About the song
Billy Joel, the piano man extraordinaire, often surprises us with his musical versatility. “A Matter of Trust,” released in 1986 as part of his album “The Bridge,” is one such surprise. This electric guitar-driven rock song marked a departure from Joel’s usual piano-based ballads, showcasing a different side of his musical talent.
The song’s music video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, is a captivating visual treat. It features Joel and his band performing in a basement in New York City’s East Village, while people from all walks of life gather around the building’s windows to watch. The video captures the raw energy and intimate atmosphere of a basement gig, a stark contrast to the grand concert stages Joel is often associated with.
Joel’s decision to switch to guitar for this song was a deliberate one. As he explained, “It was a conscious decision to do a song that was different from what I normally do. I wanted to do something that was a little more rock and roll, a little more electric.” And he succeeded. “A Matter of Trust” is a powerful and energetic song that showcases Joel’s ability to adapt to different musical styles.
The song’s lyrics explore themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has ever felt let down by someone they trusted. The music video adds an extra layer of meaning, suggesting that even in the face of disappointment, there is hope for connection and understanding.
“A Matter of Trust” is a testament to Billy Joel’s enduring talent and willingness to experiment. It’s a song that reminds us that even the most familiar artists can surprise us with their versatility and creativity. So, next time you’re looking for a rockin’ good time, give this track a listen and discover a new side of the piano man.
Video
Lyrics
One, two, a-one, two, three, four
Some love is just a lie of the heart
The cold remains of what began with a passionate start
And they may not want it to end
But it will it’s just a question of when
I’ve lived long enough to have learned
The closer you get to the fire, the more you get burned
But that won’t happen to us
‘Cause it’s always been a matter of trust
Now I know you’re an emotional girl
It took a lot for you to not lose your faith in this world
Well, I can’t offer you proof
But you’re gonna face a moment of truth
It’s hard when you’re always afraid
You just recover when another belief is betrayed
So break my heart if you must
It’s a matter of trust
You can’t go the distance
With too much resistance
I know you have doubts
But for God’s sake, don’t shut me out
This time you’ve got nothing to lose
You can take it, you can leave it, whatever you choose
I won’t hold back anything
And I’ll walk a way a fool or a king
Some love is just a lie of the mind
It’s make-believe until it’s only a matter of time
And some might have learned to adjust
But then it never was a matter of trust
I’m sure you’re aware, love
We’ve both had our share of
Believing too long
When the whole situation was wrong
Some love is just a lie of the soul
A constant battle for the ultimate state of control
After you’ve heard lie upon lie
There can hardly be a question of why
Some love is just a lie of the heart
The cold remains of what began with a passionate start
But that can’t happen to us
‘Cause it’s always been a matter of trust
It’s a matter of trust
Oh, it’s been a matter of trust
It’s a matter of trust
‘Cause it’s always been a matter of trust