Piano Man

Billy Joel · Piano Man

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 melody?
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

CHORUS:
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

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

CHORUS

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 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

CHORUS

Piano Man

Billy Joel's 'Piano Man' stands as one of the most recognizable songs in American popular music. Released in 1973 on his self-titled debut album, the track established Joel as a masterful storyteller within the piano rock genre. The recording captures the atmosphere of a dimly lit bar, portraying the hopes and struggles of its patrons through Joel's evocative composition. This work marked a significant turning point in his career, showcasing his ability to blend pop sensibilities with sophisticated piano arrangements. The song remains a staple of his extensive discography, frequently performed in live settings and celebrated for its enduring emotional resonance. It exemplifies Joel's talent for crafting narratives that resonate with listeners across generations, securing his place as a defining artist of the era.