What I Learned From Billy Joel
Start writing a post
Entertainment

What I Learned From Billy Joel

Songs that turned into life lessons.

46
What I Learned From Billy Joel
Business Insider

It’s not easy being a teenage Billy Joel fan in a world of rap music and Auto-Tuned pop songs. However, the constant teasing about his age and appearance are far outweighed by the extreme talent of this legend. While I have only admired him for a short period of his career, his songs have taught me more about life than I could have ever learned from today’s hits. I could probably write a life lesson from every song of his, but these are some of my favorites.

1. He taught me that life is full of ups and downs.


And though we choose between reality and madness, it’s either sadness or euphoria.

"Summer, Highland Falls" (1976)

"Summer, Highland Falls" taught me that life has it’s ups and downs, but that I don’t need to take them to the extreme. I learned that if I only focused and the highs and lows of my life, I could miss all the in between.

2. He taught me the rarity of honesty in this world.


Honesty is such a lonely word. Everyone is so untrue. Honesty is hardly ever heard and mostly what I need from you.”

"Honesty" (1978)

"Honesty" taught me that everyone knows honesty is the best policy, but not everyone acts in that manner. I learned that even if it’s hard to say, it’s better to tell the truth.

3. He taught me the importance of taking life day by day.


Slow down you crazy child, you’re so ambitious for a juvenile.

"Vienna" (1977)

"Vienna" taught me that you have so much living to look forward to in a world that teaches you the brevity of life. I learned to take life day by day in the present rather than living in the future.

4. He taught me the importance of proclaiming your love.


Tell her about it, tell her all your crazy dreams. Let her know you need her, let her know how much she means.

"Tell Her About It" (1983)

The anthem of every guy about to let a girl slip through his fingers, "Tell Her About It" taught me that if you care for someone you should tell them. I learned that it’s better to express your love rather than lose someone because of it.

5. Finally, he taught me about staying true to oneself.


"It’s the next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways. It’s still rock and roll to me."

"It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" (1980)

"It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" taught me that society is going to tell me that I need to buy the latest gadget or style my hair a new way all the time, but it's better to stay true to who you are. I learned how to be confident in my "last season" shoes and the music that I listen to (which is basically just Billy Joel).

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

101356
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments