About the song
Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” is a compelling and thought-provoking song that encapsulates significant historical events of the 20th century. Released in 1989 as part of his album “Storm Front,” this track stands out for its rapid-fire delivery of historical references and its powerful message about the cyclical nature of history.
Written solely by Billy Joel, “We Didn’t Start the Fire” features a fast-paced rhythm and a catchy melody, making it both engaging and informative. The song’s lyrics list numerous historical events, figures, and cultural phenomena from the years 1949 to 1989, highlighting the turbulent and transformative nature of the 20th century.
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” was a commercial success, reaching the number 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. Its innovative approach to storytelling through music garnered widespread acclaim, earning Joel a Grammy Award nomination for Record of the Year.
For many listeners, “We Didn’t Start the Fire” serves as a historical snapshot, reminding them of key events and moments from their lifetimes. The song’s rapid-fire delivery and comprehensive list of references make it a fascinating exploration of history, sparking curiosity and discussion among listeners of all ages.
The album “Storm Front,” which features “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” was well-received by critics and fans alike. It showcased Billy Joel’s songwriting prowess and musical versatility, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential musicians of his generation.
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” remains a standout track in Billy Joel’s extensive discography, often cited as one of his most ambitious and impactful songs. Its enduring popularity and relevance serve as a testament to Joel’s ability to connect with audiences through his music, inspiring reflection and dialogue about the events that shape our world. Whether you’re revisiting this powerful anthem or hearing it for the first time, “We Didn’t Start the Fire” is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Lyrics
Captain Planet, Arab Spring, L.A. riots, Rodney King
Deep fakes, earthquakes, Iceland volcano
Oklahoma City bomb, Kurt Cobain, Pokémon
Tiger Woods, MySpace, Monsanto, GMOs
Harry Potter, Twilight, Michael Jackson dies
Nuclear accident, Fukushima, Japan
Crimean Peninsula, Cambridge Analytica
Kim Jong Un, Robert Downey Jr., Iron Man
We didn’t start the fire
It was always burning since the world’s been turning
We didn’t start the fire
No, we didn’t light it, but we’re trying to fight it
More war in Afghanistan, Cubs go all the way again
Obama, Spielberg, explosion, Lebanon
Unabomber, Bobbitt, John, bombing Boston Marathon
Balloon Boy, War on Terror, QAnon
Trump gets impeached twice, Polar bears got no ice
Fyre Fest, Black Parade, Michael Phelps, Y2K
Boris Johnson, Brexit, Kanye West and Taylor Swift
Stranger Things, Tiger King, Ever Given, Suez
We didn’t start the fire
It was always burning since the world’s been turning
We didn’t start the fire
No, we didn’t light it, but we’re trying to fight it
Sandy Hook, Columbine, Sandra Bland and Tamir Rice
ISIS, LeBron James, Shinzo Abe blown away
Meghan Markle, George Floyd, Burj Khalifa, Metroid
Fermi paradox, Venus and Serena
Oh-oh-oh, Michael Jordan, 23, YouTube killed MTV
SpongeBob, Golden State Killer got caught
Michael Jordan, 45, Woodstock ’99
Keaton, Batman, Bush v. Gore, I can’t take it anymore
We didn’t start the fire
It was always burning since the world’s been turning
We didn’t start the fire
No, we didn’t light it, but we’re trying to fight it
Elon Musk, Kaepernick, Texas failed electric grid
Jeff Bezos, climate change, white rhino goes extinct
Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Tom DeLonge and aliens
Mars rover, Avatar, self-driving electric cars
SSRI’s, Prince and The Queen die
World trade, second plane, what else do I have to say?
We didn’t start the fire (we didn’t start it)
It was always burning since the world’s been turning (oh)
We didn’t start the fire (we didn’t start it)
But when we are gone, it will still go on (oh-yeah)
And on, and on, and on, and on
And on, and on, and on
We didn’t start the fire (fire)
It was always burning since the world’s been turning