Context

This line is from the song "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" by R.E.M. from the album Document (1987).

"That's great, it starts with an earthquake." At least, that's how the apocalypse begins in this R.E.M. song, which has a ton of lyrics that fly by at about 60 wps (that's words per second). They have to sing it fast because, hey, the world's ending. You don't wanna go out in the middle of the second verse or something.

Despite the imminent collapse of the world, R.E.M. and lead singer Michael Stipe are pretty chill about it. It's the end of the world as they know, and they feel fine.

Where you've heard it

You've heard this at karaoke night, or during the end of the world. What if the world ends on karaoke night? It would be a heck of a way to go.

Additional Notable References:

• It's fittingly featured on the soundtrack to Independence Day. But thanks to Will Smith's and Jeff Goldblum's alien-defeating abilities and Randy Quaid's heroic sacrifice, the end of the world didn't actually happen.
• Dashboard Confessional front man Chris Carraba put it on his Covered in the Flood cover album with a bunch of other songs from bands and solo artists you've probably never heard of.
• IGN put it on their list of seven songs for your end of the world playlist. Will we still have iPods then, or will technology revert back to Walkmans and tape players?

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Unless it's actually the apocalypse and you're A-OK with it, you should keep your mouth shut on this one.