The song was based on an old keyboard riff that vocalist Joey Tempest had composed as early as 1981–82. In 1985, bassist John Levén suggested that Tempest should write a song based on that riff. The lyrics were inspired by David Bowie's song "Space Oddity".
It continues to enjoy notable popularity in many sports arenas and stadiums; public address booths have often played the opening keyboard riff to rally the home crowd. It has also become a staple of high school and college pep bands for this same purpose.
The song has been covered by various artists, both local and famous; including Dannii Minogue, Gigatron, Geoff Downes, Laibach, Norther, Dispatched, the Toy Dolls, Immolation, Furillo, Vision Divine, The Delegates, and the Latvian cello band Melo-M. Contrary to popular belief, the melodic death metal band Children of Bodom has never done a cover version of the song -- the wrongly credited versions are usually those by Norther and Dispatched.
The Final Countdown
Europe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Eight, seven, six, five)
(Four, three, two, one)
We're leavin' together
But still it's farewell
And maybe we'll come back
To Earth, who can tell?
We're leaving ground (leaving ground)
Will things ever be the same again?
It's the final countdown
The final countdown
Oh
We're headin' for Venus (Venus)
And still we stand tall
'Cause maybe they've seen us
And welcome us all, yeah
With so many light years to go
And things to be found (to be found)
I'm sure that we all miss her so
It's the final countdown
The final countdown
The final countdown (final countdown)
(Oh)
Oh
The final countdown, oh
It's the final countdown
The final countdown
The final countdown (final countdown)
(Oh)
It's the final countdown
We're leavin' together
(The final countdown)
We'll all miss her so
It's the final countdown (final countdown)
(Oh)
It's the final countdown
Yeah
The song "The Final Countdown" by Europe is one of the most recognizable and iconic rock songs of the 80s. It was released in 1986 as a single and later became the title track of the band's third album. The song begins with a countdown, and then the lyrics describe a group leaving Earth to explore Venus.
The lyrics also express a sense of uncertainty about whether they will ever return and if things will be the same when they do. There is a sense of nostalgia and longing for what they are leaving behind, yet a sense of excitement for what lies ahead. The song's chorus, "It's the final countdown," is a fitting representation of the tension and excitement in the lyrics.
The song's anthemic melody, powerful guitar riffs, and soaring vocals are what make it so memorable. It became a massive hit in many countries, topping the charts in over 25 countries. Its iconic synth riff was used in numerous movies, TV shows, and advertisements. The song is still played today in sports events, rallies, and concerts.
Line by Line Meaning
Ten, nine
The beginning of the countdown to an imminent event.
Eight, seven, six, five
A continuation of the countdown, with increasing urgency.
Four, three, two, one
The final moments before the event occurs.
We're leavin' together
We are departing as a group, united in our shared experience.
But still it's farewell
Despite our togetherness, we are saying goodbye to something important to us.
And maybe we'll come back
There is a possibility that we will return at some point in the future.
To Earth, who can tell?
The timing and conditions of our return are uncertain and unknown.
I guess there is no one to blame
This departure is not a result of anyone's wrongdoing, and we cannot assign blame for our situation.
We're leaving ground (leaving ground)
We are physically departing from the Earth, taking off into the sky as we transition to a new environment.
Will things ever be the same again?
The singer questions whether life will ever return to the way it was before this moment.
It's the final countdown
The event we have been counting down to is about to happen.
Oh
An interjection expressing strong emotion or emphasis.
We're headin' for Venus (Venus)
The group is embarking on a journey to Venus, one of Earth's neighboring planets.
And still we stand tall
Despite the challenge ahead, the group remains confident and steadfast.
'Cause maybe they've seen us
The group speculates that other beings may have already noticed their approach.
And welcome us all, yeah
The group hopes that they will be received warmly and hospitably upon their arrival.
With so many light years to go
The journey to Venus is a long and difficult one, spanning many years of time.
And things to be found (to be found)
During the journey, the group is eager to make discoveries and see new things.
I'm sure that we all miss her so
The group fondly remembers Earth and the life they left behind.
It's the final countdown (final countdown)
Repeating the title phrase, emphasizing the gravity of the moment.
(Oh)
An interjection expressing strong emotion or emphasis.
We'll all miss her so
The group collectively feels a sense of loss and longing for what they have left behind.
Yeah
An interjection expressing agreement or confirmation.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Joey Tempest
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@danifernanda777
We're leavin' together
But still it's farewell
And maybe we'll come back
To Earth, who can tell?
I guess there is no one to blame
We're leaving ground (leaving ground)
Will things ever be the same again?
It's the final countdown
The final countdown
Oh
We're headin' for Venus (Venus)
And still we stand tall
'Cause maybe they've seen us
And welcome us all, yeah
With so many light years to go
And things to be found (to be found)
I'm sure that we all miss her so
It's the final countdown
The final countdown
The final countdown (final countdown)
(Oh)
Oh
The final countdown, oh
It's the final countdown
The final countdown
The final countdown (final countdown)
(Oh)
It's the final countdown
We're leavin' together
(The final countdown)
We'll all miss her so
It's the final countdown (final countdown)
(Oh)
It's the final countdown
Yeah
@LaMaDaltonFrancaise
We're leaving together,
But still it's farewell
And maybe we'll come back
To earth, who can tell?
I guess there is no one to blame
We're leaving ground (leaving ground)
Will things ever be the same again?
It's the final countdown
The final countdown
Oh
We're heading for Venus (Venus)
And still we stand tall
'Cause maybe they've seen us (seen us)
And welcome us all, yeah
With so many light years to go
And things to be found (to be found)
I'm sure that we'll all miss her so
It's the final countdown
The final countdown
The final countdown
The final countdown
Oh
The final countdown, oh
It's the final count down
The final countdown
The final countdown
The final countdown
Oh
It's the final count down
We're leaving together
The final count down
We'll all miss her so
It's the final countdown
It's the final countdown
Oh
It's the final countdown, yeah
@antoniodejesuslopezgonzale5247
We're leaving together
But still it's farewell
And maybe we'll come back
To Earth, who can tell?
I guess there is no one to blame
We're leaving ground (leaving ground)
Will things ever be the same again?
It's the final countdown
The final countdown
We're heading for Venus
And still we stand tall
'Cause maybe they've seen us
And welcome us all, yeah
With so many light years to go
And things to be found (to be found)
I'm sure that we'll all miss her so
It's the final countdown
The final countdown
The final countdown
(The final countdown, ooh)
The final countdown, ooh
It's the final countdown
The final countdown
The final countdown
(The final countdown, ooh)
It's the final countdown
We're leaving together
(The final countdown)
We'll all miss her so
It's the final countdown
(The final countdown, ooh)
It's the final countdown
@felipeferreira4638
Lyrics:
We're leavin' together
But still it's farewell
And maybe we'll come back
To Earth, who can tell?
I guess there is no one to blame
We're leaving ground (leaving ground)
Will things ever be the same again?
It's the final countdown
The final countdown
Oh
We're headin' for Venus (Venus)
And still we stand tall
'Cause maybe they've seen us
And welcome us all, yeah
With so many light years to go
And things to be found (to be found)
I'm sure that we all miss her so
It's the final countdown
The final countdown
The final countdown (final countdown)
(Oh)
Oh
The final countdown, oh
It's the final countdown
The final countdown
The final countdown (final countdown).
@thelionarmor
the 80's never dies
@Morgalucci
Hopefully bad grammar will
@BrandonDMorrissey
You didn't even put a full stop and the end of your sentence and you're questioning his grammar? Just shut the fuck up.
@BrandonDMorrissey
They're typos mate, get a life.
@christianponicki9581
Old Gregg
Take your own advice; you're the grammar Nazi here.
@faustraene1860
+Mark Belousov XD it was post in 2009
@brickgame9400
1986: Top song!!!
2020: Still top!!!
3020: Still top!!!
This song will never die
@DavidBanksBayley
2020 you right this song will never die its so cool and awesome
@okefag
Jas Yess
@rafaelcordeiro5651
.. Will never die!!!