Burning sees Tems singing about her feelings and emotion when she first gained fame and recognition.[7] In the song, she also further recounts on her experiences about being taken of and deceitful people in the music industry.[3][7]
Speaking in an interview with Apple Music 1, Tems highlighted that "Burning" is about the feelings I felt when I first started getting popular as Tems. I didn't really understand what was happening, and everything was happening so fast.".[8] Tems further explained that "We all have the things that we struggle with, our triggers. And 'Burning' is really about understanding that I have my triggers too, and now I know that I'm not alone."[8]
Music video
Tems released the official music video on 5 August 2024. Originally scheduled for an earlier release date, it was pushed back due to a End Bad Governance protest in Nigeria.[9][10] Directed by Tems, the visuals sees her walking across the streets of New York, taking a train ride at Canal Street station. Moreover, it contains footage of Tems performing during her Born in the Wild Tour in Paris.
The video ends with Tems watching clips of herself ranging from music videos to red carpet appearances on New York's Times Square digital billboards highlighting her musical journey so far.[9][11]
