Billy Joel – Piano Man

About the song

Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” is more than just a song; it’s a poignant portrait of life on the fringes. Released in 1973, this introspective ballad recounts the tales of a piano player and the eclectic cast of characters that frequent his barstool kingdom.

The song’s inspiration stems from a period of self-imposed exile for Joel. Seeking refuge from a stifling record deal, he found himself playing piano in a Los Angeles bar. “Piano Man” is a fictionalized account of this time, transforming real-life encounters into a tapestry of dreams deferred and quiet desperation.

Each verse introduces a new patron: the weary old man, the jaded bartender, the businessman seeking solace. The lyrics paint a picture of unfulfilled aspirations, with the piano music serving as a temporary escape for these souls. The chorus, delivered in a sing-along style, becomes a plea from the patrons themselves, yearning for a melody to chase away their blues.

“Piano Man” wasn’t an immediate smash hit. However, its honest portrayal of barroom life resonated with audiences, propelling it onto the Billboard Top 40 chart. The song’s popularity soared years later, fueled by the success of Joel’s album “The Stranger.”

The song’s enduring legacy is undeniable. It’s been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. “Piano Man” continues to be a fan favorite, with millions of streams and views across platforms.

The song’s brilliance lies in its simplicity. With its relatable characters and evocative imagery, “Piano Man” transports listeners to a smoky barroom, offering a glimpse into the lives that unfold under the soft glow of a piano lamp. It’s a testament to the power of music to connect us, offering a shared experience of hope and melancholy amidst the everyday.

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