We didn’t start the end of the fire as we know it

I never really listened to the lyrics of “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It” by R.E.M. until today. For the most part, I had never committed time and mind to this tune. That, and Michael Stipe talks too damn fast.

Stipe’s game of How-many-words-referencing-the-apocalypse-can-I-jam-into-four-minutes-and-nine-seconds holds a striking resemblance to Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start The Fire.” Chronologically speaking, Joel’s track holds a striking resemblance to R.E.M., but let’s not allow unnecessary specifics to digress from my point.

R.E.M. discusses, blatantly, the end of the world, while Joel lists landmark events in the history of mankind. However, the latter still alludes to a damaging conclusion. What is this “fire” Billy speaks of, and should I invest in an extinguisher for such conditions?

I can’t help but think “We Didn’t Start The Fire” is a response to “The End Of The World,” commentating what we have made of our blink in time, turning this placid sphere into a toxic wasteland. Both songs, as events and ideas are rattled off the tongue at light speed, provide a sense of panic, a deluge of memories and concern.

The irony is that these musicians coolly mention these atrocities: that this “fire” has always been “burnin’ since the world’s been turnin’,” and that they “feel fine” about the “end of the world.” They’re not scared—they actually seem eager and excited.

I wouldn’t consider R.E.M. an exceptional substitute for the Mayan calendar (which claims the end of the world to occur Dec. 22, 2012), nor would I ask Billy Joel his opinion of our time spent here, but I can’t help but wonder if they’re right: is there reason to take shame in things that have happened, or assume panic for times to come?

As humans we’re bound to make mistakes, and fretting about the past can enrich our lives as a vest can enrich a snake’s wardrobe. So why you tryin’ to fight it, Billy?
If the date of the apocalypse has been uncompromisingly set, what else can we do besides go about our daily routines? What’s the point of living in constant fear? You should feel fine. However, I will advise you to get some time alone (don’t question R.E.M., just do it).

CS