Everyone loves Billy Joel, and Long Islanders especially hold him in a special place in their hearts. He is native to Hicksville, Long Island and has written many songs about things in Long Island. I went to see Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden last March and it was one of the most incredible concerts I have ever been to. Here is a list of ten Billy Joel songs that EVERYONE knows:
1.) New York State of Mind
This popular anthem for New Yorkers was never released as a single, but became a fan favorite to play at New York Concerts. Joel sang it in NYC in 2001, at a concert to remember the fire fighters and police officers who died on September 11th.
2.) It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me
This extremely popular hit was written by Billy Joel about the types of music genres in the 1970s that he did not understand. He said it was about a certain band, but he never said the name.
3.) We Didn’t Start the Fire
This song includes over 100 headline events between 1949 and 1989, from when Joel was born to when the song was released. You may also know Dwight Schrute’s version on The Office.
4.) She’s Always a Woman
One of my favorite Billy Joel songs, which is about a modern woman that he fell in love with. He loves her flaws and the way she is.
5.) Movin’ Out
This song is very empowering to New Yorkers. It’s about Joel’s thoughts on the working and lower-middle class in New York and how they are rewarded with a “broken back” and a “heart attack.”
6.) Vienna
Vienna is where Billy Joel found his dad after not seeing him since he was 8. He uses it as a metaphor for life, he believes “it was a place where cultures co-mingled.”
7.) Scenes from an Italian Restaurant
This song also was an important one to Long Islanders. The song is about two old classmates reuniting an Italian restaurant.
8.) Uptown Girl
This classic Billy Joel song is about a “downtown” working man trying to impress an “uptown girl.” Another favorite among Billy Joel fans.
9.) Only The Good Die Young
This is my all time favorite song of his. It was a very popular song at the time, but also very controversial. The boy in the song believes his crush does not want to be with him because her family does not believe in pre marital sex.
10.) Piano Man
A song that needs no introduction, Joel’s most popular song. It is played at parties, reunions, sports games and basically anywhere. Piano Man is a historic song that gets everyone in a good mood.
