It's Friday evening and my friends and I are sitting on my bed talking about life over some microwavable popcorn. Billy Joel’s Greatest Hits album is spinning on my record player, and my favorite song of all time “Piano Man” comes on. Instantly I cut off my friend mid-sentence and say, “Did you just hear that? That’s such a powerful line.”
Joel sings:
"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"
From this line alone we dove into a deeper conversation as to why songs nowadays just do not have the same story-telling quality as they did in years past. Growing up in the 2000s, there has definitely been some ground-breaking artists, as well as some very mediocre tunes that have played out of my car radio. However, living through this time period never put a restraint on my desire to learn about different styles of music. Fortunately, I had a mother who made CD’s for me and opened my eyes to great artists like Queen, Elton John, The Beatles, Billy Joel… at a very young age. My appreciation for these artists and the messages they have produced all have a similar quality. They tell stories.
Songs from the sixties, seventies, and eighties gave listeners messages they could hold on to. Not every song was dedicated to going out clubbing and owning the night like most are in 2018. Instead, artists used their influence to portray stories of love, loss, and even their experiences with activism. They opened their hearts and gave fans an inside look at their personal lives as well. Fans of any age could connect with them. Listening to these songs often make me emotional simply because they are so thoughtful. One of my first concerts was Billy Joel and Elton John together, and even though I was only eight-years-old, it was breathtaking. The lyrics have definitely made me want to better myself as a writer, and my emotional intelligence as well.
So with all that has been said, here are my top five songs that use storytelling to create magic:
1. "Hey Jude" - The Beatles
"Hey Jude" was originally written by Paul McCartney with a few contributions made by John Lennon as well. This song was written in regards to McCartney's son who was dealing with his parent's divorce at the time. He talks to his son saying:
Hey Jude, don't make it bad
Take a sad song and make it better
Remember to let her into your heart
Such a simple and beautiful way to look at life. They say all good things must come to an end. Yet, it is how we view and react to them, that will be the fuel to our understanding. McCartney teaches this lesson to his son that we must move on, but in retrospect, this is valuable for all ages that are listening.
2. "We All Fall In Love Sometimes" - Elton John
This song is true poetry. Elton John uses such beautiful imagery to explain the painful aspects of loving someone. Displaying his vulnerability throughout this solemn classic, he does not spell out his heartbreak but rather uses lines such as:
"And trickled down the sleepy subway trains
For heavy eyes could hardly hold us
Aching legs that often told us
It's all worth it"
3. "Saturday In The Park" - Chicago
The legendary band Chicago sings several songs about life. However, this song definitely encompasses a very free feeling and tells the stories of so many different individuals. It sheds light on humility and encourages one to appreciate the small gestures life has to offer.
4. "Free Bird" - Lynyrd Skynyrd
"Free Bird," tells the story of a man leaving a woman he may have been in a relationship with. It is a very long, yet powerful story that transgresses different meanings to each and every listener. Overall, it symbolizes an ending. Whether that be a relationship, a graduation, or losing someone close to you- the song almost provides a sense of closure. "I'm as free as a bird now..."
5. "Vienna" - Billy Joel
"Slow down, you crazy child
You're so ambitious for a juvenile
But then if you're so smart, then tell me
Why are you still so afraid?"
Last but certainly not least, Billy Joel's "Vienna," is such an important song for young people. I connect with it personally because I am someone who is trying to establish their career and figure out what their life is going to look like in the next ten years. As young people, we get so caught up in trying to do everything by ourselves and for ourselves, but forget that it is okay to be afraid throughout all of this. Like Billy Joel says, Vienna waits for you. It isn't going anywhere any time soon.
