This Kings Of Leon Song Was A Mistake!

It was a mistake, but in hindsight a good one! There's a funny story behind the origin of Kings of Leon's "Sex On Fire". Apart from that, this song really is an incredible rock hit. A song meant for arenas without a doubt! Are you a fan of Kings of Leon? What is it about them that made this four piece so successful?
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[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Do you know of any stories of "mistakes" or mishaps in any other songs that make it great?

[@steiktur2000]

Beginning of Good riddance by Green day is one I remember

[@paulwilson6357]

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay. Otis Redding had recorded the whistle part as a placeholder for the next verse then called it a day, but he died before he went back to finish the recording. Imagine the song without the whistle bit!

[@birdiedog5]

Idk if this makes it great but I like the false start in polly ‐ nirvana that was kept "Polly says.......Polly says her back hurts" or whatever it was

[@birdiedog5]

I also heard Chester Bennington say that crawlings lyrics were "fear is powerful, confusing what is real" but it got changed to fear is how I fall...bc someone thought that was what he was saying.

[@captainsnarky6949]

In A Gadda Da Vida - "In the garden of Eden." Iron Butterfly

[@fullmetalb5241]

I take great comfort in knowing Justin Hawkins is out here riding again.

[@TheSoftVelcro]

Same here

[@BlondeVolDoll]

“cold desert” is my absolute fav! That song ALWAYS gives me chills!

[@mataterrr]

it’s so sad i love it

[@jimboc669]

They get a lot of hate because this and Use Somebody were so overplayed, but man they have so many great songs that people are just missing out on.

[@collydub1987]

Absolutely. Arizona is an amazing song. Actually, because of the times is a fantastic album altogether.

[@galetinm]

Their first couple of albums were good, the rest is meh.

[@pbateman62]

On Call my fav

[@scottA666wignall]

@@pbateman62 mine too! Perfect song

[@Christopher-md7tf]

Put on "Youth and Young Manhood" and most people won't even recognize the band lol.

[@staceynoir1988]

Mollys chambers and the bucket will always be may favourite songs of theirs . Loved the dirty grit of their early stuff

[@tdog5035]

agreed. they became very dull and generic starting with this song.

[@estebanb7166]

Bucket is their best tune imo

[@FreeCatCheese]

Absolutely. It's like Harry Crews and Thomas McGuane for your ears...

[@themrhockeyluke]

Good day, Justin Hawkins. This is my favorite KZbin channel now. Your dry wit and humor along with the great music analysis are top notch. Thanks for keeping us entertained 😊.

[@alexknowlton4038]

He is dry wit, agreed.

[@themrhockeyluke]

@@alexknowlton4038 autocorrect got me! 😂 Nice catch. I suppose, he could in fact be, the physical embodiment of dry wit.

[@JayCheese]

His dry wit makes me...

[@mikab7235]

I would kill for a reaction to their latest album which is, like alot of their later songs, insanely underrated.

[@Job.Well.Done_01]

Jared Followill is a monster on bass. So talented and really drives the songs KOL makes

[@Abhishek.Basnyat]

Jared's bass lines are what got me hooked to the band, even more so than Caleb's vocals.

[@seancrossey466]

I really like KOL but the first couple of albums Jared literally didn’t know how to play bass, they had to tape on the frets so he knew what to play lol just strange now to see him hailed as a reason to be into them

[@magicccconch]

@@seancrossey466 yeah Jared is one of my favorite bass players! the dude is fucking awesome.

[@razorcatshark3223]

Must confess that I could just listen to you enunciate the phrase “Los Angeles” over and over again 😊

[@dannyharrisonn_]

So Glad JH likes and respects KOL. So right about Caleb’s voice also, you could totally do a full video just based on Caleb’s Timbre and his forward projecting vocals, like a cross between John Fogerty and Steve Perry from Journey with some Gritt thrown on..

[@MattBlackUK]

Love your channel Justin. We met a while back when playing at the Soccer Six football charity in London. Your uploads make me want to be more active on my channel too. Keep up the great work 👌

[@EduFirenze]

I was in London UK when this song came out and any pub you entered and this song was playing people would join together and sing the chorus, the drinks and the long hours of the night might have helped but I miss those days where you had a hit so massive that moved a lot of people.

[@jakedemars2964]

You know all the tunes! I was in my teens when this stuff came out and the impact it had on me still resonates today. Closer & Revelry are my favorites.. thanks again bruv m8

[@ollieslack1724]

This has got to be my favourite channel on KZbin keep up the work justin! 🔥

[@Blake_.Dryden]

You showing me over the last few days (just found channel) how many root song ideas are recycled for inspiration has given me a lot more confidence in my own songwriting ability. I rarely take that route consciously, but I’m going to try it out. I listen to music as a fan most often and don’t really dissect songs unless I’m trying to learn them. This is my long-winded and semi-awkward way of saying thank you for the self-esteem boost.

[@samsewall8341]

Great track. I'd never focused on just how great the vocals are, as usual Justin Hawkins clued me in on that. I missed a chance to see them live when I was too hungover in my twenties. Hope I get the chance again someday!

[@philflynn9161]

I have just started watching your videos on youtube recently. I work in a bar and two of my customers today started talking about your channel. They are about 20 years older than me, so they didn't really know The Darkness. We all attempted to sing your opening theme tune. Nothing but love!!!

[@peelahp]

This song reminds me of that period, where other similar, up-tempo rock bands were also toasts of the town. - The Killers; Jimmy Eat World; A Simple Plan, et al..

[@tn5074]

wasnt it the era of the strokes, arctic monkeys, the killers, the yeah yeah yeahs........etc jimmy eat world were abit before them

[@ROYYYBERT]

I was a little late to the game with these guys. I always heard them on todays top hits radio in passing at the grocery store and what not, and at the time of this tracks release I was about 17 and deep into Punk and Metal, so I hardly paid it any mind. Now I have a major appreciation for the Kings. I honestly don’t think they have a bad album. Every album has a different feel that sets them apart. They’re fantastic musicians. Love the channel Justin. You make me feel like I’m talking about music with a friend, but in a way that I can’t actually talk about music with my friends, ha! Cheers!

[@barriethomas6414]

Hey Justin, Cant wait to see you and The Darkness here in New Zealand later this month.

[@francus7227]

YES ! ! ! Thank you. IDK if it was because of my request yesterday or coincidence.... I like hear you RIP the guitar to end your intro of Justin Hawkins rides again. THANKS.

[@ryantownsend6714]

I started listening to Kings of Leon a few years before this album came out and they have been one of my favorite bands ever since. I am not a musician and I only just started understanding music since watching channels like yours. It is refreshing to hear you speak so positively about them because I’ve never had anyone agree with me about them. They were actually one of the major bands that broaden my listening palette. I was almost exclusively a metalhead before hearing Kings of Leon. Keep up the great channel! I love it

[@PikkaBird]

It's odd how everybody will turn on a band when they make it big. I didn't meet many people who knew of them before Only By The Night, but the few that did seemed to really dig the first two albums and then get lukewarm to them on Because of the Times, and then from that they turned almost sour to the band on OBTN. of course there IS a massive shift in style from especially the first two, but to abandon the band entirely because of this just seems absurd. As you say, I've also rarely heard anyone speak positively about them (after Aha Shake Heartbreak at least) and it seems like there's an almost Nickelback-like tendency to say that "they were never any good, just bland radio crap for people without any REAL taste". P.S. While Nickelback have a formula for their radio smash hits I don't think they deserve flat out hate, and I also think they have a good amount of proper bangers.

[@Durmomo0]

What I will always remember most about Kings of Leon is the birds in my city pooped on them so much they cancelled their show mid performance. What a weird thing.

[@robmiller132]

The whole album Only by the Night is incredible. They’re a band who’ve gone under the radar too much since this album. Their new stuff is still great quality imo

[@jimrustle270]

Only by the Night is when the KoL train truly came off the rails. Their first two albums are absolute masterpieces. I'd love to hear Justin's take on the live version of Trani.

[@RobtheGretsch]

Don’t know a huge amount of KOL stuff, I just felt I had to say hello to a fellow with my name , LOL😂

[@jimboc669]

Because of the Times is their best album imo

[@robmiller132]

@@jimboc669 correct

[@bazbarrow6160]

Quality lol that made me laugh 😂👍

[@jessmountjoy1245]

Their first Uk gig was at a tiny pub in my hometown, high Wycombe! Alas I didn’t go but 2 of my friends did! Great band, fortunate enough to have seen them perform many times ✌️

[@GhostlyEcheveria]

I saw them open for The Strokes on the "Is This It" tour. I had never heard of them, but I was intrigued. Taper Jean Girl, Bucket, California Waiting, Soft.....so many amazing songs from their early days. I love their early stuff, but their later, more polished stuff is amazing too. Two very different sounds, both equally enjoyable.

[@idontcare994]

Kings of leon is a unique rock’n’roll masterpiece !!! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 So is this channel ! :)) Thank you Justin, always looking forward to your videos! I even feel like I might be writing better songs since Im watching you coz I learn so much !

[@akeithing1841]

They never quite clicked for me but I appreciate your range Justin. Ride again mate!

[@danbrown141]

‘Because of the times’ is an all time favourite album of mine

[@vab_rock_girl3907]

My new KZbin obsession talking about one of my favorite songs???? Thanks Justin 😃

[@xGuitarInFlamesx]

That is such a good song. And the reason I know that, is because some day I was playing guitar and after years of not listening to it, I got the urge to learn it. That main riff and the lead guitars lick just randomly came to my mind and I wanted to learn it... it just got stuck in my brain

[@mutzkatherage2213]

I would be so intrigued to see you react/analyse a song by Coheed and Cambria because of their uniqnuess and great guitar work :) Keep on rocking Mister Hawkins :D

[@museonrepeat]

KOL have never put out a bad record. My favorite band of all time. I'm thankful they're so consistent with releasing music and touring (in the US, at least) :)

[@joshuaevans1922]

I heartily disagree. They haven't put out a decent record since Come Around Sundown. Every so often I'll hear an interview claiming "this new album feels like the first record, we're just like we used to be," and surprise surprise, it's another mediocre lp, all filler and no killer.

[@sketcheadiscoming]

@@joshuaevans1922 there latest album is probably the best thing they have done since come around sundown! It’s got some great song on it

[@museonrepeat]

@@joshuaevans1922 Cool!

[@bilhamcobbly2957]

Yea they are fantastic

[@williamcarter361]

@@joshuaevans1922 I agree, Walls & Mechanical Bull was average at best. The latest one hasn’t gripped me yet.

[@brentfitz1990]

Truly a phenomenal rock band. Many great albums. Amazing live performers. Saw them during the a larger tour of this album in 2011.

[@praytellcaesar]

Seeing them live next month for the first time. Literally cannot wait

[@alee7275]

*Because of the times* for me is that _sweet_ spot That album is perfect

[@UnderTheMillkyWay]

I saw them in Aug 2021 but I will say most of my favorites are not their hit singles and I love most of their songs. They played and played and it was great.

[@ceasecapo1]

He has such a unique voice, there are only so many that have purely unique ones like Chris Cornell.

[@mjjohansson1702]

I checked out around this album. I do like their earlier ones. I remember getting hold of an early version of Youth and Young Manhood before the official release and listening to it so much. Their documentary Talihina Sky is good as well.

[@granthambeard]

It shouldn't be underestimated what a fucking great player and writer of rhythm guitar riffs that singer is. I always listen out for his parts.

[@Clael415]

Kings of Leon are playing in Auckland the day after you guys next month! We are coming to see both of you.

[@OscarOverlanding]

Well said! They are such an underrated band. Great production work on this album!

[@courtneyjonesdesign]

Hey Justin. Absolutely love your channel. Very cool getting your insight on all the songs I thought were awesome, and hearing your break down on them. Would you ever consider doing a review of the Darkness videos or songs? What you liked, what you didn't, what you would have changed (songs or videos) Thank you for your contribution to the music world! You were amazing at the Taylor Hawkins tribute show.

[@Budzombie420]

I never got Kings Of Leon, their music just slipped quietly in to the background for me, where it has remained. Each to their own though, great video as always 👍

[@abbyhuntley3171]

Justin your comedic delivery is perfect 🤣

[@SteveBrule982]

im seeing these guys live soon and i have a feeling its gonna be nuts

[@DesignerFromMars]

Love that album but my two favourite songs are the opener "Closer" & the last song "Cold desert".

[@juliabobin446]

Those 2 are my faves as well!

[@awookieandagerman]

Great video Justin! Love this song. It’s such a euphoric chorus and those guitar parts are just perfectly composed. Was wondering if you’d consider doing another video on Panic! At The Disco for their new song God Killed Rock And Roll? I think you’d find a lot to talk about, and hopefully enjoy. It’s my favorite song of the year so far!

[@garryfmacdonald]

I was making my way back home to Scotland from a year in New Zealand and saw Kings of Leon supporting U2 in Adam Jose, CA absolutely by accident in 2095. Really enjoyed their songs and told everyone about them when we got back home. Took them a couple of years after that to make it to the UK I think.

[@ethanreed8400]

Are you from the future?

[@shadcovert1160]

@@ethanreed8400 😂🤣

[@garryfmacdonald]

@@ethanreed8400 absolutely😂 my fingers are too big for the tiny text keys…that’s why I play bass! San Jose 2005! Predictive text doesn’t help🙃

[@GizzyDillespee]

All I asked was, "Dear God, If you're real, would you prove it by sending a future tourist, to help me know which city I should steal and remake into my new capital? Such uncanny details as those in this message restored my faith... almost. Adam Jose? Really?! Are you sure you didn't see KoL in Seadam? Or maybe it was on layover in Honoluadam? I guess it could've been worse... like Sacramadam. San Jose, though. Damn. The shithole you can't afford. Can I achieve world domination without establishing a capital first? Probably no-one in Cali would notice either way. That's it. I'm calling your bluff - you're from a different timeline, aren't you? (asking God here, not the future tourist. Many things would suddenly make more sense, if true. Religion, for starters)

[@GizzyDillespee]

Also, Dear Autocorrect, Nobody writes in, yet means I'm. Well, hardly ever. Y u keep changing it?

[@TheReady100]

Love these videos it's a musical education Thanks Justin. Side quarry is that a warne's built fireplace?

[@garylong4303]

My wife's favorite band thxs again Justin from AZ

[@richiep3520]

I always loved the bass in the band. On call, the immortals, revelry, 4 kicks to name a few. If you haven't heard the immortals, the bass is excellent and check it out! The verse, chorus, post chorus. 👌

[@karlbooth998]

His voice is incredible live, if you haven’t seen them then you must see them you Must

[@jamesscott8705]

I love it that you broke down a KoL song! I'm subscribed! Love the content. Could you maybe break down a Tame Impala song at some point please? Thank you, Justin!

[@andycopland3179]

Elliot Smith - Angeles. That'd be cool to hear you talk about. I've tried learning that for over a year and my guitar has nearly been burnt numerous times during the attempts.

[@dls3939]

I really love their second album, Aha Shake Heartbreak, awesome party album too the whole way through

[@JF-kv1gm]

I think I am way overdue in discovering your channel, Justin. Kings of Leon caught my attention with "Radioactive". Can I add you to my "would be my friend " list, please? You are very knowledgeable, humourous, super talented and very easy on the eye! Sending a hug from Italy.🙏🤗💗

[@parkerphillips8673]

Kings Of Leon is such an underrated band. I’ve seen them 3 times. Always a great show. Check out songs like “charmer” “black thumbnail” “cold desert” “Arizona”…… the really don’t have a bad song.

[@engurland]

Heard this on six music before they'd released it as a single. Went on about it to anyone who'd listen at school. Couldn't think how quickly I'd go off this song at that time.

[@christopherreynolds9254]

‘Fuck of the adverts’ beautiful lyrics from Kings of Leon

[@angelaellul6959]

Im here again try not to miss a video of your. Yes Kings of Leon are epic!!

[@scottk8244]

Hey Mr. Hawkins, really enjoy your channel, thanks for all the great content. Have you ever discussed the band Chevelle? I really liked that band back in the day. Cheers

[@vinny2459]

This is fantastic. I love this guy!!!

[@georginahooper9060]

I had tickets to see KOL in Johannesburg back in the early 2000s, but they cancelled because they set their tour bus on fire...Never got to see them. But I DID get to see the Darkness in Barcelona in 2020 - most fun I've ever had at a show!! Love you guys, come back soon.

[@CorbCorbin]

This was my fav track, on “That’s Enormo Hits Now #37.”

[@euancampbell498]

You should really do a video on the song "Wicker chair" I love that song and one of the lyrics at the start is actually about Jared when they were either stoned or drunk when they 1st started out and he was flaked out in a wicker chair, love the instrumental as well and it's from one of their 1st if not their 1st LP

[@gtbriggs6614]

I was always a fan of Kings. Saw them live in Australia and found the bass and drummer to be a massive drive of their sound.

[@GizzyDillespee]

Huh. I always wondered if it flowed opposite down under. I guess you answered it for me.

[@gtbriggs6614]

Remember we don’t exist

[@andrewbowen6875]

Looking fantastic as always Justin

[@ThanksChris]

Was in a club last night. A rare thing for me these days. Anyway, they played this song & even the young kids knew all the words. 👏

[@neonbelle_au]

Love this Justin. Full respect to KOL. They get a lot of shit thrown at them (mostly thanks to this song). Great musicians, great songs. And yes, Caleb and Nathan were signed to RCA but the label wanted them to have a band behind them, so they enlisted their brother (who didn’t play an instrument) and cousin. There is a really great doco about their interesting back story and gospel roots, called Talihina Sky.

[@onepartyroule]

That’s my favourite shirt of yours Justin. I wish I had a shirt like that.

[@TheTjoconnor]

Justin, you should take a look at some Modest Mouse. Isaac is one of the most unique voices in music and the band has just continued to evolute every album.

[@bdubberz]

For a lot of their earlier fans I think Only By the Night was seen as a "sell out" album. It had a lot of mainstream songs which turned the indie crowd off. I however have loved them since seeing their first performance on SNL that year. I've also seen them live and they are a tight group of musicians for sure. Their albums since have also been great and I recommend checking those out and seeing them live!

[@mirapiccolo6601]

Thanks Justin for your cool videos.....

[@Thexpertoneverything]

I love this channel. Where have you been??? ❤️❤️❤️

[@goatsandmonkeys33]

If you wanna talk about amazing singers with control of their "grate", how about digging into Spoon? Britt Daniel has one of the most underrated voices in modern rock. And yet they never quite got their due (aside from "The Underdog" being used in a ton of media, and maybe "The Way We Get By"). Which is probably a blessing, really. Either way, just one of the most consistently great bands. Have they released a bad song or album ever? I think not.

[@darrenquilliam2908]

Got their live DVD free with a DVD player I bought 10 or so years ago, yeah, I gave it away. The disc, not the player. Looking forward to seeing you perform with The Darkness in Adelaide, Australia Oct 15th. 👍👌

[@ethanramy]

Thank you Justin for this amazing and wonderful video. Have you ever analyzed a song by canned heat. I hope you are doing well? ❤️🍻

[@jonathantozer7733]

I've got to be honest. Only By The Night switched me off KOL. I saw them on the Aha Shake Heartbreak and Because Of The Times tours. The Aha Shake show was just amazing. One of my favourite shows ever. Loud, Rowdy, Energetic. At this point... I gotta admit, I checked out and never checked back in.

[@jrchevyfan]

Good day Justin….I love the chicken behind you….I love to just hear you play your guitar…plus you’re truthful reaction to the band…tbh I only liked that one song….hope all is well

[@belladonna131]

I remember that print on the fabric of your shirt. Joanne fabric? Hobby Lobby? I KNOW I've seen it somewhere. The cassettes look very familiar! Don't know anything about Kings of Leon other than heard of them. 😊.

[@TristanJCumpole]

I've always thought that Kings Of Leon were in the "post-yarler" genre; the consequent results of musical normalisation via Scott Stapp, Eddie Vedder, Brad Roberts, etc.

[@AnthonyBurrito1313]

My favorite song to cover!!

[@youngdylan5083]

Youth and Young Manhood is incredibly. I’d advise anyone who hasn’t heard it to go blast it. That was the real kings of Leon.

[@iliketrains3495]

I'm a Kings of Leon fan, definitely don't think this is one of their best songs but it's undeniably iconic

[@Abhishek.Basnyat]

I see you're a Biffy Clyro fan too.

[@evilldead6824]

Hey Justine, Imstill waiting for your to do LAZY EYE by Silver Sun Pick-ups. I have to say its a contender to beat Wheetus for best rock song of the last 20 years!

[@shanesolar3924]

I find great comfort in being right when Justin is rarely wrong

[@d.s.19]

They're one of my favourites. For me it's the southern roots and Caleb's voice (recording doesn't do it justice). Matthew's guitar live on this song too...wow. Jared's bass truly has become a signature sound for them as well even though you're right - he didn't know how to play. Nathan is just a rock for the band. Always beyond solid. It's also that family thing. There's just something about siblings performing music together.

[@bloffs3352]

I bought this KOL album and played it a little but then it got so flogged on the radio I couldn't play it myself again. This is not KOL's fault and no matter what it's a great album. Great review of it Juzzo.

[@lornakarimjee]

KOL are a.totally amazeballs band live, still love their first three albums the most.

[@donkeysaurusrex7881]

Somehow I completely missed this song when it came out. I mean actually not somehow I go through periods where I only listen to Country or talk radio so it must have been during that. Anyways like7 or 8 years later I heard it at a battle of bands in the Middle East. The group that played it was just that much better than everyone else there, and I was amazed not only that they were that good but also that they were the only one playing their own songs. Imagine my surprise when I checked KZbin for the song the next morning.

[@ThatGuyThanus]

That first album was incredible

[@mess_noise]

Yeah it’s kinda strange to watch a small time band blasting a few songs up the road from home on the stage at your local to then seeing them touring with U2 the next time they came to town, happened hella quickly for the Kings.

[@NatalieValentina6]

"Four Kicks" is always rowdy fun...

[@GNVS300]

Based Jared Followill appreciator. Probably the most underrated bassist I can think of next to Chris Edwards from Kasabian

[@sarisohanpaul5276]

I don't think KOL have ever put out a bad record. There style has certainly changed since youth and young manhood but I have loved every record. I saw them live on the youth and young manhood tour and it was a bloody brilliant show. Saw them again earlier this year and I felt it was a bit lacklustre. I probably wouldn't see them again.

[@stacyriker5471]

BTW you make my day with every post ❤

[@bobbiesnakes]

Audio glance! Yes!

[@elink2k1]

Justin when are you launching your next project here in Nashville. New challenge in a great musical town... come on over!

[@CardiffMark]

This song almost was too successful for their own good. Their discography is a masterpiece. Great live band. Great voice & guitar tones. Top top band, once you delve in.

[@jackhumphreys7655]

Yes, yes and yes again. So underrated the whole back catalogue is amazing