WE DIDN'T START THE FIRE LYRICS - BILLY JOEL | STORM FRONT

We Didn't Start the Fire is Billy Joel's rapid-fire history lesson in a song — a 1989 chart-topper from the album Storm Front that races through four decades of world events, from 1949 to 1989.

Image: Billy Joel, "We Didn't Start the Fire" official music video still (billyjoelVEVO).

We Didn't Start the Fire Song Credits

Song: We Didn't Start the Fire
Singer: Billy Joel
Lyrics: Billy Joel
Music: Billy Joel
Album: Storm Front
Producer: Mick Jones
Music Label: Columbia Records
Release Date: September 1989

We Didn't Start the Fire Lyrics

The full lyrics of this song are not published here yet — check back soon for the complete verified lyrics.

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FAQs About We Didn't Start the Fire

When was We Didn't Start the Fire released?

We Didn't Start the Fire was released in September 1989 as the lead single from Billy Joel's album Storm Front, which followed in October 1989 on Columbia Records.

What album is it from?

The song is from Storm Front, Billy Joel's eleventh studio album.

What is the song about?

The song lists more than 100 historical events, people and cultural moments from 1949 to 1989 in rapid-fire chronological order.

Did it reach No. 1?

Yes, it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1989, becoming Billy Joel's third US No. 1. It was also nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 1990 Grammy Awards.

Want more from Billy Joel? Read the Billy Joel biography, and sing along with "Piano Man" lyrics by Billy Joel and "Uptown Girl" lyrics by Billy Joel.