"The Day The Earth Caught Fire" by Jorn is a song that depicts a chaotic and apocalyptic scenario. The lyrics describe a time when the Earth experiences a catastrophic event, symbolized by the Earth catching fire. People gather outside and witness the destruction and chaos unfolding before their eyes. In the city square, umbrellas are thrown into the sky, possibly as a futile attempt to shield themselves from the scorching heat of the sun. The sun is portrayed as burning a greedy red, representing its intense and destructive power. The horns begin to blow and Three Cheers for jericho is chanted, possibly as a rallying cry to unite and face the impending disaster. The protagonist of the song, the first evacuee, is headed for the sea, seeking refuge and safety. Along the way, they encounter roadside refugees, likely injured and desperate individuals. These refugees, despite their own plight, wave to the protagonist. The abandoned cars are described as being too tired to drive away, highlighting the feeling of helplessness and despair. Newspaper headlines proclaim a "World in Flames" as the chaos and destruction continue to spread. The streetcar prophet, possibly a visionary or a person who had foreseen the disaster, reminds people that they disregarded the existence of God and warned them of the consequences. Sinners and the saved alike fall to their knees, praying for salvation. However, in a dark twist, believers stone a witch to her death, possibly out of fear or desperation. The leaders and the led advocate for violence, suggesting that the "bloody Reds" should be eradicated, possibly pointing to a political or ideological conflict amidst the chaos. Overall, "The Day The Earth Caught Fire" portrays a world in disarray, where fear, desperation, and violence reign. It serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the consequences of humanity's disregard for the environment, political divisions, and a failure to find unity and compassion in times of crises.
