Billy Joel – Piano Man

About the song

“Piano Man,” penned and performed by Billy Joel, remains an enduring anthem that vividly captures the essence of a bygone era in American nightlife. Released as a single on November 2, 1973, and featured on Joel’s album of the same name, the song swiftly became his breakthrough hit, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Narratively rich, “Piano Man” unfolds through the eyes of a barroom pianist, chronicling the lives of patrons who seek solace and escape amidst the dimly lit ambiance of a local watering hole.

Billy Joel’s inspiration for “Piano Man” stemmed from his own stint as a lounge musician in Los Angeles during 1972-73, a period he describes as a temporary escape from contractual disputes and artistic frustrations in New York City. The song’s characters — from the weary old man nursing his gin to the waitress serving drinks with a practiced smile — are drawn from real-life individuals Joel encountered during his time at the Executive Room bar in LA’s Wilshire district. Each verse unfolds like a miniature story, painting portraits of ordinary people with extraordinary dreams, whose lives intersect briefly yet meaningfully in the haze of smoke and chatter.

Musically, “Piano Man” is a testament to Joel’s prowess as a storyteller and composer. With its lilting waltz tempo and melancholic harmonica accents, the song evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, perfectly complementing its lyrical narrative. Joel’s poignant lyrics, delivered in his distinctive voice, resonate deeply with listeners, inviting them to reflect on the universal human experience of hope, disappointment, and the quest for connection.

Upon its release, “Piano Man” achieved moderate success, but its true impact would unfold over time. Bolstered by Joel’s subsequent rise to fame with albums like “The Stranger,” the song cemented its place as a classic in the American musical canon. Its recognition by the Grammy Hall of Fame and inclusion in the National Recording Registry underscore its enduring cultural significance.

Today, “Piano Man” endures not only as a beloved track but also as a cultural touchstone that continues to captivate new generations of listeners. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to transcend mere entertainment, offering a poignant glimpse into the human condition through the eyes and melodies of a piano man. As Billy Joel himself once mused, the song’s five-line verses echo the rhythm of a limerick, weaving tales that are as poignant and enduring as the music itself.

Video

Lyrics

It’s nine o’clock on a Saturday
The regular crowd shuffles in
There’s an old man sitting next to me
Making 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.”

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 feeling 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 someplace 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.”

Now Paul is a real estate novelist
Who never had time for a wife
And he’s talking 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 drinking 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 feeling 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 coming 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 doing here?”

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 feeling alright