Introduction:
Released in 1973, “Piano Man” is a quintessential song by singer-songwriter Billy Joel. This iconic tune transcends genre, but can be comfortably classified as both piano rock and soft rock. It served as the title track for Joel’s second studio album, also named Piano Man. The song was produced by Phil Ramone, a legendary figure who had worked with artists like Paul Simon and Bob Dylan.
“Piano Man” became an instant hit, propelling Billy Joel to mainstream recognition. It peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a significant accomplishment for a young artist in a competitive music landscape. The song’s success wasn’t just measured by chart numbers. “Piano Man” became a cultural touchstone, embraced by audiences for its relatable characters and poignant storytelling. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to capture the essence of everyday life, weaving a narrative around the bar patrons observed by a piano player.
The appeal of “Piano Man” lies not only in its relatable lyrics, but also in its catchy melody. The song is built around a simple yet effective piano motif that sticks in the listener’s mind long after the last note fades. Joel’s vocals are equally captivating, ranging from introspective whispers to powerful declarations.
While “Piano Man” launched Billy Joel’s career, it also carries a hint of autobiography. The song’s inspiration stemmed from Joel’s experiences playing piano in Los Angeles bars during the early 1970s. He had left his record contract in New York behind to pursue a fresh start on the West Coast. The characters depicted in “Piano Man” were likely drawn from the regulars Joel encountered during his nights playing at those Los Angeles establishments.
“Piano Man” remains a staple of classic rock radio to this day. Its influence can be heard in countless songs that employ the piano as a central instrument and explore themes of everyday life. The song’s enduring legacy is a testament to Billy Joel’s songwriting prowess and its ability to connect with listeners across generations.
Video:
Lyrics:
It’s nine o’clock on a Saturday
The regular crowd shuffles in
There’s an old man sittin’ next to me
Makin’ love to his tonic and gin
He says, “Son, can you play me a memory?
I’m not really sure how it goes
But it’s sad and it’s sweet and I knew it complete
When I wore a younger man’s clothes”
La, la-la, di-dee-da
La-la, di-dee-da, da-dum
Sing us a song, you’re the piano man
Sing us a song tonight
Well, we’re all in the mood for a melody
And you’ve got us feelin’ alright
Now John at the bar is a friend of mine
He gets me my drinks for free
And he’s quick with a joke or to light up your smoke
But there’s some place that he’d rather be
He says, “Bill, I believe this is killing me”
As the smile ran away from his face
“Well, I’m sure that I could be a movie star
If I could get out of this place”
Oh, la, la-la, di-dee-da
La-la, di-dee-da, da-dum
Now Paul is a real estate novelist
Who never had time for a wife
And he’s talkin’ with Davy, who’s still in the Navy
And probably will be for life
And the waitress is practicing politics
As the businessmen slowly get stoned
Yes, they’re sharing a drink they call loneliness
But it’s better than drinkin’ alone
Sing us a song, you’re the piano man
Sing us a song tonight
Well, we’re all in the mood for a melody
And you’ve got us feelin’ alright
It’s a pretty good crowd for a Saturday
And the manager gives me a smile
‘Cause he knows that it’s me they’ve been comin’ to see
To forget about life for a while
And the piano, it sounds like a carnival
And the microphone smells like a beer
And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar
And say, “Man, what are you doin’ here?”
Oh, la, la-la, di-dee-da
La-la, di-dee-da, da-dum
Sing us a song, you’re the piano man
Sing us a song tonight
Well, we’re all in the mood for a melody
And you’ve got us feelin’ alright