About the song
Introducing “Piano Man” by Billy Joel, we embark on a lyrical journey through the life of a piano player in a bar, immortalized in this iconic song released in 1973. “Piano Man” is the title track of Billy Joel’s second studio album, which bears the same name, and it stands as one of his most recognizable and beloved compositions.
Billy Joel, a prolific singer-songwriter and pianist, crafted “Piano Man” as a reflection on his experiences playing in piano bars early in his career. The song’s narrative unfolds with vivid imagery, painting a portrait of the colorful characters who frequent the bar and the struggles they face in their everyday lives.
With its melancholic melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Piano Man” struck a chord with audiences, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. The song peaked at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has since become a signature tune for Billy Joel, captivating listeners with its nostalgic charm and timeless storytelling.
Decades since its release, “Piano Man” remains a staple of Billy Joel’s live performances, resonating with audiences of all ages. As we revisit this classic track, we are reminded of Joel’s unparalleled ability to craft songs that speak to the human experience and the enduring power of music to evoke emotion and inspire connection.
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Lyrics
It’s nine o’clock on a Saturday
The regular crowd shuffles in
There’s an old man sitting next to me
Makin’ 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”
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
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
Just sing
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 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 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