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

[@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.

[@peppernagre3126]

Jackson Brown - Load Out Stay

[@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

[@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.

[@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! :)

[@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!

[@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.

[@greatcaesarsghostwriter3018]

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

[@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.

[@59elgreco]

Based on his true life experiences !!

[@danpals7678]

Best bar song ever

[@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.

[@shalomirene1]

love you man x

[@Angel268201]

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

[@eschaflowne]

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

[@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 ?

[@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.

[@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.

[@richardcummins5465]

Standing ovation from you. RESPECT man!

[@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

[@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.’

[@dlbeal]

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.

[@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! 🤣😂🤣

[@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. 💗💗💗

[@memorylanemodelcars]

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

[@tcanfield]

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

[@helenstravis3834]

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

[@AliasMark69]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@bethking7348]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@terryallen345]

The most elegant way to say "life can suck"

[@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

[@sherribrock2726]

Billy plays both the harmonica and the piano!

[@richardcummins5465]

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

[@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.

[@ReallyFarFarAway]

👉 ... " - Fantastic !!! " ... 👈

[@rayboston8737]

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

[@lesblatnyak5947]

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

[@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! 🎶💙🎶💙

[@Airestotle09]

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

[@mikei70]

If you like the harmonica, check out Blues Traveler. Runaround is a good start.

[@janicepitkin9650]

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

[@drohegda]

Harri Billy Joel songs "" Poetry In Motion "". What a gift to have grown up listening to Billy's music. 🎹👍😎

[@jrobertlysaght]

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

[@richardkev3077]

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

[@mljrotag6343]

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

[@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

[@maryannturton9830]

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

[@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.

[@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! 🌺✌️

[@bookjeannie]

Billy Joel is our love story, played him over & over! 🎶💙

[@cindyduncan7049]

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

[@Lakeshore14]

Have seen Billy in concert twice. His shows are fantastic. For Piano Man he plays the harmonica. His songs are legendary and too numerous to mention. Thanks for your reaction.

[@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.

[@jimmycranier3668]

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

[@geraldjensen6831]

One of the greatest artists of our time...

[@MichaelTuriano-uj9mw]

another great song is tomorrow is today.

[@thomastimlin1724]

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

[@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!

[@IllumeEltanin]

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

[@ericpohlmeyer4116]

Fantastic reaction !! Thanks my brother!

[@mariansinger2596]

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

[@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

[@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..🎶

[@charlesturner3688]

Billy Joel Keeping The Faith

[@davidmaholchic6146]

Love the standing ovation well deserving love you

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@matt75hooper]

A Masterpiece for the ages.

[@stevefreary7449]

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

[@ronbrown912]

One of the greatest songs ever written.

[@dawnscheerhoorn9583]

Billy Joel is a genius.

[@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"

[@tracyfrazier7440]

Billy Joel plays the harmonica too.

[@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.

[@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.

[@southernwanderer7912]

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

[@bkm2797]

Billy actually did play at a bar in LA, he went under a different name, and this song is about real people he met there.

[@henrikpersson4371]

no doubt that billy is 1 of the goats, brilliant lyrics served with soul

[@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

[@tryingtolearn2876]

One of the Best songs written by a musician in lew of what he does, plays a piano.

[@doncarlton4858]

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

[@thekingcobra63]

Billy Joel is an American Icon. So many of his songs are classics. Try New York State of Mind.

[@Gamesta100]

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

[@simplysteve5149]

Hey Harry....you keep saying nobody in the song was happy......But I think the manager of the bar was happy to see his bar crowded with people spending money...gave Billy a smile.

[@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.

[@stevejoshua9536]

I tell you the truth, Harry, from my bar-hopping days many years ago. A lot of the people who are regulars in the bars are either lonely, dissatisfied, or disappointed.

[@kathrynkissane5144]

Your listening skills are incredible. The lyrics are so meaningful. You actually LISTEN.

[@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.

[@philminion3675]

This is billy joels best song

[@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!!❤️❤️❤️

[@barbarafrazier3242]

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

[@barbarabweaver1]

We Didn’t Start the Fire is worth a listen, he has many great songs.