We Didn't Start the Fire

This song, written by Billy Joel in 1989 talks about showcase events and people from the history of America. It literally lists these important people, events, and places. The singer/songwriter offers both a current as well as a historic perspective on the events. Some of the events Billy Joel was witness to while to others he was not. I think that the song is telling about the events as a story, kind of like a scrambled not-chronologically accurate timeline (just a list really...) i think the song is alright, but it is a bit annoying. The annoying part is in the format. It is just 4 lists, chorus, 4 lists, chorus, 4 lists, chorus, 4 lists, chorus, 4 lists, and... for the finale (just in case you've forgotten the chorus...) 4 more sets of the chorus. The song allows us to learn of some notable events that occurred in the 20th century as well as a few in the 21st century.