The World Ending and Your Last Song: A Farewell Playlist

Imagine this scenario: The world is about to end, and you are allowed to play one song which the entire world will hear before the inevitable end. When the song ends, so will the world. What song do you choose? This question has sparked numerous discussions and inspired a variety of creative responses. Lets explore these reactions and delve into why some individuals have made specific song choices.

1. An Emotional Farewell with Alan Parsons Project

A nostalgic choice comes from a fan of the 80s, who suggests “Old and Wise” by the Alan Parsons Project. With its big emotional ballad, this song is deeply emotional and resonates with the human condition. Here are the lyrics for this poignant track:

Old and wise, no longer a child

Foolish things and careless words

May come back to haunt at times

And provoking feelings of a pain

That penetrate my lining

Hello, humanity

And look at me

What have I to say to you as a friend?

2. "Eve of Destruction" – A Warning to Our Future

Another suggestion is an update to "Eve of Destruction," a song known for its warning of social and political upheaval. Another option is "The Day the Music Died" by John Mellencamp. Both of these songs carry messages of urgency and reflection, making them powerful choices for a final song:

Oh, how I love and hate you / I hold you in my head / I dream of a land where the oceans are dry / No more / The days that you misled / No, no life for nobody...

3. “Cherry Bomb” – A Last Dance

For a more upbeat and celebratory farewell, John Mellencamp’s "Cherry Bomb" stands out. This song would be a great choice to set a scene of final moments filled with love, joy, and celebration:

There once was a bomb called Cherry Bomb / It gave a little cracked baby, a big bright red face / The love of this world was kind to me / And I#39;ll tell you now in the calmest voice I can use / I love you, I love you, I love you, now it grows / And I love you, I love you, I love you, and now dies / Taking my mind, my heart, and all my faith / Cherry Bomb, just for you and me / And I#39;ll tell you now in the calmest voice I can use / I love you,??...

The lyrics encourage a deep sense of belonging and love, making it a heartwarming choice for final moments.

4. A Cold War Anthem

In the context of global tensions, the Soviet anthem might serve as a poignant reminder of human resilience and hope:

On to battle and on to victory,
By our labour, we shall attain our goal!
Let the whole world ring to our battle's call:
Long live the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

This anthem represents the strength and hope of the people, symbolizing the idea that someday a better future may come, or that a visiting species might understand humanity’s journey through this song.

5. A Humorous Take on the End of the World

For a more humorous or light-hearted approach, Leroy Pullins' "I Am A Nut" would be a humorous and fitting choice. The novelty of the song, combined with its upbeat tempo, could provide a humorous farewell note in a somber situation:

I am a nut, a funny nut,

Or did you hear my secret?

I am a nut, a funny nut,

One day I'II leave and you'll forget.

6. A Cheerful Message of Love and Unity

Lastly, "Love Train" by The O'Jays would be an uplifting choice. Its positive message and energetic melody make it a perfect song to end on a high note, with everyone singing and dancing along:

Love train, bring it round / Wherever it's needed / You're going to get it, get it / Just so you know and make you feel good / Oh, I want you, and you want me / Now, they told me to slow down / But I'm playing the love train now

Another option that conveys a similar message is "Love is the Answer" by England Dan and John Ford Coley, both songs celebrating love and forgiveness in a world that desperately needs unity.

Choosing the right song for a world-ending scenario is a deeply personal decision. Each of the songs mentioned above reflects different emotions and messages, making them suitable for a wide range of situations. Whether you opt for a somber and reflective ballad, a dramatic warning, or a cheerful message of love, the choice should ultimately align with your own feelings and beliefs.