that was only available on iTunes. Though not originally a part of Mayer’s Double Platinum album, the track has nonetheless become popular and been streamed more than 1.5 million times on YouTube. In a separate video, Mayer explained why he decided to cover “I’m on Fire,” citing it is one of his favorite songs and fits his vocal approach. Mayer’s version matches the spare, laid-back vibe of the original but with mellower, less tortured vocals.
Low from Dead Man’s Town: A Tribute to Born in the U.S.A. (2014)
On other covers, such as their versions of Neil Young’s “Down by the River,” Pink Floyd’s “Fearless,” and Sleater-Kinney’s “Dance Song 97,” Low brought the pulse down from the originals. Their version of “I’m on Fire” isn’t less intense than Springsteen’s, but it does sound darker and more otherworldly. The late Mimi Parker stayed off the drum kit for this track, which put the focus on Alan Sparhawk’s droning guitar and his and Parker’s reverberating vocal harmonies. A warbling organ adds to the cover’s eerie feel. Despite Low’s understated arrangement for “I’m on Fire,” this is an undeniably powerful version of the song.
The Staves from If I Was (2014)
The English folk-rock trio The Staves included their cover of “I’m on Fire” on the deluxe edition of their Top-20 U.K album If I Was. The Staveley-Taylor sisters, like Low, opted for a rendition without drums, and their vocal harmonies and jangly acoustic guitars are other elements that set their version apart from Springsteen’s. The track, along with the rest of If I Was, was produced by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. With more than 51 million streams, it’s The Staves’ most popular song on Spotify.
Soccer Mommy from “Henry” Single B-Side (2018)
In yet another version without drums, Soccer Mommy—aka Sophie Allison—creates a rendition of “I’m on Fire” that captures the yearning of the original but with an even more gorgeous soundscape. Allison also makes the song her own by changing the vocal melody and phrasing in spots. Soccer Mommy’s version of “I’m on Fire” went to No. 10 on the Physical Singles Chart in the UK in October 2018, but it failed to chart in the U.S. However, it gained a following on this side of the Atlantic after it was used in an episode of the Disney+ series Willow in 2023.
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