Billy Joel’s 1989 hit song "We Didn’t Start the Fire" has become an enduring classic. The song offers a sweeping overview of the tumultuous events that took place during the twentieth century, from the 1940s to the 1980s. In this article, we’ll explore the lyrics of this iconic song and consider its relevance to today’s world.
Billy Joel’s "We Didn’t Start the Fire"
"We Didn’t Start the Fire" was released as the third single off of Billy Joel’s 1989 album Storm Front. The song quickly became a sensation, reaching the top 10 in the US and the UK. The song is driven by a driving rock beat and a catchy chorus, which serves to emphasize the song’s message of the importance of understanding the past in order to move forward.
Examining the Lyrics
The song is composed of a series of short phrases that reference significant historical events from the 1940s to the 1980s. The lyrics are a mix of facts and opinions that reflect the turbulent times of the twentieth century. Joel begins by referencing the Second World War and the subsequent Cold War, and then proceeds to name-check a range of political, cultural, and technological events, from the Cuban Missile Crisis to the rise of rock-and-roll.
The lyrics also offer an insight into Joel’s own views on history and the importance of understanding the past. The refrain of the song, "We didn’t start the fire, but we tried to fight it," conveys Joel’s belief that while individuals cannot control the events of history, they do have the power to shape their own destiny.
Billy Joel’s "We Didn’t Start the Fire" is a powerful and insightful song that highlights the importance of understanding the past in order to move forward. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to capture the essence of the tumultuous events of the twentieth century and to speak to our shared experience as human beings.
