The Grammy-nominated No. 1 song “We Didn’t Start the Fire” is a seemingly innocent and entertaining anthem; however, the tune is bombarded with historical references that make it an icon. In this article, we will break down all 119 pop culture references in great detail.

This is an essential endeavor because while many people love the song, most do not understand the references due to either a lack of knowledge or the speed at which Joel sings them.

Saint Paul’s junior Sebastian Mutter has never truly understood the song when listening to it. “Every time the song plays, I enjoy the catchy tune but don’t understand the references the artist is making since all of them are from before I was born. So it was fascinating to learn what Billy Joel is talking about in the song,” Mutter explained.

Harry Truman

The 33rd president of the United States who was known for deciding to use atomic bombs on Japan and for implementing the Marshall Plan to rebuild post-war Europe.

Doris Ray

A pioneering African American educator and community leader who significantly improved education and civil rights in her community.

Red China

This term is often used to refer to the People’s Republic of China, especially following the rise to power of the Chinese Communist Party in 1949 under Mao Zedong, the party’s founder.

Johnnie Ray

An American singer and songwriter known for his emotional and romantic songs’ influence on pop music in the 1950s.

South Pacific

This refers to the popular 1949 Broadway musical, which reflected post-World War II American culture and issues of race and romance in the Pacific theatre.

Walter Winchell

He was a prominent American newspaper columnist and radio personality known for his sensational gossip and political commentary during the mid-20th century.

Joe DiMaggio

He was a legendary American baseball player, best known for his 56-game hitting streak with the New York Yankees and his iconic career in Major League baseball.

Joe McCarthy

A US senator known for leading a controversial anti-communist campaign during the 1950s called McCarthyism.

Richard Nixon

The 37th US president, known for ending American involvement in the Vietnam War and resigning due to the Watergate scandal.

Studebaker

Studebaker was an American automobile manufacturer known for its innovative car designs and operations from the 19th to the mid-20th century.

Television

The song was released in 1989, and at this time, the average American had more television sets in their household than toilets.

North Korea

After World War II, Korea was divided into North and South, and despite attempts at reunification, the countries have remained separated.

South Korea

A democratic and technologically advanced nation, it is known for its rapid economic growth, vibrant culture, and global influence in areas like K-pop and electronics.

Marilyn Monroe

She is an iconic American actress and cultural symbol known for her beauty, charisma, and roles in classic films like Some Like It Hot and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

The Rosenbergs

An American couple was accused of passing on American secrets to the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

H-Bomb

The “H-Bomb” is a nuclear weapon containing hydrogen isotopes. The US produced it during the Cold War; the first test was conducted in 1952.

Sugar Ray

“Sugar Ray” Robinson was a professional boxer who competed from 1940 to 1965. He had almost 175 wins and often dreamed of killing his opponents.

Panmunjom

A demilitarized zone connecting North and South Korea was created in the 1950s.

Brando

Marlon Brando was an influential American actor known for his groundbreaking performances in films like A Streetcar Named Desire and The Godfather.

“The King and I”

A musical released in 1956 focusing on female empowerment and overcoming personal challenges.

“The Catcher in the Rye”

It is a coming-of-age novel about a teenager named Holden Caufield who struggles with growing up and finding his place in the world.

Eisenhower

The 34th president of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, oversaw many battles during WWII, including the storming of Normandy.

Vaccine

A needle that directly provides medicines into your body.

England’s got a new queen.

After King George VI’s death, Princess Elizabeth took over the throne for England and was crowned Queen Elizabeth II.

Marciano

Rocky Marciano was a world Heavyweight boxer who died in a plane crash in 1969.

Liberace

Famous pianist who hosted a variety television show that started in the early 50’s.

Santayana

This Spanish American philosopher wrote many vital texts on realism and the world around him.

Joseph Stalin

The leader of the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s to 1953 was known for his totalitarian rule, rapid industrialization policies, and the Great Purge. 

Malenkov

Georgy Malenkov was a Soviet politician who briefly led the USSR as Premier after Stalin died in 1953 before being sidelined in a power struggle.

Nasser

Gamal Abdel Nasser was the second President of Egypt. He is known for leading the country through significant modernization efforts and for his role in pan-Arabism, especially in nationalizing the Suez Canal in 1956.

Prokofiev

Sergei Prokofiev was a Russian composer and pianist known for his diverse work spanning symphonies, operas, ballets, and film scores, with iconic pieces like Peter and the Wolf and Romeo and Juliet.

Rockefeller

John D. Rockefeller was an American industrialist and philanthropist best known for founding Standard Oil, becoming one of the wealthiest individuals in history, and shaping the modern oil industry.

Campanella

Roy Campanella was one of Major League Baseball’s first Black athletes. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame with his exceptional career as a catcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Communist Bloc

The Eastern European countries aligned with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Roy Cohn

He was a controversial lawyer and advisor known for his role in the McCarthy-era anti-communist trials.

Juan Peron

He was an influential Argentine leader and president known for his populist policies and support from the working class.

Toscanini

He was a renowned Italian conductor who was celebrated for his brilliance and intensity in leading orchestras worldwide.

Dacron

A synthetic polyester fiber popularized in the 1950s for its strength, durability, and wrinkle resistance.

Den Bien Phu Falls

This event marks the 1954 defeat of French forces by Vietnamese communists, leading to the end of French colonial rule in Indochina.

“Rock Around the Clock”

A groundbreaking 1954 rock-and-roll hit by Bill Haley & His Comets that became an anthem for the emerging youth culture.

Einstein

Albert Einstein was a German-born physicist and mathematician who developed the theory of relativity.

James Dean

American actor who starred in famous movies such as Rebel Without a Cause.

Brooklyn’s got a winning team.

Now in Los Angeles, the Brooklyn Dodgers finally broke a long losing streak after winning the 1955 World Series with a star-studded lineup, including Jackie Robinson.

Davy Crockett

A 19th-century American frontiersman, soldier, and folk hero who was famously killed at the Battle of the Alamo.

Peter Pan

A fictional character created by J.M. Barrie, known for never growing up and leading adventures in the magical world of Neverland.

Elvis Presley

An iconic American singer and actor, often called the “King of Rock and Roll,” revolutionized music and popular culture in the 1950s and beyond.

Disneyland

A famous theme park in California opened in 1955 and is known for its imaginative attractions and Disney character experiences.

Bardot

Brigitte Bardot was a French actress, singer, and fashion icon known for her beauty and status as a symbol of 1950s and 1960s sex appeal.

Budapest

The capital city of Hungary is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene.

Alabama

A state in the southeastern United States, known for its historical significance, especially in the civil rights movement.

Khrushchev

Nikita Khrushchev was the leader of the Soviet Union from 1953 to 1964. He is known for his role in the Cuban Missile Crisis and de-Stalinization efforts.

Princess Grace

Princess Grace of Monaco, formerly actress Grace Kelly, became Prince Rainier III’s beloved wife and an icon of elegance and charity.

Peyton Place

One of the first successful soap operas to hit prime-time television in 1964.

Trouble in Suez

Egypt’s President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal Company under Egyptian management.

Little Rock

The capital of Arkansas, famously known for the 1957 desegregation crisis at Little Rock Central High School.

Pasternak

Boris Pasternak was a Russian author and poet best known for his novel Doctor Zhivago, which won the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Mickey Mantel

He was a legendary American baseball player known for his powerful hitting and career with the New York Yankees.

Kerouac

Jack Kerouac was an important author who published On the Road in 1957. This road trip novel was described as the “hippies’ Bible.”

Sputnik

Launched in October of 1957, this Earth satellite was one of three Soviet-Russia launches that shocked the United States into the Space Race.

Chou En-Lai

Zhou Enlai was a Chinese statesman and the first Premier of the People’s Republic of China, known for his diplomatic skills and leadership during key moments in Chinese history.

“Bridge on the River Kwai”

A 1957 film about British prisoners of war forced to build a railway bridge for the Japanese in World War II, exploring themes of duty and defiance.

Lebanon

After refusing to cut ties with Britain and France during the Suez War, the Egyptian government accused Lebanon’s President Camille Chamoun of having Western sympathies.

Charles de Gaulle

A French military leader and statesman, best known for leading France during World War II and serving as its president from 1959 to 1969.

California Baseball

In 1958, the New York Giants moved to California, following the Brooklyn Dodgers, and became the San Francisco Giants.

Starkweather homicide

A nineteen-year-old, Charles Starkweather, took his James Dean obsession too far. After becoming obsessed with Dean’s bad-boy persona, Starkweather went on a 10-person murder spree.

Children of thalidomide

The children of thalidomide were born with severe congenital disabilities after their mothers took the drug during pregnancy in the late 1950s and early 1960s, unaware of its harmful effects.

Buddy Holly

Famous rock and roll artist who modeled his sound after Elvis Presley. Holly produced hits like “Every Day” and “Peggy Sue”.

Ben Hur

A 1959 epic film about a Jewish prince seeking revenge and redemption, famous for its thrilling chariot race scene.

Space Monkey

Monkeys Able and Baker were launched into space in 1959, making them the first primates to make a round trip to space from the United States.

Mafia

The Mafia is a criminal organization known for its involvement in illegal activities such as extortion, drug trafficking, and organized crime, particularly in Italy and the United States.

Hula Hoops

Circular plastic toys spun around the waist were popularized in the 1950s as a fun and physical activity.

Castro

Fidel Castro was a political leader in Cuba and led a communist movement from the late fifties until the late 2000s.

Edsel is no-go

This refers to the failure of the Ford Edsel car model, which was introduced in the late 1950s but became a commercial flop due to design and marketing issues.

U2

In May 1960, a US U-2 spy plane piloted by Francis Gary Powers was shot down over the Soviet Union, escalating Cold War tensions and leading to a diplomatic crisis.

Syngman Rhee   

The first president of South Korea, serving from 1948-1960.

Payola

It was a scandal where radio hosts and deejays took bribes to promote certain artists and songs extra.

Kennedy

This refers to the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy, whose presidency was cut short after his assassination in 1963. 

Chubby Checker

Rhythm and blues artist who popularized Hank Ballard’s “Twist” dance.

Psycho

A 1960  psychological horror film about a secretary who, after embezzling money, ends up at a secluded motel run by a disturbed man with a deadly secret.

Belgians in the Congo

“Belgians in the Congo” refers to Belgium’s colonial rule, marked by exploitation and severe mistreatment of the Congolese people.

Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway was a member of the “Lost Generation,” a group heavily affected by WWI. Hemingway wrote classics like The Sun Also Rises before his suicide in 1961.

Eichmann

Adolf Eichmann was a high-ranking Nazi official responsible for organizing the logistics of the Holocaust, who was later captured, tried, and executed by Israel for war crimes.

“Stranger in a Strange Land”

A 1961 novel about a human raised by Martians who struggles to adapt to and transform Earth’s society.

Dylan

One of the greatest lyricists of all time, Bob Dylan, is regarded as the best folk artist to hit the music scene. Throughout his career, he sold tens of millions of records.

Berlin

The Berlin Wall, built in 1961, divided East and West Berlin, symbolizing the Cold War’s divide between communist and capitalist blocs until its fall in 1989.

Bay of Pigs Invasions

An invasion of Cuba conducted by the CIA started in the 60s. After many attempts to bomb and invade Cuba with small groups of men, the CIA’s plans eventually failed when their men were captured.

“Lawrence of Arabia”

A 1962 epic film about T.E. Lawrence, a British officer who united Arab tribes during World War I to fight against the Ottoman Empire.

British Beatlemania

Refers to the intense fan frenzy and cultural impact surrounding The Beatles’ rise to fame in the 1960s.

Ole Miss

In 1962, when veteran James Meridith was denied entry into Ole Miss, United States Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy sent federal protection to allow Meridith safe entry into class.

John Glenn

John Glenn was an American astronaut who became the first US astronaut to orbit the Earth in 1962 and later served as a US Senator.

Liston beats Patterson

refers to Sonny Liston’s victory over Floyd Patterson in 1962 to become the heavyweight boxing champion.

Pope Paul

This refers to Pope Paul VI, who led the Roman Catholic Church from 1963 to 1978 and played a key role during a period of significant social and political change.

Malcolm X

One of the greatest activists in the civil rights movement who was assassinated in 1965 while performing a lecture in New York.

JFK –  blown away

This refers to the assassination of the 35th president, John F. Kennedy, while he was parading in Dallas.

Birth Control 

Griswold v. The State of Connecticut enabled the US Supreme Court to allow married couples to use birth control.

Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh was the president of North Vietnam from 1945 to 1969, who fought for independence from France and later became the president of North Vietnam.

Richard Nixon back again

Richard Nixon was elected the 37th president of the United States after serving as Eisenhower’s VP.

Moonshot

In 1969, America’s astronauts were the first to land on the moon.

Woodstock

Woodstock refers to the iconic 1969 music festival that symbolized the counterculture movement and featured performances by legendary artists.

Watergate

Watergate was a political scandal in the 1970s involving a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and later cover-up, leading to President Nixon’s resignation.

Punk Rock

Punk Rock was a musical movement spurred by artists like Lou Reed and Iggy Pop.

Begin

Menachem Begin was an Israeli politician and the sixth Prime Minister of Israel, known for signing the Camp David Accords in 1978, establishing a framework for a historic peace treaty concluded between Israel and Egypt in March 1979.

Reagan

Ronald Reagan was the 40th president of the United States and was praised for his anti-communist ideas and charm.

Palestine

In the 1970s, Arab-Israeli tensions over land grew, with President Jimmy Carter advocating for a Palestinian homeland and their involvement in peace talks. At the same time, Israel rejected the participation of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

Terror on the Airline

Between 1968 and 1970, nearly 200 airplane hijackings occurred in Europe and the Middle East.

Ayatollahs in Iran

The Shi’a Cleric Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini started a revolution that overthrew one of Iran’s leaders, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi.

Russians in Afghanistan

Soviet troops invaded Afghanistan in 1979 to spread communist propaganda.

“Wheel of Fortune”

It is an American game show that started in 1975 and has thrived since its first airing.

Sally Ride

The first American woman in space.

Heavy metal suicide

Heavy metal was heavily criticized after many fans of the genre committed suicide due to the self-harm-encouraging lyrics in the songs. Artists like Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest were crucial keys to the tragedy.

Foreign debts

In the 1980s, the United States increased its foreign debts, resulting in inflation.

Homeless Vets

After the Vietnam War, many veterans became homeless due to a lack of stable health care provided by the United States.

Aids

In 1981, the CDC reported a rare lung infection in gay men, later identified as AIDS, which was initially mischaracterized, and President Reagan remained silent on the epidemic until 1985, after thousands had died.

Crack

In the 80s, the United States experienced a crack cocaine epidemic which spawned a long-time anti-drug movement. Organizations like D.A.R.E helped promote the idea that drugs kill.

Bernie Goetz

A man who gained national attention after he shot four black men in a subway who he claimed planned to rob him, but there was no evidence of this.

Hypodermics on the shore

In July 1988, improper disposal of medical waste by workers at a Staten Island landfill caused over 70 syringes and vials of blood to wash up on a beach.

China’s under martial law

After many student-led protests demanding democratic reforms, China declared martial law in Beijing. During martial law, protests continued and would spawn one of the most moving pictures of all time, Tank Man.

Rock and Roller Cola wars

Popular soda companies Coke and Pepsi rivaled each other to be the leading soda distributors. Both companies hired famous musicians to promote their products: Coke hired Paula Abdul, and Pepsi hired the icon Michael Jackson.

This column was co-authored by Saint Paul’s juniors Lane Hamaker and Luca Rodas.