BILLY JOEL - Vienna REACTION - First time hearing - The man is a genius

[@kj320175]

Joel has stated that Vienna is a metaphor for old age, but also may have been subconsciously about his father. Speaking more broadly about the song's message, he said in a 2008 interview that it conveys "you don't have to squeeze your whole life into your 20s and 30s trying to make it, trying to achieve that American dream, getting in the rat race and killing yourself. You have a whole life to live. I kind of used 'Vienna' as a metaphor, there is a reason for being old, a purpose". He also said: "We treat old people in this country pretty badly. We put them in rest homes, we kinda kick them under the rug and make believe they don’t exist. They [the people in Vienna] don’t feel like that. In a lot of these older places in the world, they value their older people and their older people feel they can still be a part of the community and I thought 'This is a terrific idea' - that old people are useful - and that means I don’t have to worry so much about getting old because I can still have a use in this world in my old age. I thought 'Vienna waits for you…'

[@monikabeki6838]

yes its a metaphor, but billy loves to spend time in vienna and it is for real a lovesong for vienna as well. check out his interviews on that topic

[@Chiari_Queen_T]

Perfectly copied off the first thing that pops up on Google! 👏👏👏👏

[@thomaadye5620]

I remember disc 4 of his collection set that came out in the early 90s where he did a Q and A session for a small audience in New York. They would simply pass the mic around and ask him questions. One question was the story of his song Vienna. One of the points he made was a little old lady in her 90s was outside sweeping the sidewalk. He asked his father why she wasn't inside basically taking it easy. He told Billy that sweeping the street gives her purpose as we here in America are very quick to throw our elderly in homes.

[@fatimahal_fadol8850]

Thanks a lot, because I really wasn't know about the story of this song 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

[@seanscanlon9067]

@@Chiari_Queen_T I don't think the poster was claiming it as their own work and were merely posting for information purposes for others to read.

[@seanscanlon9067]

Billy's father fled the Nazis during WWII where Billy's grandfather owned a textile factory that a German family now own after their ancestors basically stole the factory from the Joels, which was later made into a documentary called The Joel Files. Billy's father ended up in America where he met his mother, as they were both part of a music company with him being a classically trained pianist and she was a singer. They had a piano in the house and Billy would play 'the storm song' on it by using the low note keys as thunder and high notes as rain. By the time that he was four, he started taking classical piano lessons. Billy's father had a very European mindset and could not settle in America and so returned to Europe when Billy was aged eight. They lost contact for many years until Billy was in his early twenties and tracked him down and visited him in Vienna, Austria which has a rich history in classical music and was the home or base of some of the great classical composers. Billy's half-brother is a classical pianist and conductor too. On visiting his father in Vienna, Billy saw an elderly woman sweeping her doorstep and asked his father why she was having to do it and why there was nobody to do it for her. His father replied that she does not have to do it herself but chooses to, as it made her feel useful and independent, with Billy contrasting that with America, where he felt that sometimes older people were allowed, for want of a better expression, to fall by the wayside. So Vienna waiting for you is a metaphor for young people to slow down and not put so much pressure on themselves to achieve things so urgently, when they have their whole lives ahead of them and Vienna waits for you.

[@ritaemmons3835]

Thanks for sharing is info!

[@seanscanlon9067]

@@ritaemmons3835 No problem, it was only meant to start off as a few lines but then grew a bit.

[@gonr.2426]

What a story!!! thanks for the data, didnt know all this.

[@seanscanlon9067]

@@gonr.2426 No problem and it amazes me how Billy can get a song out of an everyday thing.

[@gonr.2426]

@@seanscanlon9067 thats what a real song writer does !

[@loadedorygun]

Vienna is old world. It doesn’t change much, and doesn’t mind. Vienna will wait for you, while you scurry around trying to find your place in the world. When you’re ready to find yourself in Vienna, it will be there for you.

[@tracyfrazier7440]

I think Vienna waits for You means, if you have tunnel vision while you crawl and scratch your way to the top, you will never see and appreciate the world and all its glories (represented by the city of Vienna).

[@jamesvomsaal3814]

Vienna Austria is a place you can kick back ,sip wine,and enjoy life in the present

[@DJHolte]

Regarding the notion that Billy Joel was born with a gift -- this is almost certainly true, but I think equally important is that he had an incredible mentor in his father, of whom Billy said, "My father was my idol as a pianist as a kid, because he was classically trained and could read music. He would come home from work at General Electric and take Chopin and Bartok pieces and work through them laboriously; this was his entertainment. He could interpret them and make them sound as good as anything that was being played on WQXR radio or the records. But he thought he was never good enough; he never gave himself any slack. He said, ‘I’m a hack, I can’t play, I’m just doing it for me.’" He was estranged from his father until Billy was in his 20s, and discovered the elder Joel had been living out his life in Vienna, Austria. People have speculated whether Billy is writing the song about his father, or as a message to his younger self. But as with any song, the most important thing is what it means to the listener.

[@girlfromthebronxbywayofelb7288]

I have also heard a version of the story that "Vienna" is meant for his younger brother as reassurance as he grappled with the world of classical music. Makes sense to me, because by the time The Stranger is coming together, Billy Joel probably was feeling more confident as a musician, but still able to empathize due to his own struggles when starting out.

[@eileendobbs8009]

I think this might be my favorite Billy Joel song. I mean I love a lot of Billy Joel but this song just hits different

[@robtaylor5550]

Nice to know so many others consider Vienna among their Billy Joel favorites. Easily top 5 for me, though it gets mighty tough ranking them from there. Glad you enjoyed, Harri!

[@d.s.6268]

One of Billy's absolute best. thank you. Give "Zanzibar" a listen :)

[@pncombies]

If Billy Joel had only made the albums "The Stranger" and "52nd Street, that would be good enough for me. Is there a bad song on either of them? You have good taste, Rob...love this selection!

[@jfree336]

Not a bad song on the entire album, one of my favorites

[@glenndespres5317]

Movin’ Out would be a great follow up for this.

[@normanrose2711]

talented pianist, great vocal range and killer lyrics....wonderful !

[@2869may]

I requested this also... I hope you enjoy...!

[@CB-gr1uk]

Another great song from an even greater album. Harri, if you haven't listened to to this whole album, The Stranger, take the time and listen. No way you will be disappointed! His dad was a classical trained pianist, could be why. Billy started playing piano when he was 4, I believe.

[@Noelle0026]

I completely agree! I still listen to The Stranger album.

[@CB-gr1uk]

@@Noelle0026 Me too. I still can't decide what my favorite album is, The Stranger or Grand Illusion by Styx. To close to call for sure.

[@bufordteejustice1119]

He wrote this after visiting his dad in Vienna.

[@girlfromthebronxbywayofelb7288]

I believe he found his dad when he was approx 21 or 22, when he was not at all confident that he was going to be able to make it in music. It's easy for me to believe that this song went through several iterations before the completed song appears on The Stranger. By that time, he was probably feeling a bit more confident and more in a position to share his insights into struggle and determination. Anyway, super awesome song.

[@bossfan49]

This whole album is gold. He continued to write great songs after this, but the collection of music on The Stranger (1977) is incredible. I was allowed to listen to my older brothers and sisters records when I was young, and I definitely played the crap out of this one until I knew all the words to every song. "Vienna" has such a simple, yet elegant and captivating melody. I love the accordion part that gives it a bit of an ethnic feel (although perhaps more Italian than Austrian). And he is in fine voice as he demonstrates clean tone an vibratto.

[@Cynthia...]

This is one of many of my favourites by Billy Joel. Great one Rob.☮️

[@robtaylor5550]

Thank you, and same for me. (SO many favorites!)

[@stardust164]

Billy is playing classical now!!

[@bkm2797]

My most favorite song by Billie Joel, all parents should play this tune to their teenagers, lol. Thanks Harry

[@bobsteinzig]

Vienna the capital of Austria, in the northeastern part of the country on the Danube River; population 1,661,206 (2006). From 1278 to 1918 it was the seat of the Habsburgs and has long been a center of the arts, especially music. Mozart, Beethoven, and the Strauss family were among the composers who lived and worked there. German name

[@frankmerris8821]

got a song request from 1974.group is called Reunion and song is LIFE IS A ROCK.have never heard anyone do this song and its a catchy tune

[@abelcano3723]

Billy joel is a huuuge Beethoven fan and incoporates a lot of his favorite classical compositions into his music.

[@Imadrummin]

Great lyrics, the great Billy Joel, the great reaction and picked by the great Rob Taylor. Its a winner through and through.

[@stardust164]

I LOVE BILLY JOEL Peace and Love from Canada

[@marybaillie8907]

From the very start, with the beautiful piano, you are suddenly transported to a Cafe in Vienna. What I get from this song is that you should never give up in life. There's always a new day. Love this melody. Great memory. Thanks Harri and Rob. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@CodyWorkshops]

Vienna = Love/Peace in this song in my opinion. I believe Billy Joel loves Vienna and so Vienna = Love...

[@escapemechanic]

He spoke at Berkley that people in Europe take care of their elders. He saw a woman sweeping the sidewalk. And old woman and pitied her. But someone tole him she had a purpose and felt needed. So don't worry about getting old. Vienna is there for a purpose even in your twilight years.

[@kaguya6900]

When i was a kid, my parents often played the musical soundtrack album for a musical called Little Mary Sunshine, and on it, it has a song called, "Do You Ever Dream of Vienna." It paints Vienna as a town rich in history, food and the arts that people of generations before ours dreamed of. It's probably one of the top places people of your grandparent's age wanted to visit at some point in their lives. So in my interpretation, Vienna represents a dream, but one that doesn't need to be rushed. The city of Vienna isn't going anywhere. You don't have to hurry towards it. It'll wait.

[@khoohockleong7585]

In kindergarten I was the top student. My teacher said I was a genius. My parents drove back to the kindergarten to verify with the teachers when they saw my report card.

[@jamishops]

Great reaction Harri to one of Billy’s best. Great choice Rob. It was never a hit, but has become a fan favorite and Billy now plays it at every concert.

[@Pauba1946]

Billy Joel is great!

[@chriscollesano8463]

Vienna. Enjoy the journey as much as you can before you arrive.

[@maclen51B]

My favorite Billy Joel song!

[@HiddenCharmhome]

Love this song so much. I watched a Billy Joel Q&A where he explains the background of this song.

[@Darmesis]

Beautiful song! ✌️

[@damonhines8187]

This period - late 70s - was when Billy hit his stride as a writer and recording artist, imo. 'The Stranger' and 'Glass Houses' stand out in my mind as superb. Thanks to all for this welcome interlude.

[@ThistleAndSea]

Thanks for sharing this one, Harri. Really enjoyed it! 🙂

[@laudanum669]

If anybody out there ever gets a chance to see Billy live at MSG, DO IT! It's a night you will never forget. I have seen him there twice, the first time from the front row. Even at 73 he still sounds great and puts on a hell of a show along with a dozen amazing musicians.

[@tigerfansga]

Love your reactions to my man, Billy Joel. This is one of my absolute favorites. Loved hearing it as a teen and the message it sends.

[@rolandosarabia810]

I love this song 😍

[@kevinodell1502]

Ha, Harry. You beat me to it. Well played.

[@debbiechang5781]

I’ve heard it said that “Vienna” is a metaphor for old age in this song. It’s a gorgeous song and the mysterious meaning is a huge part of its charm. Great choice Rob and Harri hits another home run with insights. 🌺✌️

[@jhamler1]

Vienna is a city in Austria and Billy Joel likens it to Heaven because of the classical/beautiful music that historically came from there.. That's what I think he's saying. He's a musician.

[@dagmar.6954]

This song is again from my favorite album "The Stranger". All the songs are great including "Just The Way You Are", "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)", "Only The Good Die Young", "She's Always A Woman", "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant" etc. Also like "An Innocent Man" album. Lots of great songs on it such as "Tell Her About It", "The Longest Time", "Leave A Tender Moment Alone", "Keeping The Faith", "This Night", "Uptown Girl" etc.

[@bkm2797]

Mine too, has Harry played the actual song The Stranger yet? If not, I hope he does.

[@eddiemoney1093]

I think one of billy joel's most special talents is that he's so incredibly relatable. Probably just about snyone listening to this can see themselves in it.

[@howtodoitdude1662]

According to Billy, The elderly are appreciated in Vienna. So Vienna is a place for you in your older years.

[@wickedmirage]

I did listen to this song when I was a kid. It came out in 1977 when I was 9 and my mom loved Billy Joel so the album ended up at home pretty much as soon as it came out. It really made an impression on me and though I tried to slow down, I still went fast. Now all these years later, I find all I did was get old, never found what I wanted. Vienna waits for me.

[@elainemarsh5170]

This is my absolute favorite from Billy Joel.

[@davidmaholchic6146]

Love this one love you keep up the good work

[@bobsteinzig]

"You Can Get what You Want or Just Get Old" sent me back to get my MBA

[@khoohockleong7585]

Vienna is a city in the CENTRE of Europe in terms of geographical location. So it is actually straddling between Eastern and Western Europe.

[@stephenqualtrough7322]

Maybe coincidentally Vienna of Old was a mecca for piano players as the ex child prodigy Mozart was playing.piano and giving lessons there One such was Beethoven who travelled there from Bonn There was a maybe apocryphal meeting. Beethoven shortly after proceeded to out play every other piano player there He won competitions for it

[@markvanderstelt8999]

kids know this song and love it

[@lisahaverluk4037]

Please do more 💜💕💕

[@VenusMonkey]

yeah i listened to this when i was 13 and as much as i loved it i didn't slow down a bit.

[@uzenme690]

waiting to hear hey girl is finest moment as a singer

[@dishields7808]

I've only had 3 favorite artist that trumps all else. Billy Joel held that spot for over 20 years before toei amos replaced him. Elliott smith replaced her This is my favorite Billy Joel song. His father and brother are famous mucians/conductors in Vienna. I think he knew of them, but had not met them at this point He had serious doubts about his music after he met them. They are both classical musicians. I may have all this slightly wrong but this is the song he wrote before he met them Harri... you deserve to have your dreams come true. You are a very decent man

[@teib757]

He loves classical music! :)

[@jasonhutcherson6224]

The song being about being young then growing old...... When we reach the end Vienna to me was heaven. Very deep and beautiful song.

[@janefones5505]

Billy Joel was a gift from God..your insight, spot on

[@kirkhall2099]

Play one of my favorites of his. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant

[@gillian5005]

I was so happy to hear that Billy will be coming to play in my city in December. I'll be there!

[@rickgibson4641]

I saw someone posted the story behind the song and the story of his father so thank you for saving me from all the typing , I concur :) Musically he was going classical , seems to fit the setting. He mentioned how he drew some inspiration from the Three Penney Opera. This was an album cut on the Stranger album that aged very gracefully and almost every Billy Joel fan I know would have this song in their top 5 favorites of Billy’s songs.

[@calrowles9790]

Billy Joel says i the favourite song that he wrote. I suspect he wrote it about himself.

[@nickrizzi4927]

Harri, if we are to believe everything said, Billy's fsther was a ra ther accomplished pianist, as his brother, but Pop split Hicksville on Mom and went to Vienna. So interpretations of a beautiful song..... Like father like son. Maybe. Looking for love in all the wrong places? Maybe. And in the end, the love you take is equal......... Maybe Most D or E...all of the above; None of the above. Nevertheless an eidetic marriage of words and mus ic.

[@lisahaverluk4037]

One of my favorite artists.... especially live. I saw him in concert.... awesome 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@Noelle0026]

One of my absolute favorite Billy Joel songs. This one and Scenes from an Italian restaurant.

[@beverlybrown2673]

Billy has said this is one of the best songs he ever wrote.

[@jansjodahl3009]

Wow...thank you for listening to this....it takes me to a better place...always

[@riccardoangeli802]

Leave a tender moment alone.. Live ... Billy joel and Tootsie Thielemans 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@cog4life]

This is such a beautiful song. Love it from the movie “13 going on 30”.

[@heydayma10513]

R.r.r. reading, writing, arithmetic Still Matter A Lot !

[@joelliebler5690]

A real good one inspired by Billy visiting his dad who was a professional entertainer in Vienna.

[@kevinodell1502]

"Vienna" is more than just a place. It's a metaphor. Everyone has their own Vienna...and I never metaphor I didn't like.

[@descendantoffools9767]

Billy named this as one of his favorite songs

[@patriciarossman8653]

Peace is when you want.

[@jimdunagan4180]

ha ha right on my fav Bill Joel song...just written so frigin well

[@Catmandude]

I enjoyed your thoughtful assessment of my favorite artist.

[@gonr.2426]

One of the most beatiful song I heard....full of thoughts....almost a lesson of life and your are right...many songs from him tell a story (true or not doesnt matter)....Piano man is a real good one too !! Take care ! Salute you from Argentina

[@edithdavis2848]

Good album.

[@robertolinsky6165]

Vienna was and is an epicenter of artistry.

[@chrscmo]

Great reaction bro!! Billy is actually way into classical music and you can find a lot of his classical stuff if you look. His father either lived or retired in Vienna. When Billy visited him, he saw that the old folks were appreciated and were contributing to society. His Dad told him that "Vienna waits for you"

[@debbiebell1801]

Love Billy Joel!

[@monikabeki6838]

a song about my hometown where i was born and will die! cause its the most beautiful and "on the borderline" place to live. billy joel loves my city for real and loves to spend time here... it is indeed a metaphor but also a lovesong and was also written for my hometown..... all the songs written about vienna are a lovesongs ;-). i know that you are into the 80ies so try out: ultravox: vienna! you wont regret, i promise!

[@ebenclukey7293]

When Billy was a youngster, many people's dream was to see Europe. Vienna is the most romantic image to conjure. I can see the gondola's.

[@ym61]

Billy was heavily influenced by Beethoven in particular and classically trained. This song is about his father

[@riccardoangeli802]

Piano Man il più eclettico il più talentuoso .....ha affrontato ogni stile musicale sempre divertendosi e primeggiando .... Ha solo gioielli nel suo repertorio.... Per Piano Man la musica un gioco facile 🎹👏

[@billmcandrew9210]

Gotta check out Billy Joel Allentown music video

[@khoohockleong7585]

This song epitomises the difference between the baby boomers and the Generation X. The former has a strong Moon influence and the latter strong Sun influence. Generation X usually burnt out. They be come shrivelled and wrinkled when they age. The baby boomers stay young and rejuvenate throughout lifr. Moon is water and Sun is fire.

[@catherinedorney6092]

I love this song and Billy Joel. I don't know what was his intention but as a young female I took it as your whole life is waiting and Vienna more seductive than Paris.

[@howardhales6325]

Muggsy Bogues was only 5'3". He played in the NBA for 14 years.

[@JD_Cool]

Although Billy has many hits, my 5 favorites are (frustratingly) too obscure for most KZbinrs: "Laura" (a Beatle-esque gem that gloriously uses the F-word), "Close to the Borderline" (his ode to Led Zeppelin), "Until The Night," "Everybody Loves You Now" and "Summer Highland Falls."

[@jerseygirl7908]

Summer Highland Falls 👍

[@John_Locke_108]

This song reaction is dedicated to everybody who had tickets to Pearl Jam's canceled show in Vienna last month

[@darrenkoglin3423]

I'd say Sir Billy Joel is a greater song writer along with Paul Simon as Elvis Presley was a singer performer

[@annadelgails1876]

❤

[@timsparks2862]

He is singing about his step brother

[@howarddukor2891]

Is classically trained

[@douglasennis7291]

Mozart was from Vienna 🤔

[@bennichols1113]

5'2" basketball player? you need to watch Rudy, hobbits are determined lol