Fall Out Boy "We Didn't Start The Fire"
Fall Out Boy, known for their energetic pop-punk and alternative rock sound, has consistently reinvented themselves while paying tribute to music history. In 2023, they released their own version of We Didn't Start The Fire, originally written and recorded by Billy Joel in 1989.
The original song chronicled historical events from 1949 to 1989, listing major political, cultural, and scientific moments in a rapid-fire style. Fall Out Boy adopted this same concept but updated it for a new generation, covering events from 1990 to 2023.
With its powerful rock instrumentation and thought-provoking lyrics, Fall Out Boy’s version brings a fresh perspective to a classic song.
Song Overview
We Didn't Start The Fire is a song that rapidly lists significant historical moments, highlighting the major events that shaped each era.
While Billy Joel’s version covered events from the post-World War II period to the late 1980s, Fall Out Boy’s adaptation picks up where he left off, referencing key moments from 1990 to 2023.
Their lyrics mention a wide range of topics, including the September 11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, Barack Obama’s election, the fall of the Twin Towers, Kanye West’s controversies, Donald Trump’s presidency, fake news, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Musically, Fall Out Boy’s version differs from the original. While Billy Joel’s song was driven by a repetitive piano melody, Fall Out Boy infuses the track with a more aggressive rock arrangement, featuring distorted guitars, punchy drums, and anthemic vocals. The song’s rapid tempo and intense energy make it feel urgent and engaging, fitting the fast-paced nature of modern history.
Songwriting and Production
The original We Didn't Start The Fire was written and composed by Billy Joel and featured on his 1989 album Storm Front. Joel intended the song to be a historical snapshot, capturing the world’s changes during his lifetime up to that point.
Fall Out Boy’s version was reworked by band members Patrick Stump, Pete Wentz, Joe Trohman, and Andy Hurley. They modernized the track’s lyrical scope while preserving its core concept.
The production of Fall Out Boy’s version embraces their signature rock sound, utilizing layered guitars and driving percussion to create a high-energy feel. While Joel’s original maintained a structured melody, Fall Out Boy's version leans into a heavier, more dynamic rock anthem style.
By transforming the song’s instrumentation and lyrical focus, the band successfully reinvents We Didn't Start The Fire for a contemporary audience while staying true to the essence of the original.
Charts
Upon its release in 2023, We Didn't Start The Fire quickly gained attention and went viral across social media platforms.
It charted in rock and alternative music rankings, particularly resonating with fans who were eager to compare it with Billy Joel’s original. The song performed well on streaming services, introducing a younger audience to both Fall Out Boy’s version and the historical references within the lyrics.
Billy Joel’s original version had been a massive success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989. While Fall Out Boy’s adaptation did not reach the same mainstream success, it became a widely discussed and appreciated reimagining of the song.
Music Video
As of now, Fall Out Boy has not released an official music video for We Didn't Start The Fire. However, lyric videos and fan-made videos featuring historical footage and animated visuals have surfaced online.
Billy Joel’s original also did not have an official video, but many television broadcasts and news compilations have been associated with it, reinforcing the song’s historical significance.
Given the visual storytelling potential of Fall Out Boy’s updated lyrics, a well-crafted music video could further enhance the song’s impact by visually representing the events mentioned in the lyrics.
Billy Joel "We Didn't Start the Fire"
Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire" was released in 1989 as part of his album Storm Front. The song is renowned for its unique lyrics, which list historical events and pop culture moments from the 1950s to the 1980s. This track has become one of Joel's most iconic works, celebrated for its innovative storytelling and its ability to capture decades of cultural history in a dynamic, unforgettable way.
