"We Didn't Start the Fire" is a classic tune by Billy Joel, known for listing historical events in a catchy, rapid-fire manner. This meme takes that idea and visually represents it through a scene from a fictional or dramatized train ride. Passengers are engrossed in their phones, seemingly indifferent to the chaos unfolding outside. This scenario is set to the backdrop of Joel's iconic song, adding a layer of irony and humor as it points out how people often remain unfazed by external turmoil when distracted by technology. The juxtaposition of calm passengers against a fiery chaos outside makes for a poignant visual metaphor, reflecting on contemporary society's way of coping with overwhelming situations.