First time hearing BILLY JOEL - THE PIANO MAN | The healing magic and power of music

Billy Joel Piano man music video reaction.Till today,i didn't realise Joel was called the piano man because of this song.I thought it was because he played the piano.
This will probably be the greatest song of his career,in terms of the amount of lives it would have touched.
#billyjoel
#billyjoelReaction
#billyJoelPianoman
WANNA SUPPORT MY CHANNEL AND BUY ME A COFFEE? Pls Donate to paypal.me/harribest?locale.x=...
Join this Music reaction channel as a Patreon to get access to perks and GUARANTEED REACTIONS:
/ @harribestreactions
Hi Guys.Welcome to my Reaction Channel Harribest Music Reaction.I love music,music has been my life from as long as i can remember.One of the best things that has ever happened to me is starting this Music reaction channel.It has made me new friends and made me explore music that i would normally have little access to.
I am also a musician.My musical career has refelcted in the many kinds of music that i have been inspired by.Pop,Rock,Funk,Soul,Reggae,African Music,Latin music and more!
I thank you guys for your continued support and i hope we do this for a long time to come yet!
Heres to new musical discoveries!
Harri Best.
If you enjoy this video and my reactions make sure you subscribe to the channel, like the video and comment down below which video you would like to see me react to next.
This is a reaction video by me giving my constructive feedback on songs and the Artists .
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS
A Music reaction,First time hearing music video reactions videos and entertainment channel

[@matthewteague623]

"They're sharing a drink they call Loneliness, but it's better than drinking alone." Oh hell yes.

[@rebeccarowland2533]

I so am on the same page as you, Matthew Teague

[@robert_bbiii]

Shared misery is decreased, shared joy increased - Robert Heinlein. Same message.

[@simplysteve5149]

The whole song is great poetry really...but the line you mention about "sharing a drink they called loneliness, but it's better than drinking alone " is one of my all time favorites. Hands Down.

[@theodoreritola9758]

JESUS is coming back VERY soon ... Is every body ready

[@jonathanmol4489]

I prefer to drink alone. I don't trust people. Alone means no last call and no rejection. I also have penned 155 poems and drinking alone is part of my process. I have Parkinson's disease and drinking helps me write poetry that you can read.

[@JoelWende]

This song is a true story. These are all characters he met when playing at a dive bar as Bill Martin. I love Billy Joel! I just wish he’d write some new music! He still plays and tours but hasn’t released a new album for 28 years!

[@marymichael389]

Know John at the bar’s niece.

[@siddhartramotar8774]

When I heard that he has written songs for fun since then but just hasn't recorded or released them I lost it lol. I really want him to release a new album or at least pass the songs he's written onto his daughter. Since his last album the only thing I can find that he's written was that weird christmas song.

[@Katt560]

The imagery Billy Joel’s paints in this song is brilliant.

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

I daresay, "brilliant", is not a strong enough word. It's genius.

[@greybeard2280]

It's brilliant because it's about him. I've seen him live 7 times and he talks about the song he's preparing to sing, and when he does this you can pin drop. He could actually do a concert and do nothing but tells stories and I'd be satisfied....lol

[@niccolean]

When he plays this in concert, he plays the piano, harmonica, and sings the song. It’s amazing.

[@kurtiklaas]

...and the whole crowd sing-a-long. Fantastic!

[@finallythere100]

I think Cheers was based on this song... the spirit of the song influences it.. Norm never wanted to go home! :)

[@michaelmolloy6697]

There’s nothing he has written that you would not like! He’s an icon

[@robertseymour6095]

Thank you

[@tomgnyc]

He's an icon but he has a lot of bad music, even he admitted it.

[@thegamersgalaxy2855]

@@tomgnyc LOL

[@birdsfan5440]

He has a lot of songs some are shit but I do love Billy Joel

[@BJ-eb3lt]

Billy Joel, IS the Piano Man, no doubts about it.

[@59elgreco]

Based on his true life experiences !!

[@Angel268201]

The guy is a musical genius. GOD blessed him beyond his imagination.

[@diannabeal1876]

Had the pleasure to see him when he was a warm up band for Loggins and Messina. He introduced this song at that concert and we were all blown away!!

[@Mr.Dobalina_Mr.BobDobalina]

What a great experience!

[@jonathanmol4489]

Loggins has so many different soundtracks.

[@RicoBurghFan]

Don't ever forget that the piano man is lonely too. Such lyrical brilliance.

[@rachaelgosser5659]

You can never go wrong with Billy Joel. I've never heard a song of his I didn't like.

[@theodoreritola9758]

This song came out in the 70s When times were much more swee the people were more friendly and Feared God more What happened ?

[@karenconrad6471]

Thank you for your intelligent and engaging commentary on all your reaction videos. Too many reactors have seen this video as "funny," instead of a song filled with pathos, which of course it was.

[@kmach1000]

I agree. It's my favorite reaction channel.

[@sonia4641]

Mine too; the only one I've actually subscribed to.

[@TheDivayenta]

Yes! Why we love Harri, right?

[@briandeschene8424]

Pathos. Yes! Pathos. Thank you for sharing with us the perfect word.

[@jimtatro6550]

Billy Joel provided a huge part of the soundtrack of my youth. Just a few suggestions: Big Shot, Goodnight Saigon, Allentown, Just the Way You Are, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant and New York State of Mind.👍🔥🎧

[@jeffreiland7463]

@Jim Tatro --- I heard Joel asked by a talk show host what his favorite song was. Without much hesitation he said it was "Scenes.." --- It's mine as well. Although they're not the same genres, I always liken it to Meatloaf's "Paradise" in that they both tell that same melancholy story that the idealism of youth is gone and we're getting old.

[@melodymcdonald2140]

Definitely Scenes From an Italian Restaurant. The piano is absolutely amazing. He also does a duet with Ray Charles called Baby Grand that is so good..

[@jonathanmol4489]

My life from Bosom Buddies?

[@kathrynkissane5144]

I feelya

[@Angel268201]

Big Shot! What a song! It’s about his ex-wife! 🤣😂🤣

[@thomascanfield9165]

Love how Billy turned the focus on himself for the last verse and described how he’s also a tragic figure like the rest; not a holier than thou like it sounded earlier.

[@davidtogi5878]

indeed since in one way or another we were all a tragic figure

[@sallyatticum]

The lyric is even more genius, because it is "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."

[@BigNews2021]

My favorite verse from this song.

[@melissayost4888]

When this songs plays at a bar everyone breaks into song & sways back & forth. ‘They’re sharing a drink they call loneliness but it’s better than drinking alone.’

[@darkomtobia]

"Scenes From An Italian Restaurant" is another absolute great song.

[@bemused9522]

YES!!!! My favorite!

[@ZacCostilla]

It’s Billy Joel’s personal favorite that he wrote and performed.

[@mackssboo]

This was inspired by Joel's experiences playing at The Executive Room, a piano bar in Los Angeles. He worked there for six months in 1972 after his first solo album, Cold Spring Harbor, tanked. The characters in the song are based on real people Joel encountered while working at The Executive Room. The "waitress practicing politics" is Elizabeth Weber, who ended up becoming his first wife when Joel married her in 1973 (they divorced in 1982). Joel played under the name Bill Martin, which explains why the patrons in the song call him Bill. Martin is his middle name.

[@mtnvalley9298]

thanks!

[@joelliebler5690]

It only sank because the producer recorded the album at the wrong speed otherwise some of his best tunes are on that album and when it was re-recorded decade or 2 later that became evident!

[@AliasMark69]

Billy Joel Best - "Only The Good Die Young" a True Masterpiece.

[@helenstravis3834]

Billy Joel wrote another song about his career called "The Entertainer." Another one - of many- is one called "Keeping The Faith."

[@mikeyates7931]

You know , Harri , this is the power of music 🎶 I'm an Italian-American Man , you're a Black-British Man , but WE BOTH love and connect with THIS song 🎵 and THAT makes US Brothers

[@greatcaesarsghostwriter3018]

Some of Billy Joel's songs are better than the others. This is his masterpiece.

[@brianmasinelli9694]

' Captain Jack ' live in New York is an absolute must see.

[@dreamcruzer4743]

Quite right. "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" Has always been one of my favorites.

[@maryannturton9830]

Agreed!

[@elliotsmith9812]

He is kind to the people. He is not thrilled with his job and the manager, but he is kind to all of them.

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Scenes from an Italian Restaurant! One of the best live performers ever. Oh yes, he was the Piano Man!

[@bethking7348]

Billy fought alcoholism for quite a while. Bravo Billy on your recovery. Such a great artist. Thanks for posting

[@mariansinger2596]

This reminds me of folk singers like Harry Chapin-- love these songs that tell a story about everyday people.

[@kylesummers1565]

He had a ton of great songs. Most of my classmates in the 80's weren't very interested, but I loved "I Love You Just The Way You Are", "You May Be Right, I May Be Crazy", "The Longest Time", "She's Always a Woman", "My Life", "IT'S STILL ROCK AND ROLL TO ME", "Honesty". And, He held on to Christy Brinkley for a long time, so He had something going on.

[@theodoreritola9758]

My life and this song were from the 70s ,, and shes all ways a woman was 1978

[@kylesummers1565]

@@theodoreritola9758 Touché, but I graduated in 84, so my classmates encompassed the 70s and 80s. They were mostly either all "groove", all "country", or all "rock" (a little ALT/Techno, but that was really just getting started, and Rap was in it's infancy). BJ was an intermediary for me.

[@theodoreritola9758]

@@kylesummers1565 O OK

[@debbiechang5781]

He actually did work in a piano bar in his earlier days. Such a genius songwriter/storyteller/musician! A well deserved standing ovation from Harri is a great honor! 🌺✌️

[@maryannturton9830]

You can never go wrong with Billy Joel,the consummate storyteller!

[@lisarainbow9703]

I'm so thrilled and delighted that piano bars are making a comeback. They were normal entertainment in a lot of places, until disco and karaoke muscled them out for a few decades. Nothing beats the vibe and feeling of everyone gathered around the piano, singing familiar songs together in an informal atmosphere...

[@Gamesta100]

My favourite music instrument to hear is guitar with piano 2nd

[@randallshuck2976]

I suggest his "New York State of mind", or "We didn't start the fire". I have never heard a bad song from him.

[@BobC-fo3si]

I love this song. It's pure storytelling at it's best. My favorite line is, "But it's sad and it's sweet, and I knew it complete, when I wore a younger man's clothes"

[@richardkev3077]

He has many great songs. But the Piano Man is sheer genius.

[@jrobertlysaght]

"Zanzibar" is another great bar/story song by Billy Joel, I recommend it over the hits everyone else plays to death.

[@rayboston8737]

This song is a Masterpiece! He wrote it at 23!

[@mljrotag6343]

The Stranger, Goodnight Saigon and Allentown are all more serious well written songs.

[@torchape]

This song is so well written. The brilliance is in what's not said, the back story you can glean from so few words. Genius.

[@christopheryochum3602]

Yes, he started out doing this. Isn't it amazing how he's so good at the piano, at singing, at writing the music, and at storytelling, that he could do just one of those things as a vocation; but he does them all. Every song on every album he wrote.

[@bowtangey6830]

"Man, what are YOU doing here?" What a great, pithy, almost venomous line. Billy knew he had the goods! When would the world realize it? As perfect a song as ever could be. 💗💗💗

[@Cboy2023]

Harry..Scenes From An Italian Restaurant is his Masterpiece (not just my opinion)

[@alrivers2297]

Much like other great artists and bands, he has numerous masterpieces. Not just one

[@EShelby2127]

I was a doorman in college when the drinking age was 18. Mostly kids looking to hook-up. The bartenders and waitresses were the ones with the sadness... and the fighters... and the family that owned the bar, a MESS!

[@letsgomets002]

You my friend have the most accurate and intelligent reaction to this song ,compared to the others who have reacted that I've heard who didn't have a clue about the sadness of this song....for this I subscribed to your channel.

[@darleendionne6403]

Check out his song "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" - my favourite. However, any of his songs are worth hearing!

[@theodoreritola9758]

Why is it that most songs from the 70s are TIMLESS Like Piano Man

[@jA-du9qw]

"Talking with Davey whos is still in the Navy and probably will be for life" This could very well be a happy story. He obviously loves the Navy.

[@alrivers2297]

Pretty sure he didn't mean it that way. He's saying he's stuck there. Not really any options

[@oldladylovesBruno]

I think this is my favorite Billy Joel song. His voice is so clear. I hear every word. It bothers me when I hear a song and can't understand the words. Billy is perfection. I'm glad you listened to him. Another favorite of mine is by Aerosmith, "Dream On". I think you'd love it too.

[@geraldjensen6831]

One of the greatest artists of our time...

[@jamishops]

Thanks for reacting to my all time favorite, Billy Joel. The man is a genius with his words as well as his music. He loves all types of music and it shows in his eclectic catalog. Check out New York State of Mind, Goodnight Saigon, For the Longest time and so many more.

[@oldermusiclover]

mine will always be The Longest Time such wonderful harmonies

[@dasy2k1]

The lyrics of the entertainer are some of the best. Complete 2 fingers at the music industry which makes it even better

[@JackleenaO]

"Captain Jack." I dunno if you can get thru that one Harri; you've an abundance of compassion and the lyrics will devastate you!

[@Airestotle09]

One of the greatest songs ever written. Takes you to a different time

[@sherribrock2726]

Billy plays both the harmonica and the piano!

[@bethcrumpton476]

Two of his best thought provoking songs are "And So It Goes" and "Goodnight Saigon."

[@richardcummins5465]

Could listen to this song all day, every day. A classic.

[@peppernagre3126]

Jackson Brown - Load Out Stay

[@bookjeannie]

Billy Joel is memories of marrying my husband. Played the album over & over on his small console record player. 50 years ago now. Still love Billy. Fortunate to see him in concert, best concert ever. 5 encores! 🎶💙🎶💙

[@katherinebosse5706]

Well, it’s sad and it’s sweet and I knew it complete, when I wore a younger mans clothes. I can’t think of words more poignant or profound. He is such a wordsmith. ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@debbieeppsmullins208]

BEST Billy Joel song in my opinion.

[@timcoffin6350]

Who but Billy Joel would write a story using nothing but limericks? Genius.....

[@jodiedehart3314]

If you like the blues and jazz, you'd love Billy Joel's " New York State of Mind", the saxophone and piano are INSANE!!❤️❤️❤️

[@joannryan5929]

You need to react to We Didn't Start the Fire by Billy. He managed to put together a song about historic moments in American history in chronological order with rhyme. Fantastic!

[@IllumeEltanin]

Very deep hole you're diving in to with Billy Joel. I'll also suggest Scenes From An Italian Restaurant.

[@marymichael389]

Met the man. He was hiding out in LA to escape a bad music contract. So he played this club. Met the man. He was incredibly nice.

[@paulm.5979]

Nice! Billy Joel has had over 30 top 40 hits and so many amazing songs. Try River of Dreams, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Pressure, Keeping the Faith,, Honesty, We Didn't Start the Fire, just a few to get you started.

[@stevefreary7449]

After Paul McCartney Billy best songwriter ever in modern music era !!!

[@memorylanemodelcars]

This was the Song that Launched Billy Joels Career into the Stratosphere !

[@davidbarker77]

I remember a number of evenings sitting in a loud, smoke filled bar pretending to have a good time and wondering if there wasn’t a better place to be. And you’re right, it made you drink more. Thankfully I moved on to a marvelous wife and a beautiful daughter and a more meaningful life. This song came out at about the same time as my bar days and it stopped some of us in our tracks and made us think about it. Thanks, Harri! Try his Good Ship Alexa.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel) will tear you apart if you are a parent or were. Billy Joel was/is a genius.

[@JosephNordenbrockartistraction]

I like the line "and he knows that it's me they've been coming to see to forget about life for awhile" Like this regular gig is yours as long as you want it. People will offer you money if you shine above average with talent.

[@larryparker8677]

Billy Joel was a piano man before he became one of the best composers and singers of music. Piano men in that era were in most communities. It was a wonderful feeling of togetherness that you got from there presence.

[@j.k.1963]

Such a pleasure to hear this gem again. It stands for what music does for us. Billy Joel is just a great artist.

[@strongestfan9823]

Did you know he plays the harmonica and the piano at the same time when he does this live . I don’t know anyone else that can do that

[@tracyfrazier7440]

Billy Joel plays the harmonica too.

[@michaeltveten8458]

Whatever anyone wants to say about Billy Joel, there’s no refuting that he could tickle 88 keys, with perfection…………..

[@terryallen345]

The most elegant way to say "life can suck"

[@kiffliescott6109]

I still remember the first time I heard this song on the radio. It was 1974. I was thirteen years old. I knew I was hearing something special.

[@doncarlton4858]

Early in his career Billy Joel played piano in bars just like this in Los Angeles. That experience provided inspiration for this song.

[@jimmycranier3668]

Billy Joel has played Madison Square gardens about 130 times. Also has wrote 33 top 40 hits and still playing.

[@bromixsr]

Tou got it right when you compared the lyrics to poetry. Billy Joel is one of the all-time great songwriters. It's not that often you hear of a boy from New York being good with words.

[@southernwanderer7912]

I love Billy Joel. He's a great songwriter/singer and a poetic storyteller in a real way that people can understand.

[@KolozII]

Love me some Billy Joel! His catalogue is fantastic! Some highlights of his include "Uptown Girl", "The Longest Time", "New York State of Mind", "Only the Good Die Young", and "Just the Way You Are". There are a lot more, but to keep this post short, I'll stop it there.

[@rogerdodger6025]

Every word of this song is autobiographical. Joel did work in a piano bar and all the names and lives of the people in the song are real according to him.

[@mikelamb828]

his signature song, and his live performances at Shea Stadium and the tribute when he was presented the Kennedy Center Honors are priceless performances.

[@barbarafrazier3242]

Yes.... Joel’s early career was playing piano in little bars and this is him reminiscing the people he had encountered.

[@linjicakonikon7666]

Life is lived out in quiet desperation. 🎶Hey Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me. I'm not sleepy and there is no place I'm going to..🎶

[@patholguin5503]

Welcome aboard! As a fan of Billy Joel, I'm glad that you understood the excellent story that Billy was telling. Billy has been writing great songs for decades.

[@marcuspi999]

The brilliance of this song is the ending. He goes through one sad story after another. Each person is in transition or is stuck in life. But notice that it all culminates with the lyric, "man, what are you doing here?" Meaning, it's him too. He is better than his circumstances. He's a musician who is great, yet here he is too.

[@oldcougar65]

In my youth I can remember going up to the lead singer and asking, "What are YOU doing here?" I was in my cups at the time.

[@kylemoran4343]

The first time I saw Billy Joel, was back in the early 70's at the Baltimore Civic Center. He was an unheard of opening act, (the crowd Loved him) and he blew us away. He was opening for an act named Alice Cooper... The whole show was great ! Plus one of my friends might of brought some LSD... it was the 70's after all. lol

[@janicepitkin9650]

I find it amazing that you're only discovering these songs now. Many people have lived their entire lives listening to Billy

[@Gamesta100]

This is a song that makes you picture the bar and the occupants he describes. You don't just listen you also experience.

[@shanenolan8252]

True story billy had a bad contract and a non compete for a period of time and he spend around a year playing piano in a bar to make a living. But he wrote this hit during or based on that time .

[@jimmcintyre7754]

So true Bestie. I lived and studied in NYC to be an artist and wound up being one of those business men the waitress was practicing politics to.

[@robinreiley1828]

I saw Billy Joel at the 14th St Academy of Music in NYC in early 72. He was the opening act for J.Giels Band and Captain Beefheart. It was just before "Piano Man" was released. He played a very bitter medley of songs by piano players, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elton John, Leon Russell etc. He knew he was better than all of them but had yet to make it. In a few months his whole life would change!

[@cindyduncan7049]

"As the smile ran away from his face" so poetic.

[@matt75hooper]

"When I wore a younger man's clothes........." Wow.

[@davids.reynolds4883]

i.ve met him a few times, as when he bought my book WALT WHITMAN'S AMERICA at a book fair for his then-girlfriend. He was down to earth. Real nice guy. By the way, he's an absolute musical genius--of course!

[@eschaflowne]

Try hearing “And So It Goes.” Best lyrics you’ll ever hear.

[@alessandrociviero9507]

This song is dedicated to all unknown artists that works in unknown places and give emotions to unknown people who want escape from every day pain for a little while. Incredibly emotional song...

[@hammerpocket]

This looks like a video Billy Joel made in the 80s after MTV took off. He certainly didn't look like that in 1973.

[@rumblebars]

So, are you asking the question or do you know the answer already? I just had the same thought as you just now, and went and researched it. Yes this vid is from 1985. It's also a re-make, a video had previously been made when the song was new. And the audio track used for that first video was an alternate studio version. Both facts were enough incentive for me to go and dig up and watch/listen to that older version. I think that video fits the song better, and I like hearing a slightly different performance on the audio.

[@shanenolan8252]

I used to work in a place like this .

[@danpals7678]

Best bar song ever