20 Songs About The End Of The World

Welcome to “Songs About The End Of The World,” a curated collection of tracks that explore the myriad ways artists have envisioned the apocalypse. From the existential reflections of David Bowie to the urgent anthems of The Clash, this playlist delves into the emotional, societal, and fantastical aspects of what it means to face the end times.

So, sit back, press play, and let these songs take you on a journey through the end of days.

1. “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” By R.E.M.

Released in 1987 as part of R.E.M.’s album Document, “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” is a rapid-fire, stream-of-consciousness song that juxtaposes chaotic imagery with a surprisingly upbeat tone. The lyrics reference a wide array of cultural and political figures, including Leonard Bernstein, Leonid Brezhnev, Lenny Bruce, and Lester Bangs, which were inspired by a dream of lead singer Michael Stipe.

The song’s structure and delivery are reminiscent of Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” featuring a fast-paced vocal delivery over a driving rock beat. Despite its seemingly apocalyptic theme, the song conveys a sense of acceptance and even nonchalance about the end times, as reflected in the chorus, “It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine”.

2. “The End” By The Doors

“The End,” released in 1967 on The Doors’ self-titled debut album, is a lengthy, psychedelic track that explores themes of existentialism, death, and rebirth. Jim Morrison’s haunting lyrics and the band’s atmospheric instrumentation create a dark, introspective journey that has been interpreted in various ways, including as a metaphor for the end of a relationship, the end of innocence, or even the end of civilization.

One of the most controversial and discussed parts of the song is the spoken word section, where Morrison references the Oedipus complex, suggesting a desire to kill his father and be with his mother. This part of the song has been interpreted as Morrison’s way of confronting societal norms and personal demons6. The song gained further notoriety after being featured in the film Apocalypse Now, which cemented its association with the horrors of war and societal collapse.

3. “Bad Moon Rising” By Creedence Clearwater Revival

“Bad Moon Rising,” released in 1969 on Creedence Clearwater Revival’s album Green River, is a rockabilly-tinged song that ominously predicts disaster and chaos. Despite its upbeat melody, the lyrics warn of impending doom, with references to hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. The chorus, “Don’t go around tonight / Well, it’s bound to take your life / There’s a bad moon on the rise,” encapsulates the sense of foreboding that permeates the song.

The song’s juxtaposition of a cheerful tune with dark, prophetic lyrics has made it a staple in discussions about apocalyptic themes in music. Its catchy, sing-along quality belies the serious warnings embedded in the lyrics, making it a unique and memorable entry in the genre of end-of-the-world songs.

4. “Goodbye Blue Sky” By Pink Floyd

“Goodbye Blue Sky,” from Pink Floyd’s 1979 rock opera The Wall, is a haunting reflection on the impact of war and the loss of innocence. The song features delicate acoustic guitar work and melancholic vocals, painting a picture of a world marred by conflict and destruction. The lyrics, “Did-did-did you see the frightened ones? / Did-did-did you hear the falling bombs?” evoke the terror and devastation of wartime, contrasting sharply with the serene imagery of a blue sky.

The song is part of the larger narrative of The Wall, which explores themes of isolation, trauma, and the psychological impact of war. “Goodbye Blue Sky” serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of peace and the ever-present threat of violence and chaos. Its somber tone and reflective lyrics make it a powerful statement on the end of innocence and the scars left by conflict.

5. “Planet Earth” By Duran Duran

“Planet Earth” is the debut single by the English new wave band Duran Duran, released on February 2, 1981. The song was an immediate hit, reaching number 12 on the UK Singles Chart and number 8 in Australia. It is characterized by its post-disco sound, featuring a mid-tempo synthesizer sweep, a throbbing bassline, and crisp drums. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of existential reflection and the search for meaning in a changing world, encapsulated in the line, “This is planet Earth, you’re looking at planet Earth.”

The song is notable for its acknowledgment of the New Romantic fashion movement with the lyric, “Like some New Romantic looking for the TV sound.” The track’s success helped establish Duran Duran as a significant force in the early 1980s music scene and remains a staple in their live performances.

6. “Five Years” By David Bowie

“Five Years” is the opening track of David Bowie’s 1972 album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. The song sets the stage for the album’s narrative, describing a world that has learned it has only five years left before its destruction. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and despair as people grapple with the impending end. Bowie paints vivid images of societal collapse and personal reflection, such as in the line, “Pushing through the market square, so many mothers sighing.”

The song builds to a dramatic climax, with Bowie repeatedly singing, “We’ve got five years,” capturing the hysteria and emotional turmoil of the situation. “Five Years” is a poignant exploration of human vulnerability and the fragility of existence, making it a powerful entry in the theme of apocalyptic music.

7. “The Final Countdown” By Europe

Released in 1986, “The Final Countdown” by Swedish rock band Europe is a song that combines apocalyptic imagery with a sense of adventure and optimism. Written by lead singer Joey Tempest, the song features a memorable keyboard riff and lyrics that describe leaving Earth behind to journey into space, specifically heading for Venus. The song’s chorus, “It’s the final countdown,” has become iconic, symbolizing both an end and a new beginning.

The track achieved massive commercial success, reaching number one in 25 countries and becoming Europe’s most recognizable song. It is often used in sporting events and other high-energy settings to evoke excitement and anticipation. Despite its somewhat bleak theme, the song’s upbeat tempo and anthemic quality give it a sense of hope and resilience.

8. “Eve Of Destruction” By Barry McGuire

“Eve of Destruction” is a protest song written by P.F. Sloan and most famously recorded by Barry McGuire in 1965. The song addresses a range of social and political issues of the time, including the Vietnam War, the threat of nuclear annihilation, and the Civil Rights Movement. The lyrics are a stark commentary on the state of the world, with lines like, “You’re old enough to kill, but not for votin'” and “The eastern world, it is explodin’.”

McGuire’s raw vocal delivery and the song’s urgent message made it a controversial hit, banned by some radio stations but reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. “Eve of Destruction” remains a powerful anthem of social unrest and a reminder of the turbulent 1960s, capturing the sense of impending doom and the call for change.

9. “2012 (It Ain’t The End)” By Jay Sean Ft. Nicki Minaj

Released on August 3, 2010, “2012 (It Ain’t the End)” by Jay Sean featuring Nicki Minaj is a dance-pop track inspired by the 2012 phenomenon, which predicted the end of the world based on the Mayan calendar. The song, produced by J-Remy and Bobby Bass, was intended to encourage listeners to live life to the fullest despite fears of impending doom. Jay Sean explained that the song’s message is about letting go of daily stress and celebrating life, encapsulated in the lyrics, “Party like, like it’s the end of the world / We gonna party like, like it’s 2012.”

The music video, directed by Erik White, features scenes of global parties in cities like London, Tokyo, and New York, emphasizing a worldwide celebration. The song achieved commercial success, peaking at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 9 on the UK Singles Chart.

10. “Ænema” By Tool

“Ænema,” released in 1997 as the third single from Tool’s album Ænima, is a dark, progressive metal track that critiques modern society and envisions a catastrophic cleansing. Written by Maynard James Keenan, the song expresses disdain for the superficiality and corruption of contemporary culture, particularly in Los Angeles. The lyrics, “Some say the end is near / Some say we’ll see Armageddon soon,” reflect a desire for a purifying apocalypse that will wash away societal flaws.

The song’s title is a portmanteau of “anima” (soul) and “enema” (a cleansing procedure), symbolizing a spiritual and societal purge. The accompanying music video, directed by Adam Jones, features surreal stop-motion animation that complements the song’s unsettling themes. “Ænema” won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 1998 and remains a powerful commentary on the need for profound change.

11. “Until The End Of The World” By U2

“Until the End of the World,” from U2’s 1991 album Achtung Baby, is a rock song that explores themes of betrayal and redemption through a fictional conversation between Jesus Christ and Judas Iscariot. The song’s lyrics recount key moments from the Last Supper, Judas’ betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane, and his subsequent suicide. Bono’s poignant lyrics, “We ate the food, we drank the wine / Everybody having a good time / Except you, you were talking about the end of the world,” convey a sense of regret and inevitability.

The song was inspired by a brief falling out between Bono and The Edge and was later included in Wim Wenders’ film of the same name. “Until the End of the World” has been a staple in U2’s live performances, praised for its emotional depth and powerful instrumentation.

12. “The Man Comes Around” By Johnny Cash

“The Man Comes Around,” the title track from Johnny Cash’s 2002 album American IV: The Man Comes Around, is a haunting song that draws heavily from the Book of Revelation. Written by Cash, the song describes the Second Coming of Christ and the ensuing judgment day. The lyrics are filled with biblical references, including the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and the Parable of the Ten Virgins. The chorus, “And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts / And I looked and behold, a pale horse / And his name that sat on him was Death,” underscores the song’s apocalyptic theme.

The sparse arrangement, featuring guitars, piano, and organ, enhances the song’s somber and reflective tone. “The Man Comes Around” is one of the last songs Cash wrote before his death and has been widely praised for its profound and evocative portrayal of the end times. It has been featured in various films and TV shows, further cementing its legacy as a powerful depiction of the apocalypse.

13. “If The World Was Ending” By JP Saxe and Julia Michaels

Released on October 17, 2019, “If The World Was Ending” by JP Saxe featuring Julia Michaels is a poignant piano ballad that explores the hypothetical scenario of reconnecting with a past lover if the world were ending. The song was written and recorded in a single day by Saxe and Michaels, who had admired each other’s work before collaborating. Produced by Finneas, the track features minimalistic instrumentation, primarily piano and gospel vocals, which accentuate the emotional weight of the lyrics.

The song’s narrative revolves around the idea that, in the face of an impending apocalypse, all barriers and unresolved issues in a past relationship would become irrelevant, leading the protagonists to reunite. The chorus, “But if the world was ending, you’d come over, right?” captures the longing and unresolved feelings between the two. The song resonated deeply with audiences, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it highlighted themes of love, connection, and the desire to be with loved ones during uncertain times.

14. “In The Year 2525” By Zager and Evans

“In The Year 2525,” released in 1969 by Zager and Evans, is a science fiction-themed song that projects a dystopian vision of the future. Written by Rick Evans, the song chronicles the potential consequences of technological and societal advancements over millennia. Each verse jumps forward in time by 1,010 years, from 2525 to 9595, depicting a progressively bleak world where humanity becomes increasingly dependent on technology and loses its essence.

The song’s haunting melody and foreboding lyrics, such as “In the year 3535, ain’t gonna need to tell the truth, tell no lies,” reflect concerns about the dehumanizing effects of technological progress. Despite its dark theme, “In The Year 2525” became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for six weeks. Its success and enduring relevance highlight the timeless nature of its cautionary message about the future of humanity.

15. “Doomsday Clock” By The Smashing Pumpkins

“Doomsday Clock,” the opening track of The Smashing Pumpkins’ 2007 album Zeitgeist, is a hard-hitting rock song that addresses themes of political and social turmoil. Written by Billy Corgan, the song’s title references the symbolic Doomsday Clock, which represents the likelihood of a global catastrophe. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and impending disaster, with lines like “Is everyone afraid? Is everyone ashamed?”

Musically, “Doomsday Clock” features heavy guitar riffs, driving drums, and Corgan’s distinctive vocals, creating an intense and aggressive soundscape. The song reflects the band’s concerns about the state of the world, including issues like war, environmental destruction, and societal decay. Its powerful message and energetic delivery make it a compelling addition to any playlist focused on apocalyptic themes.

16. “Black Hole Sun” By Soundgarden

Released in 1994, “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden is one of the band’s most iconic songs, known for its haunting melody and surreal lyrics. Written by lead vocalist Chris Cornell, the song’s lyrics are often interpreted as a commentary on the superficiality and darkness lurking beneath the surface of society. The chorus, “Black hole sun, won’t you come and wash away the rain,” suggests a desire for a cleansing force to remove the corruption and despair.

The song’s music video, directed by Howard Greenhalgh, features bizarre and unsettling imagery that complements the song’s themes, including distorted faces and apocalyptic landscapes. “Black Hole Sun” became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and earning a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance. Its enduring popularity and evocative imagery make it a quintessential song about the end of the world.

17. “The End Of The World” By Skeeter Davis

Released in 1962, “The End of the World” by Skeeter Davis is a poignant country-pop ballad that captures the emotional devastation of a broken heart. Written by Arthur Kent and Sylvia Dee, the song’s lyrics express the feeling of personal apocalypse following the end of a romantic relationship. Lines like “Why does the sun go on shining? / Why does the sea rush to shore?” convey a sense of disbelief and sorrow, as if the world should have stopped in the wake of such profound loss.

The song’s gentle melody and Davis’s heartfelt vocal performance struck a chord with listeners, leading it to become a major hit. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped both the country and adult contemporary charts. Despite its focus on personal rather than global catastrophe, “The End of the World” resonates deeply with its exploration of emotional turmoil and the sense of an ending.

18. “The Four Horsemen” By Metallica

“The Four Horsemen,” from Metallica’s 1983 debut album Kill ‘Em All, is a thrash metal track that draws inspiration from the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse described in the Book of Revelation. Written by James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Dave Mustaine, the song features aggressive guitar riffs, rapid drumming, and powerful vocals, creating an intense musical experience.

The lyrics depict the arrival of the Four Horsemen—Conquest, War, Famine, and Death—heralding the end of the world. Lines like “Time has taken its toll on you / The lines that crack your face” and “The Horsemen are drawing nearer” evoke a sense of impending doom and relentless destruction. “The Four Horsemen” is a cornerstone of Metallica’s early work, showcasing their raw energy and thematic boldness, making it a fitting addition to any apocalyptic playlist.

19. “1999” By Prince

Released in 1982, “1999” by Prince is an upbeat, synth-driven anthem that combines celebration with a sense of impending doom. The song envisions a party thrown in the face of an approaching apocalypse, with the year 1999 symbolizing the end of an era. The lyrics, “But when I woke up this mornin’ / Could’ve sworn it was judgment day,” reflect a mix of hedonism and existential anxiety.

The chorus, “Tonight we’re gonna party like it’s 1999,” encapsulates the song’s central theme of living life to the fullest despite the looming threat of the end. “1999” became one of Prince’s most iconic songs, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a defining track of the 1980s. Its infectious energy and dual themes of celebration and apocalypse make it a unique and essential entry in the genre of end-of-the-world songs.

20. “London Calling” By The Clash

“London Calling,” the title track from The Clash’s 1979 album, is a punk rock anthem that addresses a range of apocalyptic themes, including social unrest, environmental disaster, and nuclear war. Written by Joe Strummer and Mick Jones, the song’s urgent lyrics and driving rhythm convey a sense of alarm and defiance. The opening lines, “London calling to the faraway towns / Now war is declared, and battle come down,” set the tone for a song that critiques the state of the world and warns of impending catastrophe.

The song’s title references the BBC World Service’s radio station identification during World War II, adding a historical dimension to its message. “London Calling” became one of The Clash’s most famous songs, reaching number 11 on the UK Singles Chart and earning critical acclaim for its powerful lyrics and dynamic sound. Its exploration of various end-of-the-world scenarios and its enduring impact make it a vital addition to any playlist centered on apocalyptic themes.

Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.