In a revealing interview with Willie Geist on "Sunday Sitdown," Billy Joel discussed various aspects of his long music career, including the intriguing interpretations of his classic song "Piano Man."
According to Today, Billy Joel explored fan theories and his songwriting process during an engaging session on the latest episode.
Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” released in 1973, is known for its vivid portrayal of various characters, who are sketched with poignant lyrics and memorable melodies. Among these characters are Paul, termed a "real estate novelist," and Davy, "still in the Navy." Recently, some fans have speculated about the nature of the relationship between Paul and Davy, suggesting that the song might be hinting at a gay subplot.
Joel, during his talk with Geist on August 18, clarified these interpretations. He stated that at the time of writing, he did not envision Paul and Davy as gay characters. His aim was simply to capture the lives of different individuals he met while performing in a bar. This exposition by Joel sheds light on how audience interpretations can evolve independently of the artist’s original intentions.
Joel humorously acknowledged the theory regarding the characters' sexuality: "Well, there’s this new theory out there now, that it’s actually about a gay bar," he mentioned, adding, "I was reading this. And I said, 'Oh, I see how that could be.' Paul is talking to Davy, who’s in the Navy, you know." His reaction illustrates an openness to different listener interpretations, although these were not his initial conceptions.
In addition to discussing "Piano Man," Joel also revealed to Geist that he recently concluded his iconic Madison Square Garden residency. His final show was on July 25, marking the end of a significant era of live performances. Further enriching his musical footprint, Joel has released a new single titled “Turn the Lights Back On,” his first in over a decade since 2007. This release bridges a long hiatus since his last studio album, “Fantasies & Delusions,” which was out in 2001.
While reflecting on his past hits and dramatic performances, Joel also conveyed a shift in his relationship with music creation. He distinguished his current creative desires from his previous ambitions. "I’d like to write music. I don’t like to write songs, so much, because it’s hard to write a good song, really hard," he explained. This distinction highlights the evolving nature of a musician's journey and the challenges inherent in songwriting.
Songwriting, according to Joel, is a rigorous process that demands precision and creativity. He particularly noted the difficulty in ensuring every lyric in "We Didn’t Start the Fire" aligns correctly during performances. "You mess up one lyric in that, it’s a train wreck," he pointed out, illustrating the high stakes of live musical performances.
This reflects a broader sentiment expressed by Joel regarding his future in music. While he remains passionate about music as an art form, the endeavor of crafting pop hits is no longer at the forefront of his ambitions. "Writing, to me, is torment. I don’t want to do that, anymore," Joel shared, signaling a possible step away from writing new songs despite the joy it might bring to listeners.
Furthermore, Joel’s interaction with his audience has taken on a supportive role in his performances. He shared that he often relies on the crowd to help him with the lyrics, saying "And I’m following them," which shows a unique reciprocal relationship between the performer and his audience.
In conclusion, Billy Joel's recent interview not only revisits the deep narratives woven into his classic hits but also opens up a personal view of his current stance towards music and creativity. As he navigates his enduring career, his insights continue to resonate with both old fans and new listeners, offering a window into the artistry and the personal challenges of a renowned musician.
