Billy Joel – Piano Man

About the song

“Piano Man,” the second studio album by Billy Joel, released on November 14, 1973, under Columbia Records, stands as a pivotal work in the artist’s career, marked by both artistic and commercial significance. Emerging amidst legal battles with his former label, Family Productions, the album not only resolved Joel’s contractual woes but also catapulted him into the limelight as a notable singer-songwriter.

The title track, “Piano Man,” serves as the album’s centerpiece, offering a fictionalized narrative inspired by Joel’s experiences as a lounge singer in Los Angeles. This song, resonating with its vivid storytelling and melodic charm, reached No. 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and soared to No. 4 on the Adult Contemporary singles chart. It quickly became a signature song for Joel, showcasing his ability to craft poignant narratives set to memorable melodies.

Other notable tracks from the album include “Travelin’ Prayer” and “Worse Comes to Worst,” which charted at No. 77 and 80 on the Hot 100, respectively. While the album itself peaked at No. 27 on the US Billboard 200, its impact extended far beyond mere chart positions. In 1975, “Piano Man” earned RIAA gold certification, underscoring its enduring popularity and critical acclaim.

In November 2011, Columbia Records released a legacy edition of “Piano Man,” enriching the album’s legacy with a two-disc set. This special edition includes a remarkable live broadcast from Philadelphia’s Philadelphia 93.3 WMMR FM radio in 1972. Recorded at Sigma Sound Studios, these early live performances captured Joel’s raw talent and charisma, notably featuring the captivating rendition of “Captain Jack,” which became a sensation on WMMR, eventually becoming the station’s most requested song.

The live broadcast not only showcased Joel’s musical prowess but also played a pivotal role in shaping his career trajectory. Columbia Records took notice of Joel’s burgeoning popularity following this broadcast, promptly offering him a recording contract that would pave the way for his future successes. The legacy edition also includes rare tracks like “Long, Long Time,” “Josephine,” and “Rosalinda,” enriching the listener’s experience with Joel’s lesser-known yet captivating musical offerings.

“Piano Man” remains a cornerstone in Billy Joel’s discography, celebrated for its narrative depth, musical craftsmanship, and enduring appeal. It represents a seminal moment in Joel’s journey from a talented lounge singer to a revered singer-songwriter, setting the stage for his subsequent achievements in the realm of popular music.

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