Billy Joel – Uptown Girl

About the song

“Uptown Girl” stands as one of Billy Joel’s iconic songs, released in 1983 as the second single from his album *An Innocent Man*. The track’s narrative revolves around a romantic pursuit where a blue-collar “downtown man” seeks to win the affection of an affluent “uptown girl,” embodying themes of social and economic contrast.

Debuting to critical acclaim, “Uptown Girl” quickly ascended the charts, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, where it maintained its position for five consecutive weeks from November 12 to December 10, 1983. The song also achieved significant success internationally, topping the charts in the United Kingdom for five weeks and becoming Joel’s sole number-one hit in the country. It emerged as the second best-selling single of 1983 in the UK, underscoring its widespread popularity.

The song’s infectious melody and Joel’s distinctive vocals drew comparisons to Frankie Valli, with *Cash Box* noting Joel’s adept portrayal of societal dynamics and unrequited desire. For Joe Long, former bassist of The Four Seasons, “Uptown Girl” represented a validation of the classic sound he championed, contrasting with the band’s 1970s musical evolution.

Accompanying the song’s release was a memorable music video featuring Joel and his bandmates as auto mechanics, juxtaposed with scenes of glamorous uptown life. Supermodel Christie Brinkley, Joel’s then-wife, starred in the video, adding to its allure. Set against the backdrop of Manhattan’s Bowery district, the video captures Joel’s reluctant dancing and playful interactions with Brinkley, culminating in a romantic motorcycle ride.

Reflecting on the video’s production, Joel humorously recalled his initial reservations about dancing but embraced the concept amid sweltering summer days and unexpected interruptions from bystanders. Despite his initial reluctance, the video became a visual complement to the song’s narrative, blending Joel’s musical storytelling with cinematic flair.

Over the years, “Uptown Girl” has endured as a staple of Billy Joel’s repertoire, celebrated for its catchy melody, lyrical charm, and enduring appeal across generations. Its success not only solidified Joel’s status as a versatile musician but also cemented its place as a timeless anthem of love and aspiration in the bustling urban landscape.

Video

Lyrics

Uptown girl
She’s been living in her uptown world
I bet she’s never had a backstreet guy
I bet her mamma never told her why
I’m gonna try for an

Uptown girl
She’s been living in her white-bread world
As long as anyone with hot blood can
And now, she’s looking for a downtown man
That’s what I am

And when she knows what she wants from her time
And when she wakes up and makes up her mind

She’ll see I’m not so tough
Just because I’m in love with an

Uptown girl
You know I’ve seen her in her uptown world
She’s getting tired of her high-class toys
And all the presents from her uptown boys
She’s got a choice

Uptown girl
You know I can’t afford to buy her pearls
But maybe, someday, when my ship comes in
She’ll understand what kind of guy I’ve been
And then I’ll win

And when she’s walking, she’s looking so fine
And when she’s talking, she’ll say that she’s mine

She’ll say I’m not so tough
Just because I’m in love with an

Uptown girl
She’s been living in her white-bread world
As long as anyone with hot blood can
And now, she’s looking for a downtown man
That’s what I am

Uptown girl, she’s my uptown girl
You know I’m in love with an uptown girl, my uptown girl
You know I’m in love with an uptown girl, my uptown girl
You know I’m in love with an uptown girl, my uptown girl