Billy Joel performs “Piano Man” in New York in 1976

About the song

“Piano Man,” a song that has become synonymous with Billy Joel’s iconic career, is a poignant and introspective piece that captures the essence of a musician’s life. Released in 1973 as part of his album of the same name, this ballad quickly resonated with audiences and solidified Joel’s status as a rising star.

Drawing inspiration from his own experiences as a lounge musician in Los Angeles, Joel paints a vivid picture of the characters he encountered in the dimly lit bars and clubs. The song’s narrator, a weary piano player, narrates the stories of the patrons, each with their own dreams, regrets, and aspirations. From the aging waitress to the lonely man at the bar, Joel delves into the complexities of human nature with empathy and understanding.

The song’s simple yet evocative melody, combined with Joel’s heartfelt vocals, creates a timeless atmosphere. The iconic opening lines, “Sing us a song, you’re the piano man,” invite the listener into the world of the narrator and the patrons of the bar. As the song progresses, Joel’s lyrics paint a portrait of the loneliness, longing, and hope that permeate the lives of these individuals.

“Piano Man” is more than just a song; it’s a snapshot of a particular era in American music history. The song’s popularity can be attributed to its relatability and its ability to capture the universal themes of human experience. Joel’s ability to connect with his audience on a personal level has made “Piano Man” a beloved classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.

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Lyrics

It’s nine o’clock on a Saturday
The regular crowd shuffles in
There’s an old man sitting 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, de, de, da
La, la, de, de, da, da, da

Sing us a song, you’re the piano man
Sing us a song tonight
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 someplace that he’d rather be

He says, “Bill, I believe this is killing me”
As a 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, de, de, da
La, la, de, de, da, da, da

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
Just sing

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, de, de, da
La, la, de, de, da, da, da

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