Billy Joel - Only The Good Die Young (from Old Grey Whistle Test)

[@StacheBigote]

The lyrics to this song don’t get nearly enough credit. They are absolutely fantastic.

[@lisalee2885]

So agree...I'm from Long island and catholic Italian...Lol!! So right...even have an aunt Virginia..Lol!

[@StacheBigote]

@@lisalee2885 Ha, I was born in Nassau County but I’m from Queens. 😃 Catholics on both sides for me too, though I’m Dominican/Irish. But yeah, I can so relate to these lyrics. Billy doesn’t get the credit he deserves, which is saying a lot considering how much praise he actually gets. His writing is so down to earth.

[@natureboy2818]

He’s such an underrated lyricist

[@uncatila]

@@lisalee2885 Virginia refers to Viginity. This is Jewish hatred for the Catholic Saints and martyrs.

[@uncatila]

@@natureboy2818 You start out with a burning hatred for the church. Masterbate a lot. Then se your soul to the Star God Remphan. After that you will have a hit.

[@mikeyates7931]

A Catholic nun once told my mom , "God gives us our lives as a gift ; and gifts are meant to be enjoyed" - words to live by , my friends ! ! !

[@kevinsuarezcarbajal5467]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@pdcdesign9632]

What does this have to do with Billy Joel? You just can't keep your religious propaganda to yourself right?

[@murraymartin9895]

Beautiful

[@mikeyates7931]

@@pdcdesign9632 well the girl Billy Joel is singing about , virginia , is Catholic , and he mentions a lot about that fact - but , of course , you didn't notice that and you don't care , because atheist like you just want to start shit with everyone all the time in a feeble attempt to justify their narcissistic megalomaniac out look - God Bless You anyway ✝️

[@Fadegalaxy-mv4mp]

@@pdcdesign9632 you completely missed the point of this

[@bbacon62]

So let me share a story about this song. Thirty years ago, a close friend passed away from Melanoma skin cancer he was only 30. He requested for this song to be played at his funeral, (Only the good die young) which we did. Fast forward to 2023 and his wife suddenly passed away. A week after her funeral my friends and I were helping going through her house and try to organize her belongings. At the end of the day, we said our goodbyes after talking about all the good times. As I left to return home and started my truck this song immediately came on the radio. Out of all the songs that could have been playing at that moment this song appeared. Coincidence? I will let you decide.

[@Whitehorse_crimefighter]

That's cute but I'm sure you can flip around the radio and find this frequently

[@danielgardner394]

It was a sign. We came from the universe. Not opportunistic men that sought to control through organized religious political institutions. Today called the trump cult.

[@hello-vs4dc]

@@Whitehorse_crimefighterI flip around stations on the radio all the time, yet I don’t believe I’ve EVER heard this song on the radio. It is without any doubt my favorite Billy Joel song, so I’m sure I’d remember if I heard it … and especially if I heard it FREQUENTLY. Sadly, radio stations simply DON’T play this song, at least not those in the St. Louis, MO area. 🥺🥺🥺

[@torstenheling3830]

Sad story. I remember hearing this song en route to a Lutheran Church service in 1977.

[@virginiaferraro4844]

I adopted this song as mine. I fit it to a T. 😊

[@2023-Sucked]

“This song has something to offend everyone”- Billy Joel, circa some point in time between 1977 and now

[@elizabethculver555]

💜 it!

[@beckyboo1433]

I loved that 😂

[@DebNKY]

He's great!

[@nobrainsnoheadache2434]

the Monty Python of the Bronx

[@drewweisensel2917]

2:01 solid Paul McCartney impression

[@rogerbow4564]

haha I thought the exact same thing watching this first go round lol

[@griffin__sutek4958]

He does that often

[@WSNO]

Paul McCartney died when he crashed his car with Rita the Meter Maid. You can see the reflection of his ghost in the rear window of the VW Beetle on the Abby Road album cover.

[@theBTEChiccup]

@@WSNO he's alive you walley

[@WSNO]

@@theBTEChiccup obviously he's still alive. Haven't you ever heard of that big joke where they hid "clues" about McCartney's supposed death in songs and the album covers? God, is critical thinking really THIS dead nowadays? Reactionary loon.

[@ffvvaacc]

I’m catholic and I love this song. Anyone who’s ever raised teenage boys knows how hilarious this song is. ❤

[@hellodahlink]

He's kicking the cross....

[@hoderharris]

Thank you Billy Joel for bringing me so much joy with your music.

[@lanelletoscano3314]

Hoder Harris my favorite by him is "Piano Man" like if that's your favorite too 😊

[@elboop-othebuttholebooper212]

I couldn’t have said it any better myself...

[@user-ev5fe7mq1g]

"...but did she ever say a prayer for me?!?" 🤘🏼 Oh the irony! Truth

[@aidanmcglone7090]

I get where your coming from but Christians usually pray for people they think needs help

[@DarylEPerez-sf1gu]

Most clearest voice I've heard from Billy joel at @ 1:57. His 70-80s's voice was the best IMO.

[@DebNKY]

He is the best.

[@ryanbrown292]

That's cause that was his prime ... voice dropped after the bridge ... I was born in 1987 not a bigger joel fan than me .. and my biggest wish was to go back to 77 or 78 and see him live ... I saw him in 93 94 97 00 05 07 and in 09 w/elton ... 93 and 94 he still had that billy joel energy .. after 2000 it's not the same ... I know everyone gets older... I'm getting older ... but it's not the same

[@terrycollins4421]

​@@ryanbrown292 I just did security for Billy Joel's concert in Cleveland, Ohio and I feel truly Blessed 🙏 to have witnessed such a gifted musician who sounded Amazing considering the man is 75 years young! I have always liked Billy Joel but it never honestly clicked with me just how incredibly talented and musically gifted he is until I witnessed his show for the first time. Let me tell you that he sounded Absolutely Amazing considering the man is 75 years young! Billy Joel performed One of The Best Concerts I have ever been too and I have seen some Amazing Concerts Fleetwood Mac, Def Leppard, Poison, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Bad Company, Lynard Skynard, Bryan Adams, Nickle Back, 3Doors Down, Cinderella etc.... I truly feel Blessed to have witnessed A Legendary Musical Icon perform at least once in my lifetime and I Definitely realize that this man is a Musical Prodigy now and he makes it look effortless. He engaged the crowd, with a good sense of humor and acknowledged his entire crew. Billy Joel is very humble and down to earth and he connected with the entire crowd which gave him a very, very long standing ovation 👏 I wish I could explain it better but I left that night with a new found Appreciation for Billy Joel and his music the man truly is one of the best musicians of my era.

[@productreviews701]

his singing and piano playing is flawless, and he makes it look so effortless, truly a man doing what he loves.

[@milcotto4153]

In th eighties I had a Billy Joel cassette in my car with this song and many other of his songs on it. Every day for a couple of years I would play that cassette when I drove to work - with the sound almost maxed out. Those where the days! Thank you, BIlly Joel! You are one of my favorite artists of all times :-)

[@prhmusic]

Liberty DeVito is one of the reasons I wanted to play drums. Love the brushes on this tune!

[@johnkuipers7829]

Great song. But all I think of is all the people that do die young. Bad things happen to good people. Like cancer etc.

[@kbrodeur]

@@johnkuipers7829 omfg. smile.

[@uncatila]

He looks like an old balked headed Rabbi now.

[@uncatila]

@@johnkuipers7829 death in this song is a sequel allusion to organ. Joel was a libertine.

[@CheesyBrix]

I'm a Christian, the lyrics are really clever (not saying I agree with this song) and the song is super catchy. Billy Joel is the G.O.A.T!

[@warrenrosen132]

Perverse, but clever.

[@tj921able]

I'm a Christian, but love this song! I am a huge Billy Joel fan. TY for sharing this. God Bless You & stay safe.

[@Vasquito88]

Billy's singing here is absolutely hypnotizing.. what an absolute artist!

[@bwisnieski1335]

gotta recognize richie for playing both the organ and sax on this on song, and also playing the flute during this show

[@MichaelBradley1967]

My favorite Billy Joel song, but it's hard picking a #1 from his massive catalog.

[@corkbulb2895]

"Something to offend everyone in it"? No! You MADE my day!

[@mackenzier.c5379]

Billy Joel is a legend🔥🔥🔥

[@janeporter818]

Fact!!

[@lisalee2885]

As a Long Island girl...catholic and Italian..oh boy this a favorite song..Lol!!! 💝🙏 Billy

[@spankynater4242]

Come out Virginia, don’t make me wait.

[@epistte]

Catholic girls unite. Atheist now.............

[@MollyT119]

0:08…when you know it’s about to get REALLY GOOD. This song is still incredible…

[@spankynater4242]

I don’t know what’s at 08, but I love that little drum shot a few seconds after the song starts.

[@thatonedud8325]

“Said your mother told you all that I could give you was a reputation Aw, she never cared for me But did she ever say a prayer for me?” These lyrics are so true, especially for certain religions, they’ll judge you for who you love, they’ll tell you you’re fine and to stop whining about life…..but yet, they never say a prayer for them

[@spankynater4242]

I would assume that her mother actually did say many prayers for the little juvenile delinquent.

[@thefool2007]

Billy Joel inspired me to become a musician. It was a lot of fun collecting his records back in the early 80’s. Certainly one of the finest of our time.

[@AshleyWalls-q2t]

He's the SHIT!

[@mauriceortiz8817]

This is why BJ will never stop being relevant. A total master. And if you got an issue, get a tissue. I am listening to this with my 90 year old mama. So pluck off.

[@Bebe-rn2fh]

his 70s voice is a blessing

[@AdamLanham-l5y]

Lost my mother at 59 she was a huge Billy fan and anytime i was struggling in the past few years billy would play clearly loudly and randomly! Thank you mom and Billy

[@JaminsonSheehan-wt6bo]

My dad one e told he feel like I would say ide rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints

[@gregoryyoung8819]

Listening to Billy Joel got me through high school.

[@user-yx8sd6vu7c]

the song is amazing!

[@duanetheimer7215]

Billy G.O.A.T.

[@RazorBean]

Best version of this song

[@Floridaman6815]

I don’t even care if I sound gay. Billy Joel was a great looking man and he pulled a baddie

[@lopanrs]

I was a young skater in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. (circa 1998). Tired of wallride in the late afternoon, a friend shows up with an aiwa discman and says, listen to this. Punk-O-Rama Vol.2. After listening song #4 I said: Me- "What band is this?" Friend- "I don't know" Me - "Do you have the CD cover?" Friend - "Yes, at home" Me - "#4 is really good" My poor English, but I had and still have a good ear for good music. #4 didn't sound punk to me. After checking the cd cover, it was there -> Written by: Billy Joel Here I am, a proud Billy Joel fan. And now I know (or think) something about your lyrics. Thank you Billy.

[@warever37]

My favorite Billy Joel song and the first song of his I learned on guitar.

[@Scaley_Reptile]

So much fun right ? Even finally inspire me rising along (never been a lyric person)... Wasn't in for a shock realizing whilst reading the lyrics 🤣🤣

[@summermcpherson8209]

That's cool! It sounds like a fun song to learn. And it's one of my favorite Billy Joel songs. I have an acoustic guitar at my house, and I wanna play it, but I'm much too nervous!

[@majorleaguepinscom]

Lyrically, one of my favorite Billy Joel songs. Also has a great beat.

[@JoeNocella]

Never get tired of listening to him sing. SO good.

[@Scaley_Reptile]

Recently learned a few of Billy's songs (guitar).. This man is FREAKING AWESOME!! This song is so much fun to play and to sing...man's a mysical genius..it's occured to me I had overlooked just how good he is untill now...all that metal...I just forgot there was genuinely great pop musicians once...I'm more than happy to live in the past on this subject. Thank you Sir Billy Joel I hope your life has been fu filling for you as it has been for us. You deserve it.

[@jckhammer]

he is fantastic for sure and love his music but IMHO i wouldnt put him as musical genius

[@freddiehowell6878]

this is the type of song where the first time you listen to it you just know the lyrics coming up

[@Kaleidoscope369]

A real gem of a tune!…the lyrics, the music…umm, everything!!! ❤

[@WilliamWallaceUSA]

The has got to be one of his absolute biggest hits, I know he has quite a few but this is up there! Reminds me of my late sister that died all too young!

[@kennethjones9324]

God bless FREEDOM

[@saveriosalemme5366]

He was unbelievably great with his band .

[@gabrieleroschat1498]

Bin Fan seit über 40zig Jahren!

[@vanessadebrino7231]

A song dedicated to the taking of virginity. Brilliant!

[@itsjustmedeedee6978]

I was on hold for work and heard this and immediately searched for this! I love this!

[@dianastark1951]

My absolutely favourite song from the great Billy!!!!!🎉😂❤😊

[@JustLiveLifeHappy]

As someone who lost someone way too young , this song hits the heart year after year after year.

[@denisclarke9474]

One word about billy. Genius.

[@carolinewolf565]

Love his music ❤🎶

[@brandonskanesauthor]

I'm here because I love this album. But my dad also died last week at 59. Love and miss you 💚

[@kellyeileen9875]

I never thought it was possible to be sobbing while also dancing like you're having a seizure, but I once again have proven myself wrong

[@Hadite84]

I was into Boston, Kansas, Styx etc...back in 77/78 but something about this song resonated with me and I've been a fan of Billy's music ever since....

[@Damonbird775]

Sounds amazing.

[@LenGreenblat]

Billy can really pound on those keys.

[@啓子-d1n]

ビリージョエルの曲ってどうして、いい曲が多いんだろう。

[@srtjhsrzdfhkgdf9961]

大好きな歌なので聴けてよかったです！ありがとうございます！

[@elboop-othebuttholebooper212]

It really saddens me when I look around at today’s music and can’t find a single musician with an ounce of the musical integrity and talent that Billy held in just one finger. I hate saying it, but rock stars are truly dead. They’re buried six feet deep, right next to good music...

[@dannonnemacher7580]

Jid Rock...Shinedown...take LISTEN~~

[@elboop-othebuttholebooper212]

Dan Nonnemacher kid rock and shine down are awful. Like objectively awful. Neither are even close to being on par with Billy Joel.

[@Caksman1027]

Check out Jack Anenoff. His group is “bleachers”. Was formally with “fun”. He writes a lot of Songs for different artists. He is the closest thing we have to a billy Joel today. But let’s face it, very few...if any, are close to on par with billy.

[@elboop-othebuttholebooper212]

Caksman1027 that’s a bold claim! I’ll give him a shot though. God only knows I’m dying for some real music nowadays.

[@warrenfriesner4940]

@@Caksman1027 Great observation (Jack Antonoff, I think, btw). I also think Nate Ruess of Fun has real commitment when he writes and sings, he too is a truth-teller. In fact, listen to this one song and let me know what ya think kzbin.info/www/bejne/amfRYoqJqsarhdU. I wasn't a big Billy Joel fan--simply into different music. I went with a few friends to see him just one time around 1980 or so in Fort Lauderdale. I'll never forget that performance simply because I saw a man who gave it his all, who left everything in the building to put on a great show, how embodied total commitment to his fans. Who totally walked the walk that night. I've seen Bowie, Stones, etc.... I can't say that anyone shown that particular quality more than Billy though...Tori Amos comes close and is also an amazing keyboard player. The Grateful Dead also connected with their fans in a very authentic and spiritual way, though they were far more laid back and it was more of a vibe thing than a direct human connection.

[@letitgo1188]

Unbelievable talent, God like talent unreal

[@ruthfeeney9441]

Love Billy Joel great singer

[@LexAveExp]

Billy Joel is one of a kind no one else can come close.

[@uncatila]

Ted Nudget had some wanton lyrics. The modern rap talks a lot about delivering innocent girls. They are all in the same camp of moral depravity

[@rdalemd76]

I don’t think he was talking about this one Song. Billy Joel has a lot more in his repertoire of Songs.

[@tfe1788]

Amazing!!

[@donnacote2279]

❤ miss u uncle Gary

[@zachary5237]

he sounds unbelievable here.

[@morganwoodmusic]

I love this song so much. I’d do anything to be as good as billy in music

[@NoName-ge6wc]

Billy. So good for so long.

[@undergroundcity9789]

Legend🌝

[@helenowens8520]

Good music. Billy Joel. Thanks

[@psemond72]

This performance is incredible. Absolutely great!

[@michellekatz1023]

Super talented guy Great band I wish you would come to Israel

[@friendly9387]

Palestine*

[@josephoffenberger4230]

@@friendly9387 Israel*

[@RenzoM2811]

@@friendly9387 *Israell

[@kellyeileen9875]

@@friendly9387 Israel🇮🇱*

[@uncatila]

Yes he looks like an old balled headed Rabbie now. He served the Star God Remphan well.

[@mmcccccdidjfbffjjrjdjfjfjr]

Billy how did you come up with this. It’s probably my favorite song of yours.

[@bookbm]

His band is awesome

[@NickRitorto]

Billy Joel music 🎶

[@helenowens8520]

His voice. Had it, didn’t he?

[@chriskroell6956]

Genius

[@petergreen2552]

This did get him into trouble with many stations. Oh well

[@johnkuipers7829]

I never get this song, though I like it. Bad things happen to good people, some young?

[@theonewhodoesstuff548]

John Kuipers The message of the narrator of the song could be summed up as “You’re going to have sex with somebody at some point, so why not me?”

[@angemaidment5640]

I was raised Catholic, always loved this song.

[@petergreen2552]

@@theonewhodoesstuff548 Exactly

[@TheToledoTrumpton]

@@johnkuipers7829 "The long history of the saying began with the ancient version, 'Whom the gods love dies young,' As told by the Greek historian Herodotus. It was resurrected in its present form by William Wordsworth's 'The Excursion', 'The good die first, And they whose hearts are dry as summer dust burn. Burn to the socket'." Ah the benefits of a classical English education.

[@Mikeychest]

Amazing live performer and vocalist

[@JetCassidy]

This is a banger

[@lsmith145]

nice song

[@torstenheling3830]

Don’t you love the ending when they run the credits and write “BBC COLOUR(c) BBC MCMLXXVIII” meaning 1978? Do they still write years like that on more modern TV and film productions? Gosh, I haven’t seen that in years. I remember as a kid growing up having to take a minute to add up all those symbols to figure out the number.

[@Tolstoy111]

They still use Roman numerals actually.

[@torstenheling3830]

@@Tolstoy111 I haven’t seen it, but then I don’t watch TV anymore. Just KZbin clips.

[@torstenheling3830]

@@Tolstoy111interesting. I wonder if there’s a reason for this? Maybe to avoid alterations of the year?

[@AshleyTDaylee]

The first time I saw this and in love with that, Piano played hands it's awesome

[@mavblue]

Just…brilliant

[@angiemelanie]

I love you Billy😍😘

[@thenationaltimelyactionhou9328]

I love this song!

[@jake42ner]

The bass player on this song was a savage

[@elboop-othebuttholebooper212]

His bass players were always savage.

[@spankynater4242]

I can’t even hear the base.

[@GmarSt1]

As a 58 year old who already lost 5 great women and my husband- this is true! Evil bastards are still alive-but my husband and BEST FRIENDS are dead.

[@mercedespernas]

And they are the ones how live longer and see us die before their miserable time and lives. Couldn't agree more.

[@mellybaby5721]

SINNERS ARE MUCH MORE FUN IS A BAAAR

[@salliepine1210]

boy do I remember the hoo-haw over this. Thanks for posting. I loved seeing him with that energy and hair. Sax solo amazing. i got to see him last at Candlestick Park a number of years ago. Set list amazing. The Piano Man has it, and always will.

[@amethefame8713]

1:34 his voice was like his 1973 piano man he made himself sound old but great music here

[@elizabethculver555]

I remember having this on 8 Track!! Man!

[@rosalinhares5488]

Always wonderful

[@rosalinhares5488]

wonderful

[@longjumpingad3721]

Come out Virginia, don't let 'em wait You Catholic girls start much too late Aw but sooner or later it comes down to faith Oh I might as well be the one Well, they showed you a statue, told you to pray They built you a temple and locked you away Aw, but they never told you the price that you pay For things that you might have done Only the good die young That's what I said Only the good die young Only the good die young You might have heard I run with a dangerous crowd We ain't too pretty we ain't too proud We might be laughing a bit too loud Aw but that never hurt no one So come on Virginia show me a sign Send up a signal and I'll throw you the line The stained-glass curtain you're hiding behind Never let's in the sun Darlin' only the good die young Woah I tell ya Only the good die young Only the good die young You got a nice white dress and a party on your confirmation You got a brand new soul Mmm, and a cross of gold But Virginia they didn't give you quite enough information You didn't count on me When you were counting on your rosary (Oh woah woah) They say there's a heaven for those who will wait Some say it's better but I say it ain't I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints The sinners are much more fun You know that only the good die young I tell ya Only the good die young Only the good die young Well your mother told you all that I could give you was a reputation Aw she never cared for me But did she ever say a prayer for me? oh woah woah Come out come out come out Virginia don't let 'em wait You Catholic girls start much too late Oh sooner or later it comes down to faith Oh I might as well be the one You know that only the good die young I'm telling you baby You know that only the good die young Only the good die young Only the good Only the good die young

[@gerardfallon2845]

As if we don't know them

[@teamgdean57]

I didn’t see this 1978 show when OGWT was on British TV…but I *did*, firmly and for life, catch Billy and his 1984 band recorded live at Wembley in June of that year. Wore the video out. Has that show been kept/restored? Need to go look. And this OGWT, “Only the Good Die Young” with Liberty on brushes! 👏👏👏👏

[@lunamai5668]

YEAH BILLYYYYY!!!!

[@nuduce123]

The greatest performer of all time. Every song is part of the greatest hits

[@HarryFlowerrs]

Class is permanent👌

[@stevenhowlett7972]

I’ve always felt that this song was Billy giving the finger too toworld saying he was no good. I can really relate

[@kimmietes8676]

Nog steeds geweldig! Thea

[@ryanzenglish9124]

can't believe Billy was this kid.

[@phila2361]

BRING BACK "OLD GREY WHISTLE TEST". OMG!!!! Saxophonist does keys and vocals. (reminds me of me... big smiley face etc)

[@korkyrougewhite864]

Said on another video - kids go crazy in New York ‘bout this song…. As you do xx