Piano Man
Billy Joel · Live At Shea Stadium: Deluxe Edition [2011]
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 lad'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
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
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 awhile
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
Piano Man
Billy Joel's "Piano Man" remains one of the most enduring anthems in American popular music, capturing the melancholy and camaraderie of a New York City bar scene. Originally released on his 1973 debut album, the track established Joel as a master of piano-driven rock and sophisticated songwriting. The song's narrative structure and accessible melody have secured its place in the cultural canon, often serving as an introduction to his extensive discography. This particular recording from the Live At Shea Stadium: Deluxe Edition captures the energy of Joel's legendary 1986 performance, showcasing his ability to connect with massive audiences while maintaining the intimate storytelling that defines his work. As a cornerstone of his catalogue, the song exemplifies the blend of rock, pop, and classical influences that characterize his enduring musical legacy.