We Didn't Start The Fire

by Billy Joel
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Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Lyrics

(G5)Har ry Tru man, Dor is Day, (Dsus)Red Chi na, John nie Ray, (Em7)South Pa cif ic, Wal ter Win chell, (Csus2)Joe Di Mag gi o.

(G5)Joe Mc Car thy, Rich ard Nix on, (Dsus)Stu de bak er, tel e vi sion, (Em7)North Ko re a, South Ko re a, (Csus2)Mar i lyn Mon roe.

(G5)Ro sen bergs, ly, H Bomb, (Dsus)Sug ar Ray, key, Pan mun jom, (Em7)Bran la do, The King and I, (Csus2)and The Catch er in the Rye.

(G5)Ei sen how er, vac man cine, (Dsus)Eng land’s got a new ne dy.

(Em7)Mar ci an o, Li ber a ce, (Csus2)San ta yan a good bye.

(Dsus)We did n’t start the fi re.

It was (Em7)al ways burn ing since the (C)world’s been turn ing.

(Dsus)We did n’t start the fi re.

No, we (G)did n’t light it, but we (Csus2)tried to fight it.

(G5)Jo seph Sta lin, Ma len kov, (Dsus)Nas ser and Pro ko fi ev, (Em7)Rock e fel ler, Cam pa nel la, (Csus2)Com mu nist in Bloc.

sion.

(G5)Roy rence of A Juan Pe rón, (Dsus)Tos ca ni ni, ma ni cron.

(Em7)Dien Bien Phu Falls, (Csus2)“Rock A round the Clock.” ter son.

(G5)Ein stein, James colm Dean, (Dsus)Brook lyn’s got a win ning team, (Em7)Dav y K.

ett, blown a way.

El vis Pres ley, Dis ney land.

(G5)Bar dot, Bu da pest, (D)Al a bam a, Khru shchev, (E5)Prin cess Grace, Pey ton Place, (C)trou ble in the Su ez.

(Dsus)We did n’t start the fi re.

It was (Em7)al ways burn ing since the (C)world’s been turn ing.

(Dsus)We did n’t start the fi re.

No, we (G)did n’t light it, but we (Am7)tried to fight it.

(C)Lit tle Rock, Pas ter nak, (Am)Mick ey Man tle, Ker ou ac, (Em)Sput nik, Chou En Lai, (D)Bridge on the Riv er Kwai, (C)Leb a non, Charles de Gaulle, (Am)Cal i for nia base ball, (Em)Stark weath er, ho mi cide, (D5)chil dren of tha lid o mide.

Oh, (C5)What else do I have to say?

(Dsus)We did n’t start the fi re.

It was (Em7)al ways burn ing since the (C)world’s been turn ing.

(Dsus)We did n’t start the fi re.

No, we (G)did n’t light it, but we (C)tried to fight it.

(G5)Birth con trol, Ho Chi Minh, (Dsus)Rich ard Nix on back a gain.

(Em7)Moon shot, Wood stock, (C5)Wa ter gate, Punk Rock.

(G5)Be gin, Rea gan, Pal es tine, (Dsus)ter ror on the air line.

(Em7)Ay a tol lah’s in I ran, (C5)Rus sians in Af ghan i stan.

(G5)Wheel of For tune, Sal ly Ride, (Dsus)heav y met al, su i cide, (Em7)for eign debts, home less vets, (C)AIDS, crack, Ber nie Goetz.

(G5)Hy po der mics on the shores, (Dsus)Chi na’s un der mar tial law.

(Em)Rock and (CN.C.)roll er co la wars, I can’t take it an y more.

(Dsus)We did n’t start the fi re.

It was (Em7)al ways burn ing since the (C)world’s been turn ing.

(Dsus)We did n’t start the fi re.

But when (G)we are gone will it (C)still burn on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on?

(Dsus)We did n’t start the fi re.

It was (G)al ways burn ing since the (C)world’s been turn ing.

(Dsus)We did n’t start the fi re.

No, we (Em7)did n’t light it, but we (C)tried to fight it.

(Dsus)We did n’t start the fi re.

It was (G)al ways burn ing since the (C)world’s been turn ing.

(Dsus)We did n’t start the fi re.

No, we (Em7)did n’t light it, but we (C)tried to fight it.

We Didn't Start The Fire — Simple Sheet Music

25 people have learned this song

"We Didn't Start The Fire" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. Key of G, 144 BPM.

Tip: Use the speed control to practice at 70% tempo first. Focus on tricky chord transitions before attempting the full arrangement.

About “We Didn't Start The Fire”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "We Didn't Start The Fire"?
Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
What key is "We Didn't Start The Fire" by Billy Joel played in?
We Didn't Start The Fire is arranged in the key of G on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "We Didn't Start The Fire"?
The arrangement plays at 144 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "We Didn't Start The Fire" easy to play on piano?
This is a medium-difficulty arrangement. Most players can learn it within a few practice sessions using the speed control.
Can I download sheet music for "We Didn't Start The Fire"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "We Didn't Start The Fire"?
"We Didn't Start The Fire" was originally performed by Billy Joel. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "We Didn't Start The Fire"?
This arrangement uses 13 chords: Am, Am7, C, Cpow, Csus2, D, Dpow, Dsus4, +5 more.
What other songs by Billy Joel can I play here?
Try "SCENES FROM AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT", "EVERYBODY HAS A DREAM", "CAPTAIN JACK". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "We Didn't Start The Fire". Key of G, 144 BPM.
What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.