Billy Joel – Piano Man

About the song

“Billy Joel’s ‘Piano Man’ is a timeless classic that has resonated with listeners for decades. Released in 1973 as the lead single from his album of the same name, this song is widely considered one of Joel’s signature pieces, encapsulating his talent for storytelling and melodic composition.

‘Piano Man’ was written by Billy Joel himself, drawing from his personal experiences. Before achieving fame, Joel worked as a lounge pianist in Los Angeles under the pseudonym ‘Bill Martin,’ and it is from this period of his life that he drew inspiration for the song. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the characters he encountered and the stories he heard while playing in the bar, creating a poignant narrative that many can relate to.

The song’s iconic melody is carried by Joel’s masterful piano playing, complemented by harmonica and a gentle rhythm section. Its waltz-like tempo and sing-along chorus make it instantly recognizable and a favorite in his repertoire. The line “Sing us a song, you’re the piano man” invites listeners into the scene, making them feel as though they are part of the bar’s eclectic community.

‘Piano Man’ was not an immediate commercial success upon its release, peaking at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. However, over time, it has become one of Billy Joel’s most enduring hits, often considered the anthem of his career. The song has been covered by numerous artists and remains a staple on radio playlists, a testament to its lasting appeal.

The album ‘Piano Man’ also includes other notable tracks, but it is this title song that has stood out as a definitive piece of Billy Joel’s legacy. Its success helped to solidify his career, leading to many more hits and a legacy that continues to grow.

In 2015, ‘Piano Man’ was inducted into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. This honor reflects the song’s impact on American music and its enduring popularity.

For fans of Billy Joel and lovers of classic rock and storytelling through music, ‘Piano Man’ is more than just a song; it is a timeless narrative that captures the essence of life, dreams, and the human experience, all set to the sound of a piano in a bustling bar.

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