Billy Joel - James (Audio)

[@RFToob]

I can’t get enough of this song.

[@decacards5250]

A hidden gem from the great Billy Joel.

[@lisamunzjones4543]

👍

[@florianschubot3233]

Can sing whole song

[@tobiasfarragut292]

And Roberta on Streetlife Serenades

[@momothecat1]

True of roberta

[@mrstein80]

This song cuts me deep because my name is James and I went to engineering school and then law school instead of becoming a rock star. Feels like he’s singing to me.

[@mjnp61801]

I feel the same way. Even though my name is not James.

[@napalm5]

When will you write your masterpiece ?

[@SamA-yf7up]

You've done well, sir. I quit music and got a terminal degree in science and higher education, with no regrets since I got the best of both words.

[@stephen1562]

Who else thinks Turnstiles is his best album?

[@Alejandronavarro1975.]

Me,My friend , greetings

[@darkoverlord5427]

I'm sorry but an Innocent Man has many more good songs than any other Billy Album.

[@martinrasinger6306]

I love TURNSTILES, but his albums THE STRANGER and 52nd STREET are even much better !

[@matthewdaub]

Y'all are sleeping on glass houses.

[@ianvcrbits]

How could they omit James from the greatest hits compilation ? Good album, but not his best.

[@jamesdamico9284]

This song truly is a masterpiece. Often felt like James but not necessarily a bad thing as long as you wind up liking your life

[@KevinStriker]

Criminally underrated track right here. My dad's name is James, so of course I think of him.

[@TheLoriherron]

James, we were always friends, From our childhood days And we made our plans, And we had to go our separate ways. I went on the road- You pursued an education. James, do you like your life? Can you find release? And will you ever change? Will you ever write your masterpiece? Are you still in school- Living up to expectations? James You were so relied upon, everybody knows how hard you tried- Hey... Just look at what a job you've done, Carrying the weight of family pride. James, you've been well behaved, You've been working hard But will you always stay, Someone else's dream of who you are? Do what's good for you, or you're not good for anybody, James... I went on the road, You pursued an education, James ... How you gonna know for sure? Everything was so well organized. .. Hey... Ah, now everything is so secure, And everybody else is satisfied. James, do you like your life? Can you find release ? And will you ever change? When will you write your masterpiece? Do what's good for you, or you're not good for anybody, James...

[@NewYorker613]

Thanks for lyrics!

[@evealkazar]

Thank you!! I was singing with them on the screen 🥰😘🥰😘🥰😘

[@alanjones6610]

My brother-in-law James died of cancer aged 47 last year so this song has always been significant but it's become even more poignant now! He did work hard and do what was expected of him. I think he liked his life though! I hope he did anyway...

[@willijimenez799]

F

[@rosalinhares5488]

Very sad

[@Jimmy-op4yx]

I wish you the best, even if I'm three years late.

[@violetteviolette3872]

Do what’s good for you, or you’ re no good for anybody. Do you live your life, can you find release? So powerful for everybody’s Life...

[@babsie47]

Always brings me to tears. Reminds me of my younger brother.

[@rustysworldofentertainment850]

The way this lovely song eases out so gently and bang! The insane clatter of Angry Young Man takes off right after it is in itself a masterpiece of track selection.

[@sfogliatelle]

I was 11 when my mother bought this album for me. I loved Billy Joel then, this is really one of my favorite songs of his. Songs with lyrics and story telling like this dont exist anymore. I love the whole "story" feeling to his writing at this time. Thanks for uploading this one!

[@jagdpanther1944]

Wow what a mother! All I got from mine was Guinness Book of Records....:every year....( (But I loved it all the same)

[@donnakny9970]

Actually there are lots of artists who wrote great lyrics and tell stories.

[@donnakny9970]

Actually there are lots of artists who still write great lyrics and tell stories.

[@tulllguy]

@@donnakny9970 not anymore.

[@donnakny9970]

tulllguy Idk what you’re listening to. 🤷🏽‍♀️ I also don’t know why my comment posted so many times. 🙃

[@davidbagunya9306]

It's a masterpiece, it's ideal for a rainy day🌧☂️

[@ledurak2106]

No! It suits much more a sunny but frosty day! Like December 20th 2021 😥

[@retrovicecity9017]

An underrated hidden gem.

[@xXTomokoKurokiXx]

I knew a James for quite a bit back in high school, starting from middle school. He loved music to death, but his family pushed him into an engineering degree and ever since he went I have no idea if he's alright, last I heard he's basically reverted to his high school self and hasn't grown up. Wherever you are, Ken, I hope you're doing well.

[@BobCat623923]

No. not Ken...."JAMES"!...."Ken" doesn't sounf as well either when u try to sing it.

[@erichlepealcaino2231]

i cry every time I hear this song. masterpiece

[@annemarienelson458]

Beautiful eh

[@LydgiaOfHarlem]

So do I. One of the great ballads of an era. Bravo.

[@babsie47]

so do I.

[@Joelster-og4pf]

I’m so happy to recognise this gemstone of a song on his first truly great album. Really love the chill, lounge feel of this song. So comforting, yet bittersweet.

[@Poy113]

Do what's good for you or you're not good for anybody : so wise !

[@joanshortall7333]

This is such an under-rated song. It is absolutely one of my favorites.

[@acaka42]

This is one of my favorite Billy Joel songs!

[@rackballjones6585]

Prove it, Ted!

[@kitroverload8699]

Prove it, Ted!

[@kdkeydude1]

Love that Fender Rhodes piano sound !

[@StGordo61]

I find release - every time I hear James- first Billy Joel song I heard & was hooked for all afterwards. So pure, so personal, so perfect....

[@felipedej.cervera6514]

La voz de Billy Joel es excepcional. En esta interpretación se disfruta su timbre de voz en el mejor momento de su carrera, con una canción que plantea el dilema eterno de vivir siguiendo las reglas propias o las que otros esperan de uno.

[@Shujinko4]

Gran canción. Y con el piano electrónico a lo que da.

[@ReyCarmesi666]

Hasta aquí te encuentro, Felipe. Está rola es una joya auditiva. Saludos

[@felipedej.cervera6514]

@@ReyCarmesi666 muy estimado, un gusto saludarte. Así es, los buenos tiempos de la música sin autotune.

[@boydudereviews]

This dude is a true dude. Great song.

[@stephaniekiefun9185]

I have searching this lovely song for a long2 time. after so many years, so happy I can hear it again. the lyric so beautiful. "...Do what good for you, you are not good for anybody. James..." I like Billy Joel's songs.

[@alanw737]

As a 50+ year old, I realize that I am in fact, James.

[@Barracuda71-ln3jr]

Such an overlooked song one of my favorites off of this album.

[@CamCokas-e2i]

Speaks to me even more now as an adult, used to love him when I was younger. Now I’m a piano man lol!

[@tulllguy]

this is right before his career absolutely took off...always wonder what woulda happened if he "retired" after this record...love the ending of this song.

[@Tom_Radigan]

One of the most obscure Billy Joel songs it’s a sweet story

[@denmasAnom7]

Who's still listening in January 2021... Where you're from... Please raise your thumbs up! Indonesia 🇮🇩🇮🇩👍👍

[@paulstanley2825]

I absolutely love this song and the whole Turnstiles album.

[@vflatminor]

James, we were always friends From our childhood days And we made our plans And we had to go our separate ways I went on the road You pursued an education James, do you like your life? Can you find release? And will you ever change? Will you ever write your masterpiece? Are you still in school Living up to expectations, James? You were so relied upon Everybody knows how hard you tried Hey, just look at what a job you've done Carrying the weight of family pride James, you've been well behaved You've been working hard But will you always stay Someone else's dream of who you are? Do what's good for you Or you're not good for anybody, James I went on the road You pursued an education, James How you gonna know for sure? Everything was so well organized Hey, now everything is so secure And everybody else is satisfied James, do you like your life? Can you find release? Will you ever change? When will you write your masterpiece? Do what's good for you Or you're not good for anybody, James

[@srtjhsrzdfhkgdf9961]

聴けてよかったです！ありがとうございます。

[@ericbrauch5872]

I worked for James. My first job as an optometrist in 1997. He pursued a career in optometry and classical guitar after being in Billys band. Great professiinal and became an awesome classical guitar player

[@gregshore4985]

...do what's good for you, or you're not good for anybody....

[@ianvcrbits]

Bad move by his record company not to include this song on the greatest hits compilation.

[@EdwardKrzynowek-fx5to]

Maybe not entirely bad. They may get you to buy the Turnstyles album, too. 😊

[@marianfitzsimons8652]

My older brother was James. This song touched me and takes me back to childhood before all the family troubles. My brother embodies this song. I hope he likes his life. What a masterpiece.

[@nolansprojects2840]

Simple, slow and extremely powerful. Classic billy joel. I love it!

[@rosalinhares5488]

This song is wonderful

[@salloprestiinvasion6557]

Great song about friendship and how life takes us in different directions 😢✌️❤️

[@thomasnelson5758]

One of my favorites, super underrated

[@tylermerrifield9435]

james was a real guy. i know james’ kid. we went to his concert tonight, and he got a little emotional

[@מרסלאברבנאל-ס3כ]

I heard the song on a radio show 20 years ago, and I fell in love, every time I 🌹💞hear the song, I get longing

[@pastelspring]

sadly remembering my late brother in law jim..love u bro

[@brown-tea.2024]

柔らかなエレクトロニックピアノと歌声と歌詞が、とても素敵な曲です♪

[@krisscanlon4051]

New to me...total deep cut...

[@leoneloctaviocontrerasruiz735]

My best friend, his name is James, now is an heald professionnal. He was my friend since chilhood.

[@rackballjones6585]

Prove it

[@adamwheelerproductions1607]

Very interesting that the most popular tracks from this album were never released as singles, while this one was released as a single, yet it is one of the most obscure tracks in Billy's catalog.

[@manenegrete1151]

A master piece👌👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@madsaintjames]

Awesome Song

[@Riviers]

Billy Joel is the Grand

[@rosalinhares5488]

Great song

[@paulisaac78]

This song is about his childhood friend James. I read a great book about Billy that gave a lot of interesting insights about him. Unfortunately Billy has struggled with alcoholism much of his career

[@RandallDHoffman]

His friend James is the guy in the back row. True.

[@sergetienne]

Masterpiece!..Talkin´about..

[@reubenmendez4542]

I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@alvio_leandra]

my favorite song when I was little There’s many memories in this song hahaha

[@msjesuswoman]

Wonderful Song!

[@fionaphillips3458]

Do what's good for you or you're not good for anybody good advice.

[@anotherbloodyfanwriter1941]

I've always wanted to name my first son James. Though, tbh it's always been me who relates the hardest to this song. It almost feels like it written about my life

[@もずゃ]

good night song

[@jaredf8575]

Underrated

[@GrizbyK72]

I always like Joel, but this album made me a diehard fan. No big hits, just one solid piece of musical artistry that knew what it wanted to be. Not a bad song on it.

[@tulllguy]

this is right b4 his career took off in 1977. Also, RIP Doug Stegmeyer.

[@America984]

What was the reason of career taking off? You mean the music was not that good like the old ones?

[@tulllguy]

@@America984 The Stranger put Billy in another stratosphere.

[@pauluszacharia3451]

You are change my life

[@malikbronson1138]

James, do you like your life? Almost brings tears to my eyes when thinking back on my life.

[@TickleTipson169]

just went off to college, not sure when I'll see my boy James from high school, but if for some reason you ever see this, James from Arlington, its me, Charley. Come find me!

[@pollysahusilawane3801]

Lagu yang memberikan kekuatan untuk tetap meraih impian.salam sehat selalu .Salam damai.Syalom.

[@luhutbinsarpanjaitan1061]

Salam juga🙏

[@baxatakbaxatak2014]

This seems like Billy Joel taking on Elton’s Daniel. Love it.

[@davida.benedetto2281]

Wanted to make this comment, but happy to find it's already here. I absolutely agree with your observation - the melancholy nature, the keyboard setting, tempo, arrangement, etc. Thanks for posting.

[@cursosgratuitosparatodoobr9940]

Billy Joel é excepcional !!!

[@jumavapo]

Billy Joel's James is Elton John's Daniel cousin.

[@christopherscott1336]

Really? Where did you learn that?

[@lukeheathcote2184]

@@christopherscott1336 I think he means stylistically. Use of electric piano, rhythm and I think the key might be the same too etc.

[@torebackian5604]

Unreal

[@rjl7655]

No kidding is that true?

[@seanscanlon9067]

@@rjl7655 It's more an assessment rather than being true or not.

[@danbrown4090]

On the right Mrs Doubtfire? :-))))) I love Billy and I love Robin!!!!

[@eddsolis8382]

RIP Robin

[@tbone9603]

Has a little taxi sound to it. Great song.

[@JohmathanBSwift]

Bob James track. Yes it does.

[@danw1374]

Fender Rhodes :)

[@momothecat1]

brilliant observation

[@xxgawdxx]

I concur.

[@adamwheelerproductions1607]

Lyrics: James...we were always friends, From our childhood days And we made our plans, And we had to go our seperate ways. I went on the road You pursued an education. James...do you like your life, Can you find release, And will you ever change Will you ever write your masterpiece. Are you still in school Living up to expectations...James...

[@antoniomelillo6274]

great

[@BarBlume]

Anyone know if there's a person which inspired this song? It's fabulous.

[@b.j.thomas8606]

yes. i'm reading a Billy Joel bio and the song is apparently a pretty straightforward story about his guirarist in The Hassles (or an earlier band) who went on to be an Optimeteist.

[@IceBear411]

This Sounds like Just The Way You Are

[@neddystark3351]

As much as I hate Billy Joel from 1983 onwards, this song is why he'll always be a f*cking genius to me.

[@jamestaylor3623]

Why did I know this song earlier in my life?

[@RandallDHoffman]

James is the businessman standing in the middle on the album cover. The older lady on the cover behind Billy is his mother Rosalind.

[@swami1]

I always thought this was the theme song to the TV series "James At 15."

[@GTI1dasOriginal]

Met many "James's" in my life... some male, some female.. The male ones were friends,some of the female ones I (secretly) loved.. The very first one I never forget.. 31 years ago.. I was 17, she was 15.. I never had the nerve to tell her.. Never forgot her, the first to have (uptil today) the biggest crush upon.. Petra, (I never knew your Sirname), IF you ever might read this, and put 1 and 1 together, then you know, this was YOU I'm talking about... If only.... at your birthday, which you invited me upon, your little brother would've gone to bed when you asked him to, things might have turned out very differently... I'll never forget those gorgeous eyes.. I litterally Drowned in them... and when I memorize you, uptil this very day, I still do... Yours sincerely and forever remembering You, Anton. (in my native language, Dutch) Je weet wel... Die gozer die jou uitnodigde op de reunie van het Kamp, en iedereen (o.a. Wim van der Lee) zich afvroeg wát je daar "moest", en ik... die het lef niet had te vertellen dat ik dat was, ik jóu daar uitgenodigd had, (herinner me de woorden zelfs nog die ik tegen je zei.. "tuurlijk kom je ook, jij hóórt er gewoon bij! Vind ik leuk! :D " en nooit tegen je gezegd heb dat ik zielsveel van je hield... Je was het na een uur zat, ik zág aan je ogen dat ik je zwáár teleurgesteld had, je stond op.. en liep weg, naar de bushalte.. En dat was het dan.. Mijn herinnering blijft.. niet alleen bij t horen van dit nummer, maar zeker ook wanneer ik "Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight" hoor.. Dát was het nummer wat ik (in stapelverliefdheid) stiekem zong, wanneer niemand het hoorde, en dacht.. aan jou..

[@nolansprojects2840]

GTI1dasOriginal beautiful. I know the feeling. Although mine was only a few years back. I am 19 she is 19... we were 11 when we met. We were inseparable. Then rumors about me being a jerk and secretly hating her and even me being gay... she stopped talking to me. She was perfect. We were 17 last I spoke to her. I took her to prom. That was the last night I saw her in person. She loved all my stories, laughed at every joke. We did anything to make each other happy. I guess she left from disbelief, anger, confusion, heart break, anything really. Elizabeth Peura, if you by any chance see this. I love you, forever and ever, Babe. You never knew this, but every time we were together I was shaking. I was too shy to ask you out, and if my silence made you leave, then that would be my worst mistake. And I am sorry.

[@ems4687]

Both of your guys' stories actually made me cry a little

[@indraniramgopal8378]

@@nolansprojects2840 nicely done...the bj qoute...

[@sillyliljames]

James

[@nameguy101]

James

[@moozartney]

James

[@ledurak2106]

Geteiltes Leid ist halbes Leid

[@ruudmuller9929]

What kind of keyboard did BJ use for this song?

[@tobiasfarragut292]

I’ll take responsibility for at least 24k of those views

[@josephbarron6778]

James is travelling tonight on a plane....

[@rebekah5052]

Do I hear Roberta in here? :3

[@jamiekeogh5393]

🇺🇸😉

[@mikemustang3791]

wow, I forgot this, WPOB....

[@JohmathanBSwift]

A true gem of an album.

[@torebackian5604]

Seriously

[@brettkoeshall2325]

I went to school with a guy named James King that everyone called Jimbo.

[@ledurak2106]

Ist dieser Song eher zum Ln feiern oder um gescheiterte Ereignisse zu betrauern? Vllt. sogar beides? Was meint ihr? #forzaLn 🥭

[@ledurak2106]

Ln ist kaum noch zu ertragen!

[@fredroper398]

my sister named her tabi cat james

[@Jimmy-op4yx]

I am James.

[@rdotjdot12.3.]

Anybody else thought he was singing "change" not "James"?

[@stevenwright7863]

James Taylor.

[@kitroverload8699]

Ya know, I always saw it as the person talking to james was a girl, but now that I think about it, it never really specified

[@paulisaac78]

This song is about Billy's childhood friend James who he lost contact with later in life.

[@darkwingduck-cv7tx]

Unbelievable - how did you find out??

[@paulisaac78]

@@darkwingduck-cv7tx He’s talked it. Also generally his friends are important to him both in a normal way and in his music.

[@Alejandronavarro1975.]

My couisin is named james