What are instruments in we didn't start the fire?

Answer 1

In "We Didn't Start the Fire," Billy Joel references various historical events, cultural milestones, and notable figures through a rapid-fire list. The "instruments" in the song can be interpreted as the historical events and personalities themselves, which serve as the driving forces or catalysts for change and impact throughout the decades. The song's structure mimics a timeline of significant occurrences from the mid-20th century, emphasizing how these events shape society. Essentially, the "instruments" are the elements of history that continue to resonate in contemporary life.