Coronavirus pandemic: ‘It's the end of the world’ - REM’s apocalyptic song tops charts again

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As the deadly novel coronavirus has been claiming lives by the hundreds almost every day across the globe, ‘Doomsday playlists’ are gaining popularity. People have been sharing their song playlists on Spotify that resonate with the current crisis the world is in – lockdowns, deaths, paranoia, et all.

One such apocalyptic song that has regained popularity is REM’s ‘It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)’. The song that was released in 1987 by the American alternative rock band is topping charts on iTunes at number 41 as of March 16. It is enjoying limelight amid more recent modern tracks by the likes of Billie Eilish and Sam Smith.

The song first appeared in REM’s 1987 album, and its lyrics mention a host of personas including Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and comedian Lenny Bruce. The opening lines of the song talks about an earthquake and goes on to refer to a hurricane, fear of fire, and a combat site among others.

When it was released 33 years ago, it hit the 69th spot on the US Billboard Hot 100. ‘It’s the end of the world…’ has remained a favourite doomsday song since then, surfacing every now and then when talks of an apocalypse resurfaces.

Meanwhile, people have been sharing ‘coronavirus’ playlists on Spotify too, with actor Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson joining the bandwagon recently as both have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are being treated for the same.

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Wilson shared a playlist for all those in isolation or self-quarantine to contain the spread of the deadly pathogen that originated in China. It features songs such as Eric Carmen’s ‘All By Myself’, The Beatles’ ‘I’m So Tired’, and Destiny Child’s ‘Survivor’.

The novel coronavirus has killed more than 7,000 people globally, including three in India.