Billy Joel - Close to the Borderline (Audio)

[@fieldingm1969]

Three minutes and forty-nine seconds of brilliance. Everything works.

[@terrencesheehan446]

Timeless Classic that you will never hear on the radio! 🎹🎹🎹

[@joefriedmanfriedman3087]

I played it on college radio but i hear ya!

[@creamydistortion]

@@joefriedmanfriedman3087 Thanks for your service.

[@leefreed2060]

My favorite song

[@tommcdonough6086]

I found this song really early when I got this album for my birthday I was like 14, great song that NEVER got airplay, and never will get old for me, God only knows in the past how many times I pissed off the neighbors with this HOUSE SHAKER, one of my favorite Billy Joel songs, 55 now where does the time go 😮

[@douglas2902]

And that's ashame

[@Apotheosis-]

truly, if there's any song that's eternally relevant it's this one

[@andrewluchsinger]

I purchased this album in 1980. It was my very first album. I played the shit out of this. I'm going on 55 now and I still remember the lyrics.

[@lindamcd1217]

Rrrrich man... love it!

[@tommcdonough6086]

Yea, sounds like myself , 55 as well this album was constantly played, my first love was music. CTTB Lyrics are burned into my brain as well, remember cranking this song in an apartment I rented, had a very advanced stereo system, and was winding some beers down, Somebody called the police, they showed up while this was pumping, the cop said I like Billy Joel too, but that doesn't mean the neighborhood does. He was cool about it. I was like 23 or so this song brings me back to my youth and never gets old. 55 now where does the time go 😮😮. Peace..............

[@kevinobrien9626]

Wasn't it scary, as a kid, hearing this interpretation of what we were seeing on the news? Carter, hostages, gasahol, blackouts, Ed Koch ... I love looking back on it.

[@Mo4Honesty]

​@@kevinobrien9626 don't forget Son of Sam

[@ATCguy1973]

Well if you can't get gas you can't drive fast anymore on the parkways 😁🤣👍

[@molly9230]

This song and this album are BADASS. Borderline and Leyna are two of his very best deep cuts, period. The labels typically picked the singles then. The industry tried to pigeonhole him as a balladeer, and he pretty much gave them the finger with this one. Best album title ever, btw...his way of sticking it to the critics. 👍

[@craigcoleman967]

The 2 standout songs on the album for sure!! Hope the last 5 years have been kind to you Molly! It's weird how immediate KZbin "isn't". Kinda part of its appeal too for me.

[@EdDanaGuitar]

Sleeping With The Television On..

[@jeffalley9603]

Agreed 100%

[@jamesedgar3442]

I like these little side trips Billy took into hard rock every now and then.

[@micnorton9487]

@bucky468 ..DID NOT know that,, thanks...

[@cosmikitty6969]

Mic Norton I believe I am border line from body Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

[@kaleidoscopicvoid]

I agree. Even the tracks that didn't get [much] radio are interesting

[@GoAsCloseAsYouCan]

This isn’t hard rock

[@derekmyers3258]

@@GoAsCloseAsYouCan What he meant to say is that this is hard rock if you're not looking for an argument. Nice name, by the way.

[@cellini051]

This is such a great song! I don't know if this is just me, but it kind of has a little bit of a Led Zeppelin feel to it. Billy can play anything, rock & roll, jazz, pop, classical, even has "The River of Dreams," a gospel sounding song. The guy is so talented, just one reason why he's my favorite musician!

[@mattirantala6091]

I was looking for the Zeppelin comment!

[@RandallB]

Yes I was thinking that

[@robertkysilka3216]

Mine also he's all over the map and every where he goes he's awesome

[@flexiblestrategist9922]

@@mattirantala6091 I can hear Zeppelin also. This could have been on In Through the Out Door.

[@Diomede-Lefort]

@@flexiblestrategist9922 I was thinking of "Houses of the Holy" first...

[@MBACCR]

One of the best rock and roll songs he ever released The guitar distortion at 2:35 was always my favourite part

[@kevinobrien9626]

The guitarists are doing an update of the Beatles guitar duel during THE END. The first soloist seems to be emulating George Harrison's tone; the second one is Lennon's. 2:35 is Lennon's tone, totally, along with the distorted double-stops that ended ABBEY ROAD.

[@jts3853]

Sounds very Revolution of him

[@kevinmcnamara2082]

You can’t afford to squander what you’re not prepared to pay... what an amazing track

[@luisj.martinez6038]

This album is the best from Billy Joel, no matter what other people say! It takes me back to the best years listening to American music, as well as in the 80s...Billy Joel is the man!

[@Bri11bri]

This was the first Billy Joel album I ever listened to when I was little and now I'm hooked :)

[@SissyShamrock]

"Glass Houses" and "The Bridge" are my 2 favorites.

[@Dreaded88]

@ Luis J. Martinez: Sorry man, but Nylon Curtain was much better, as a whole album. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKDTfaitf694obs

[@oboogie2]

@@Dreaded88 I had (have) both albums when they were new. I am a huge fan of Nylon Curtain, but overall I think this is his best (and that's saying something considering Nylon Curtain and 52d St.). Not a weak song on it.

[@bigpoop3073]

oboogie2 this album, nylon curtain, 52nd street, and the stranger are some of the greatest albums ever created

[@NotRiansLuke]

I inherited this cassette as a kid in the 80s, and I must have listened to it 1000 times. Great songs on this album! Another favorite of mine was "Sleeping with the Television On," though I didn't really understand that one until I was in high school. :D

[@lindamcd1217]

That's funny!

[@cubfan2537]

This is a great album! All killer no filler!!

[@charliedontsurf70]

he was the bomb back then.dont anyone ever say he couldnt rock,this was the flip side of "you may be right" i played this more!!!!!got me thru the summer of 80.thank you billy.

[@barberino1989]

I love when he rolls that R at 1:20

[@jimulaszek5871]

Libery Devito. Love his groove. Billy is one of the most underrated musicians ever.

[@JDSoos]

Liberty is one of the best!

[@michaelbarber5633]

And he fired him with no notice.

[@Will140f]

6 Grammys and being one of the top selling artists of all time say he's anything but underrated

[@bigpoop3073]

Will In his time, he was pretty noticed, but not anymore. I wonder why? He has lots of hits and all his music is amazing.

[@nickdidomizio7328]

@@bigpoop3073 He's not noticed? He's sold out over 80 consecutive shows in a row at MSG (current streak) and has some of his top (not my favorite because of them being overplayed) hits such as 'Piano Man' and 'We Didn't Start The Fire' played on the radio a lot even to this day. Also, the younger generation goes to these concerts and know most, if not all, of his songs, hit or not.

[@howtodoitdude1662]

It always amazes me how a pianist can write a kick ass guitar song with great lyrics too!

[@cgdoublezerorc]

Lots more guitar on this album than piano because he had recently had an accident on his motorcycle. He broke his arm or wrist, I forget which. The lady that hit him had no clue who he was.

[@qotitadelsol8689]

@@cgdoublezerorc that accidnent was in 1982. Glass Houses is more aggressive and biting as a response to new wave and punk rock.

[@marytheresa1943]

This record was the first Billy Joel album that I got. I was 11 when I had it. Played it all the time. Good old days. After that, to this day, I will always love me some Billy Joel.

[@asnrobert]

My first album as well! I was 16 when it came out.

[@midnightrider1827]

First Cassette I ever bought

[@Mikemoto1]

This is the best deep track Billy Joel song ever.

[@nickcapozio7134]

Sorry but Nothing is better then Zanzibar

[@ATCguy1973]

I agree

[@asnrobert]

One of my favorite Billy Joel songs. I especially like listening to it after a rough day at work.

[@Jaydawg1250]

This album is one of my all time favorites. Brings me back to my youth living overseas. Thanks Billy

[@michaelsjourney666]

The best artists are always a little prophetic...

[@SabrehamLincoln]

Probably my favourite Billy Joel deep cut. That undeniably cool pocket of Liberty DeVitto's drumming, with the desperate, jerky guitar work of Russell Javors & David Brown (and their spazzy call & answer solo), combined with Billy's anxious, tormented vocal, really make this a song where the instrumentation makes you feel the lyrics even more than the lyrics do.

[@monicamattox72]

billy joel is PURE genius always a fan...loved this album during the hey day of NEW WAVE "I only write and play what I would want to HEAR on a radio station " BILLY JOEL real gritty human original rock and roll artists he ROCKS ....dj: spy-girl dallas :)

[@NickHanley]

65 comments after 2 decades? Mr. Joel, you were prescient. I don't know why I'm still a nice guy. I bow to you and your music. Also, you play a pretty good classical score. Much love to you! Seriously.

[@lindamcd1217]

I'm pretty sure this is my favorite BJ album. So fun. So playful. And SO smooth!

[@balloons2388]

Blackout, heatwave, .44 caliber homicide The bums drop dead and dogs gone mad In packs on the West Side Young girl standing on a ledge looks like another suicide She wants to hit those bricks Cause the news at six gotta stick to a deadline While the millionaires hide in Beekman Place The bag ladies throw their bones in my face I get attacked by a kid with stereo sound I don't want to hear it but he won't turn it down Life is tough but it's just enough To hold back the tears until it's closing time I survived, I'm still alive But I'm getting close to the borderline Close to the borderline A buck three eighty Won't buy you much lately on the street these days And when you can get gas You know you can't drive fast anymore on the parkways Rich man, poor man, either way American Shoved into the lost and found The no nuke yell we're gonna all go to hell With the next big meltdown I got remote control and a color T.V. I don't change channels so they must change me I got real close friends that will get me high They don't know how to talk and they ain't gonna try I shouldn't bitch, I shouldn't cry I'd start a revolution but I don't have time I don't know why I'm still a nice guy But I'm getting close to the borderline Close to the borderline I thought I'd sacrifice so many things I thought I'd throw them all away I didn't think I needed anything But you can't afford to squander what you're not prepared to pay I need a doctor for my pressure pills I need a lawyer for my medical bills I need a banker to finance my home But I need security to back my loan It isn't new what I'm going through But everybody knows you got to break sometime Another night I fought the good fight But I'm getting closer to the borderline Closer to the borderline

[@PsychoThirteen]

Bought this album when it was released back in 1980. My personal favorite Billy Joel song. Super under-rated tune.

[@brettbasil]

I flipped to the b-side ,and never stopped after hearing this in 1980

[@1968jimmymack]

this should have been released as a single. great song.

[@danielhayes7967]

One of my favorite flip sides EVER.

[@NotEvenRelevant]

Daniel Hayes borderline !!1..;)

[@coryfrey6199]

Billy Joel's albums are part of the sound track of my life!! Love it. Thanks for ALL the great music and memories over the years.....roller skating and the parking lot afterwards!! lol Cheers!

[@msjesuswoman]

JOEL...can and has expressed himself, yesterday, today, and tomorrows "views" in his lyrics, and his music is unsurpassed ...bar none!

[@douglas2902]

I was never a Billy joel and ive heard a few of his albums. Straight ahead Rock n Roll album my favorite by him. A genuine masterpiece every song could have been a hit

[@snapfinger1]

He’d start a Revolution but he don’t have time.

[@brotherhades4955]

I'm a lifelong metal head in an incredibly violent place in my head right now. But I chose THIS over any number of brutal fucking tracks from death metal & grindcore artists because right now it's speaking to me in a huge fucking way! That shows you just how awesome Joel is as a composer.

[@alslaughter4303]

Loved Billy, ever since, the stranger album

[@archiebunkersgrandpa7071]

My favorite Billy Joel song.

[@biakabutooka]

What a wonderful stone cold classic from BJ!I know he's done scores of songs that are infinitely more popular,but for me this tune kills!The lyrics,the musicianship,the production.A vastly underappreciated song IMHO.

[@creamydistortion]

I do this song live, and it's extremely satisfying every time!!! Thanks, Billy!

[@alexwinter666]

Reminds me of the good old days of NYC in the 1970s and 1980s.

[@NotEvenRelevant]

B.O.C.

[@sandrasanders706]

That's what I was thinking my mind went back to the blackout of 77 everytime I hear this I think about that...

[@thegoldenmanandthefrog1323]

My favorite "Billy Joel" song. Great guitar!

[@mlmr11]

+TheGoldenManAndTheFrog I just listened to this song for the 7'th time in a row .. Love the line "I got real close friends that 'll get me high; they don't know how to talk and they ain't gonna try"

[@thegoldenmanandthefrog1323]

+Mark Yeah, that's a great line. I like it when he says "I don't change channels so they must change me."

[@SissyShamrock]

The drums are amazing, too!

[@barbarasessions9693]

First album I saved up for and bought when I was like 10. Still the best I think.

[@jpiperprince]

A very underrated song! Love it!!

[@laurielee652]

Fits right in now !

[@paradoxward2533]

it really is shocking that at the age of 58, having first heard this song as a teen, it still resonates so deeply...., hell, today, even more!! god help me. surely I'm closer than ever to the borderline.

[@ohlwilliam4838]

How I miss the days of 12" vinyl...and the album art that came with it. Great track and one of the best album cover art IMHO.

[@HeavyZeppelin68]

Lyrics are a triumph in this tune. Thanks!

[@olddirtytattooedwarhorse7772]

in a catalog full of more hits than i can even remember all at once, on an album full of those kinds of hits, full of just COOL music, this song still stands out for being just sofa king cool... such a fun jam!!!

[@mikeralston777]

Liberty makes this Joel's best song ever.

[@davidramsey2411]

An absolute gem in the deep cuts category. I know some self professed BJ fans that don't know this son, but they know after talking to me!

[@laural1784]

Liberty Devito!!👌😊❤

[@sangria-margarita]

The opening is the best thing to listen to with headphones on

[@sangria-margarita]

This song is about the aftermath of the blackout of the summer of 1977 in New York City.

[@fieldingm1969]

Brilliant lyrics!

[@molly9230]

This song and this album are BADASS. Borderline and Leyna are two of his very best deep cuts, period. The labels typically picked the singles then. The critics tried to pigeonhole him as a balladeer, and he pretty much gave them the finger with this one. Best album title ever, btw, given the shit he got from the press.

[@hagw7439]

My Aunt Joan Marcel &her 3 kids which are all 10+yrs my senior lived on 72 Winter Lane,Hicksville, NY...2 streets over from where Billy Joel grew up...He totally captured the sound of his time...I'm 48 now....

[@Dreaded88]

@@@hagw7439: I once lived on Spindle Road! Nice to meet you! *_:D_*

[@sangria-margarita]

11/10 best comment I’ve ever seen on anything in my life

[@dardar7909]

I bought this and Peter Gabriel 3 at the same time and 38 years down the line they are still so powerful

[@stoobeedoo]

My favourite Billy Joel song, it just has such a great shuffle and hard rock you don't hear in a lot of his other work. I've never seen him perform it live and it's not usually one he adds to usual tours, maybe he's not a fan of it?

[@MichaelHansenFUN]

THIS SONG WAS PLAYED ON THE RADIO SEGUE INTO EVERYBODY WANTS ONE BY VAN HALEN IN THE EARLY 80S i was in 2nd grade and my brothers friend made me a tape of songs off the radio

[@ATCguy1973]

There's not a bad song on this album! This one stands out to me as my favourite 👍

[@markpage9886]

The rolling Rs on Rich man.... That has hung with me for decades. I love it when vocalists make non-standard choices with their performances. Daltry stuttering in My Generation; Fagan call and answer in Kid Charlemagne... It's all just fun.

[@jensejayehudson4341]

Top 5 of his for sure, a classic.

[@ivanalaingomezboyaca2344]

Los Años Maravillosos Gracias Billy por Tu Música y Gran Talento

[@DeliviaMusic]

“You can’t afford to squander what you’re not prepared to pay “

[@derekmyers3258]

When I was a little kid I thought my older cousin Jerome was actually Billy Joel. Looked just like him.

[@ejomamma6234]

Yup, great song, for sure!!!! The video, again, is in tune with Billy's love of video.....uh uh.....uh.....a buck 380 won't buy you much lately on the street these days.....I don't change channels, so they must change me.....still so relevant, eh!!!!

[@ditty4]

Brilliant song

[@strangersound]

More relevant then when it dropped. :)

[@olddirtytattooedwarhorse7772]

three years later, your statement is even more true than ever before...

[@BreadLoeuf]

Old Dirty Tattooed Warhorse | Two years later and we are living in Billy Joel's Close to the Borderline.

[@walkingdeadjr]

That is some SEXY guitar

[@iloveamerica11]

I had this album back when it was new and I always thought his throwing pose was off. Now I just realized the reflection in the glass house looks like he's playing guitar

[@eddierayvanlynch6133]

Come on! Even his B-sides are awesome! 😎

[@ricaard]

Believe it or not, this song was my entry into heavy metal!

[@kitroverload8699]

I'd believe it, great heavy song with groove, would reccomend to anyone who thinks sabbath is too heavy to start with

[@mypetgoat100]

now that you mention it.....same here. I thought I was the only one to go from Billy Joel to Maiden.

[@GUITARTECHify]

Best rock-in Billy Joel Song

[@robertpfeiff]

Sounds like Axl Rose aped his singing style from this. Sends shivers down my spine

[@TOMMYGUNSNOOPY]

This is still freaking awesome! Wish I could go to my birthplace NYC and see him again!

[@smrk2452]

NYC in the 1970s. Glad I missed it!

[@mickjaegerguano4809]

Billy joel's one and only heavy metal song🤟

[@davidmaholchic6146]

Pop rock was never any better

[@michaelfiguly1654]

Great song!!!

[@mypetgoat100]

"I don't change channels so they must change me..." Just decades ahead of its time.

[@kevinobrien9626]

Guitar duel recalls THE END by the Beatles. That overdriven sound is pure Lennon Epiphone Casino.

[@kevinobrien9626]

The borderline is 'the end,' really, isn't it? Is this a deliberate ... coincidence?

[@creamydistortion]

yes, Yes, YEs, YES ! ! ! ! ! !

[@3altoids]

My all time absolute favorite on this album, yes I said album.

[@yanetevenstar]

Listening to this song while i am on a bus.

[@arkayoarkayo4739]

Known for his piano, but this guitar is good. Good riff.

[@hagw7439]

This fucking song still ROCKS 2DAY!!!

[@angrysilence1234....]

"You can't afford to squander what you're not prepared to pay."

[@bytheway1031]

Happy Birthday Billy Joel🎂🎤✍🏻05-09-2022

[@aquamarinedreams2983]

"Ya can't afford to squander what you're not prepared to pay." Somehow,....I get the feeling that he's not just referencing money.

[@MrEthan043]

0 dislikes... damn right...

[@NotEvenRelevant]

23 lobotomy volunteers showed up :(

[@Nobody1975JM]

Is it the border line, or the breaking point. Semantics, right?

[@sangria-margarita]

Who’s here since the 42nd anniversary of the 1977 New York City blackout, also the first day of the 2019 New York City blackout??

[@jobckts682]

Anvil throwback.

[@Fezezen]

I think this fits well to how today is.

[@rooseveltmccarter7591]

Was it taken from the"Glass Houses" Album in 1980?

[@sangria-margarita]

Listen to this at 1.25x speed and it’ll give you a panic attack

[@TheRealAdamT]

don't know why I'm still a nice guy

[@therollingspheal2466]

...but I'm getting closer to the borderline

[@dougshelton260]

Unfortunately, this song holds true today.

[@barefoot4233]

Drummer must of had a late night 😆

[@Tolstoy111]

Billy asked him to play that way and the drummer said he hated it!

[@patriciamitchell1401]

Who's here in 2022, and it's all true...???☄

[@ExclusiveLM]

Lyrics on this song are about The Son Of Sam who went on a crime spree in the 70s. Sam is still in jail.