Europe - The Final Countdown

"The Final Countdown" is a song by Swedish rock band Europe, released in 1986. Written by Joey Tempest, it was the first single from the band's third studio album, also named The Final Countdown.

The song was based on a keyboard riff which Joey Tempest had written, as early as 1981 or 1982, on a Korg Polysix keyboard which he had borrowed from keyboardist Mic Michaeli. In 1985, bassist John Levén suggested that Tempest should write a song based on that riff. Tempest recorded a demo version of the song and played it for the other band members. At first the members expressed mixed reactions to it, including guitarist John Norum: "When I first heard the synth intro to 'The Final Countdown', my reaction was: 'No, this is nuts. We just can't use this.' Thank God they didn't listen to me." Tempest described their uncertainty: "Some of the guys in the band thought it was too different for a rock band. But in the end I fought hard to make sure it got used."

Lyrics

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 (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. It's the final countdown. The final countdown. The final countdown. It's the final countdown. We're leaving together. The final countdown. We'll all miss her so. It's the final countdown. It's the final countdown.