Billy Joel - Big Man On Mulberry Street (Audio)

In 1986, Billy Joel released his tenth studio album The Bridge. Listen to Billy Joel performing 'Big Man on Mulberry Street.'
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Music video by Billy Joel performing Big Man on Mulberry Street. (C) 2011 Sony Music Entertainment
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Lyrics:
Why can't I lay low
Why can't I say what I mean
Why don't I stay home
And get myself into some boring routine
Why can't I calm down
Why is it always a fight
I can't get unwound
Why do I throw myself into the night
Billy Joel's official KZbin channel features music videos, live performances, interviews, TV appearances and more. Best known for his first hit song, 'Piano Man', in 1973, Billy has written and recorded thirty- three Top 40 hits in the United States. He is a six-time Grammy Award winner, a 23-time Grammy nominee and one of the world's best-selling artists of all time, having sold over 150 million records worldwide. Billy Joel is the sixth-best-selling recording artist and the third-best-selling solo artist in the United States.

[@jackprather81]

He performed this song alongside Sting for his 100th Madison Square residency show last week. So glad to hear this underrated gem.

[@LESHP]

Sooooo, I am from Little Italy. Raised at Spring Street, at the corner of Mulberry Street where my family had a building for over 90 years. I have to say that Billy has this down 100%. Actually, 1000%. The last line, "What if nobody finds out who I am" encapsulates 99% of the people walking the block. I love this and have loved it from day one.

[@christinamuzzu6414]

Thank you for this! This song is so moving in the last lines and it is great to know he nailed it in terms of authenticity too. Amazing talent.

[@joanneblack7697]

👍

[@stanleymasterson1135]

I'm also from the area. The crowd who would ask "What if nobody finds out who I am?" has not existed for a very long time. It's more like 0% today, not 99%

[@georgebowen3925]

I remember Bruce Willis dancing to this on Moonlighting. Awesome 👌

[@270687carl]

funny, I only knew this song through Moonlighting and youtube did the rest :)

[@shipped_my_pants_3000]

Such a unique sound separates this album apart from his other releases. So polished and refined

[@kpdotexe3649]

Being a lifetime Billy Joel fan and visiting NYC for the first time and walking down Mulberry Street in Little Italy at night while blasting this song in my headphones was one of the best experiences of my life.

[@smrk2452]

I do that too!

[@garyreid2178]

The first initial thought that came to my mind was the episode of Moonlighting. Another one is the song That’s Killer Joe. This is one of those songs that you must listen to while walking around in New York City. This is very powerful music that Billy composed.

[@jhamler1]

Billy Joel's drummer is underrated. WAY underrated.

[@mck1972]

That's Liberty DeVito.

[@bonfigliothomas425]

Sting did a righteous performance. Nailed it.

[@SandyCheeks63564]

Pretty good song! Moonlighting brought me here. Wonder why they Never play this one on the radio.

[@dh0ithompson542]

🎶 🎶 🎤 Whoa! Where have I been?! First time hearing this! What a JAZZY CLASSY JAM! 👐🏿 👐🏿

[@milpa24]

Moonlighting....Always and forever...One of the best episodes ever, and Billy wanted this song to be on Moonlighting...Amazing...Who can forget Stanley Donen's choreography?

[@coolaunt516]

it was a throwback to Cyd Charisse and Gene Kelly

[@christianbalocco2913]

This is rock jazz

[@sikhanyiso2893]

The transition at 1:42 is my favorite part of the song.

[@karolina_14]

"Sometimes I panic / what if nobody finds out who I am?"

[@joeBishop866]

Just went to see Joel and Sting perform this in Tampa. WHAT A GREAT SHOW! Worth every penny. Floor seats 20 rows back.

[@chriskellison5400]

One of his finest songs and arrangements, a musical genius if your a musician you already know this about him and it can't be denied!!!

[@yahyalotfi4475]

Chr is Kellison

[@ztoob8898]

I once provided music for a company picnic. Lugged the sound system out to the park and everything. Put on some Billy Joel, not too loud, so I wouldn't bother other people. Some a-hole co-worker came up to me and said, "I don't like Billy Joel." My response was basically "Tough shit. You want to listen to your music, you bring your sound system. Besides, you see anyone complaining besides you?" He shut it after that. Hell, it was a mix; there were, like, only a couple of Billy Joel tracks. What was his problem?

[@royidron5852]

Agreed Chris, not to take anything from Bill, as even without the horns it's just incredible, but technically the horns and i think the walking bassline arrangement in that bridge were done by Rob Mounsey or Monsey a good arranger who did a lot in the 80s, one of his other great bits was he contributed that great Horn Hook for "You Can Call Me All" by Paul Simon...he played piano on "against all odds" (tho most of the arrangement was already done by Phil and the producer). And just 1 last nugget, he worked a lot with Steely Dan I think late 70s, so feel free to look it up to see what he contributed to them.. possibly horn part for "dirty work" not 100% sure on that one

[@ceemac5656]

A masterpiece, my first time hearing it! A tribute to jazz!

[@breadsticat6264]

This song feels very much like Sting's music from the late 80's early 90's Billy Joel was ahead of the curve!

[@adele3618]

Keep your sunny days, leave us in the rain

[@lmggmr3699]

Big Tyler on dema street

[@jimmyjames6318]

Thank God for that music teacher!

[@mojosabien]

It’s actually a very interesting song this one. Most piano based numbers are carried very much by the piano. Pianist song writers do that a lot, Billy Joel has done that a lot but instead on this number, the chords played on the piano merely reinforce the rhythm of the track, allowing the melody and harmonies to be picked up by the big band backing him. A sure sign of a writer, writing and performing a number so as to make the track the best it can be, rather than restrict where it can go by having most of it done on the piano, thus pampering the performers ego. Class work by Billy on this one in all regards, writing and production.

[@suddenpause774]

Omg. Mionlighting!!! Me too. Love that!!!

[@charlielinville1560]

52nd St. NYC...used to be the place you could go hear the best Jazz live in the world,,,for example....Jimmys...on 52nd St. Phil Ramone produced a great Live album...Michel Legrand Live at Jimmys. 1972

[@pamaer]

I'm 51 and I would have done ANYTHING to have been there to hear it live! Billy Joel gave me the chance.

[@alexandersmith5429]

Why can't I lay low Why can't I say what I mean Why don't I stay home And get myself into some boring routine Why can't I calm down Why is it always a fight I can't get unwound Why do I throw myself into the night I'm on the outside I don't fit into the groove Now I ain't a bad guy So tell me what am I trying to prove Why can't I cool out Why don't I button my lip Why do I lash out Why is it I always shoot from the hip I cruise from Houston to canal street A misfit and a rebel I see the winds talking to themselves And I can understand Why is it everytime I go out I always seem to get in trouble I guess I made an impression on somebody North of Hester and south of grand And so in my small way I'm a big man on Mulberry street I don't mean all day Only at night when I'm light on my feet What else have I got That I'd be trying to hide Maybe a blind spot I haven't seen from the sensitive side But you know in my own heart I'm a big man on Mulberry street I play the whole part I leave a big tip with every receipt I'm so romantic I'm such a passionate man Sometimes I panic What if nobody finds out who I am

[@86BarbOmega]

im in love with those lyrics, that song, mmmmmm

[@roberttedesco738]

Sounds like me in bensonhurst by day,then on my sanitation route all in that neck of the woods! Lol

[@pauldecoster]

Alexander Smith This song is very ambitious vocally. Who knew he had a range like that?

[@etamommy]

He did at one time anyway- you also here it in his falsetto parts on innocent man.

[@agenteconejo4454]

Sir, this is a masterpiece.

[@patrickmichaellangan576]

Here's a real New York vibe for ya.

[@philippaul66]

Love It !!

[@travisbraden423]

Exactly this!

[@iainsmith2434]

This song was about the 3rd number of the first of his live concerts I went to in 1986 and just blew the doors off. Check the live in Russia version to get the same sound and vibe, pure gold!

[@rmtmiller]

1980 Madison Square Garden, NYC!

[@seanswinton6242]

I agree. I saw him on that tour in 1986 as well. I met Liberty DiVito before that show, great guy. Awesome show. I wish I lived in NY to see Billy Joel more often.

[@Doctor_Kissworthy]

I have the Russian Concert album, yes it's incredible.

[@a.m.godwin8610]

One of my all-time fave Billy Joel songs. Great lyrics and music.

[@realpolitik2617]

This is an album with no fillers and extenders. Excellent job.

[@iiz6966]

GO AHEAD ON WITH YOUR BAD-ASS SELF, MR. JOEL!!!

[@ejrosenthal]

I'm not much of a Billy Joel fan...yet this is my FAVORITE RECORDING of all time! Go figure.

[@heavnnnsent]

Love him....Billy Joel is so amazingly talented with Melody Harmony and even those fake 1950 do-ops.... I hate 1950 type music but somehow... I love all of his fake 1950 songs. I have so many favorite Billy Joel songs... I can't even name them all.

[@7591spacealien]

One of my fav tunes..check this version @18:15 Billy Joel -big man on mulberry street Moscow 1987

[@ChiefJusticeMcGruder]

Forever connected to Moonlighting

[@timcline6871]

What an arrangement

[@SM-qe4wd]

Moonlighting!

[@ztoob8898]

Yeah, I first heard this track on that show, and ran out and bought the album (later the CD).

[@liquidmetaldream]

YES! ❤❤

[@supitsdan1]

Such a brilliant melody

[@simonmcevoybenarroch1998]

daniel listen to any other song and come back and read this

[@flastatenole]

This whole album is good. The greatness of Joel.

[@marceloinustroza5795]

This is an exercise of different vibes composition....only Billy can do it...

[@theMoodytheDoodle]

I just love him

[@itsmylife842]

I do too! He is among the BEST, Ever!!!

[@cody8804]

I didn't like this song at first but I've warmed to it quite a bit

[@charlielinville1560]

its got that Killer Joe vibe. :)

[@ckeenmanagement]

You are an inspiration! You are still involved strongly in your musical talent after all these years! I so wish I could have grew up in your era but I was born in the peak of your "signature" song. At least I can go back and look you up to listen to songs that I grew up to, listened to, and loved! YOU are appreciated! Lots of love!!!

[@Doctor_Kissworthy]

Never seen tBilly on stage as I live in the UK and never had a chance to see him live, but I did go to an Elio Pace concert, and boy, did it seem so real...

[@Ze_spy_tf2]

Underated song, its so catchy

[@Dominion-1]

Billy with the Big Band and I luv it.

[@rmtmiller]

One of my favorites.

[@user-qc2tp7wm5v]

Dude had some range in his music...a very talented songster.

[@bryansarracino8623]

I love this jam

[@jeffreycraven8154]

Saw Billy at the Cap Center outside of the Beltway 495, doing every tune on this album. The audio tech had a buzzing going on, I could hardly stand the buzz; my date and I left early (year? 1986 or 87). Still love the LP recording.

[@blackamerican40]

this song will always bring up Moonlighting!! Cybill busting through those doors like a seductress and passionately kissing Bruce Willis.....and it's all a dream!!! Classic!!!

[@royidron5852]

same here!! haha such happy memories - i was 11 i think and was very nervous about the whole "dating" / "girl" thing and something in the way Cybil and Bruce danced was so pure it really broke thru and made me less so

[@gingerdurbin9425]

I loved loved loved it!!!!

[@musicborders]

Ginger Durbin me too!

[@bonniejanedrake7303]

I loved it on Moonlighting! Big Moonlighting fan here!

[@coolaunt516]

@@bonniejanedrake7303 me too!

[@bryansarracino8623]

Moonlighting

[@KeithRobinson]

still my hero Billy you blend eras genres messages ..always a familiar message and easy listening..luv it

[@danielmarcus8906]

This is my theme song for myself

[@DBMe33]

Its one of my theme songs, too. 🎶👍

[@leealvarez6857]

Does anyone know if the Moonlighting version ( all 6:14 + ) was ever released on a cd single . B side or other wise . I love the Long Version but can't find it any where.

[@alexvanwoert4907]

Billy Joel mixed with Supertramp....kickass

[@LW7333LW]

Moonlighting Season 3

[@retroflow44]

Yeah, this is so New York.

[@massimilianolilli693]

che bella canzone 1987

[@tomwakemsr.4942]

For me this was an instant hit and I still love it. But I have to say that, to me, the band has a certain Late Show sound to it. Not complaining, I like it. Is it because Paul Sheaffer wishes he was Billy Joel?

[@LeatherCladVegan]

There are a few factors, but the main one is that it was recorded and mixed digitally, not onto tape like most of Billy's previous albums. Tape gives a warm, soft sound to recordings, but digital is very sharp and crisp. I much prefer tape. This was in the early days of digital, too, when it sounded terrible. The Late Show band is streaming digitally into your TV or computer as well, obviously. It's only analogue when it's in the mic cables, before it reaches the converter to be processed. Hope that helps.

[@lorrielochband9915]

I can completely see David Lee Roth singing this🤓😂🙂🙃🙂🙃😂

[@seanscanlon9067]

Sting has performed it as a guest at some of Billy's shows. I get The Police sound from Running On Ice from the same album but did not think of Sting for this one but if so, maybe more after he went solo.

[@marceloinustroza5795]

No...you can't do that...

[@paulfranco3239]

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@user-yn5sn7gv4m]

........ooo baby.......

[@LSommer]

Top Shelf Tune.

[@nuttavut2528]

💙

[@somena]

salut 100 years

[@davidcrawford9384]

Since the introduction of this masterpiece I've live in Atlanta but on this day Ithought of my Uncle Alvin Burroughs was a big band drummer from Chicago.It fits him so we'll . Great body of work agreat man . I salute both on December 30th,2020

[@phil1pd]

Getting steely dan vibes on this one.

[@cameronwhite8062]

This does have Donald Fagen written all over it.

[@richardnewell8478]

Here's the Moonlighting clip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fonZnJxrgrCDd6s

[@joes0406]

Sounds like the Letterman theme

[@mlmr11]

The last album produced by Ramone. There's some good music on this album but it's inconsistent and is sonically poor in spots: particularly on songs like "This is The Time" and "Matter of Trust" This particular song is a jewel, however.

[@quatonyawhite8043]

Mark Ahh, that why I didn't like the albums after this one.

[@rockrollhi-figuy6824]

Those are the best 2 songs on the album to for me. This ones up there too

[@jade-br1xx]

Here's the link to a live version of this song. Sounds great! You'll love it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j57VYXWGesh-pJI

[@ThrilltimeHeadache]

3:10

[@daihuku4094]

和田アキ子そっくり

[@jimmyjames6318]

Unfortunately the instrumental portion reminds me how light on his feet Bruce Willis is NOT 🤣

[@LSommer]

Who I Am?

[@somena]

See - if humanity is to survive an extinction level event... here on earth (asteroid or ecology or wars screwed unfixably ) by Big gov and Big Business War Machine etc - we need to be colonizing other systems per Elon Musk's efforts 40 year plan. I would really really reallly love to see YOUR music be an integral part of the Library of Human Art that is going along with the Mars mission. How much? And can we work on the Von Mises music work too? And can we translate a few songs into Hul'qumi'num. Ball park it for me? How much for the rights to all that? Please lemme know XOXOXOXOXOXO

[@matthewrocco4138]

Right

[@theotheoth]

not at all a fan of billy joel. but i do love this one track.

[@colinmcphan]

Billy Joel is AMAZING and brilliant. Great songwriter/singer and musician! This song is sublime and so wonderfully New York!!!

[@amyroberts2211]

How can anyone say they dont love this guy? He always has and always will be my favorite singer of all time

[@mardabo4078]

Of the scores of brilliant Billy Joel tunes you picked this one to like?

[@berniefunk3840]

@@mardabo4078 Maybe that person is a fan of jazz?

[@mardabo4078]

A technically sound piece but not inspired as were his hits in his heyday.

[@simonmcevoybenarroch1998]

embarrassingly bad billy joel track

[@seanscanlon9067]

There is nothing either embarrassing nor bad about it.

[@mlbfan79]

I disagree, I think it's a masterpiece