FIRST TIME REACTING TO | Billy Joel "Downeaster Alexa"

[@kennethgay559]

Britt, Alexa is the name of the boat in the song. (Happens to be Billy's Eldest Daughter's name. She is also a music performer) A DownEaster is a Type of boat. This song was sung from the perspective of a Bayman slowly losing his livelihood to Large Commercial Fisheries and their Overfishing. That and the pollution of our waterways killing off shellfish! Billy was Born in the Bronx, but Raised in Hicksville. (I'm from Massapequa, Now in NC.) Billy went to Congress and pushed for them to put limits on the amounts the large companies could take out. He Fought to get the Waters cleaned up and the shellfish "reseeded". While fishing is doing better, it is still nowhere near where it should be!

[@WolvenHeart1]

Squeezebox and a fiddle, then you know your listening to an East Coast Lord T'under jeez boy.

[@Jaysun1]

Grew up in Massapequa myself.

[@mikenastasi8927]

I'm from Patchogue

[@chesleychris]

Man you laid that out perfectly!!!! I'm a Mainer....

[@justmoose6534]

Love your Billy Joel deep dive. With your background, you'd love his "New York State of Mind"

[@jamishops]

The live version from the Old Grey Whistle Test is an amazing performance of New York State of Mind.

[@justmoose6534]

@@jamishops Yes. That's the one I was thinking of as well.

[@jesseheiman1806]

To answer your question, a Downeaster is a type of fishing boat that is named after Billy's daughter. Alexa. This is one of my favorite Billy Joel songs. There were a lot of his songs that were more successful, but this one hits my heart. a little more. The pace of the music feels like waves on the ocean. Billy still performs and sells out Madison Square Garden for a monthly concert. He sells out every seat except for the front row. He will have his security people bring people down from the worst seats in the house to take those front row seats. He said that he wanted real fans in the front row, not just some rich folks who are just there for the appearance of being in the front row of a concert.

[@sandrajewitt6050]

You should listen to his song, Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel). He wrote it for his daughter when she was about 7. He and his former wife were about to break up. His daughter asked him, "What happens when you die?" The song is his response.

[@1145ontop]

Yes this song is fantastic I used to play it for my son at bed time.... still do some days

[@MBighk]

The violinist is Jean Luc Ponty, who was not a member of Billy's band; this is likely a special appearance. Jean Luc had a successful jazz career and albums of his own.

[@JC-ed4xm]

Are you sure that's not Lee Greenwood? (kidding)

[@jansndberg402]

Hello from Denmark.... try goodnight saigon

[@EKomar-z6h]

I thought that was him! What an awesome guest artist!

[@Ocrilat]

Jean Luc Ponty also featured in Elton John's 1972 album 'Honky Chateau'.

[@stephenriggs8177]

Big Ponty fan.

[@kevinstarr516]

A downeaster is a fishing boat. And Alexa is the name of his daughter who is also a musical artist. And Billy Joel is actually from the Bronx.

[@woodyheywood8792]

A Louisiana person would definitely know this....Thanks for chiming in. I was born in Gloucester, MA and my Grandfather went out to Georges Banks 6 days a week.

[@markchapel6694]

Billy and his family moved from the Bronx to Oyster Bay, LI when he was a year old

[@Ira88881]

He’s hardly from The Bronx.

[@etc7070]

Billy the Joel, people's entertainer. You nailed it. Also, hey you're a Long Islander! As others will tell you Billy was born in the Bronx but moved to Long Island as a child and still has an extremely deep connection to it. He grew up in Levittown, has/had homes in Oyster Bay, the Hamptons, Montauk. Anyway, this is a GREAT song to belt out at the top of your lungs. Other songs written from the perspective of "the people": Allentown (steelworkers), Goodnight Saigon (soldiers in the Vietnam war), Leningrad (contrasting his upbringing with that of a friend he made in the Soviet Union). And can I just say I'm loving your Billy Joel journey.

[@evanmeiner7240]

Billy grew up in Hicksville. The town right next to bethpage.

[@sykipp4281]

The "Downeaster Alexa" is a commercial fishing vessel. I spent over 3 years from October 1972 to February 1976, in the U.S. Coast Guard on the North Atlantic doing Search and Rescue iout of Gloucester, Massachusetts and Fishery Patrols out of Governor's Island, New York. I saw how much the North Atlantic Ocean was over-fished by countries from all over the world! I drank with Gloucester fisherman and if you remember the "Perfect Storm" aka. the storm with no name, the ship I served on, USCGC Tamaroa WMEC 166, out of Governor's Island, went out to rescue the sailboat crew and the helicopter crew that ditched. Hell hath no fury like the North Atlantic in March!!!!! My hat's off to those who fish the oceans for a living!!!!

[@matthewdooley7855]

Thank you for your service! The Coast Guard does a lot of hard, often thankless work. They make the world a better place.

[@TheTomt50]

Thank you for your service.

[@piperbird7193]

This is my all time favorite Billy Joel song. I can't get through it without sobbing.

[@rachelk8937]

same ❤

[@janellejanjan]

Me too ❤

[@WmTRiker]

Britt, all of Billy's songs are ballads which tell interesting stories. Some others that are definitely worth a listen are "Allentown", Goodnight Saigon", "Lullabye (Good Night My Angel)", "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant"and many more. For some videos which showcase Billy's piano playing and stage presence, may I suggest anything from the "Live From Long Island" concert from 1982? Think you'd love "Prelude/Angry Young Man" especially.

[@christopherdavey2622]

When I was a kid we got a used VCR that had a copy of live from Long island in it. Been a fan ever since.

[@cog4life]

Am so PUMPED to see you discovering Billy Joel and what a legend he is…..❤❤❤❤

[@sly2797]

Hey, a long islander! Currently living in Islip!😊 Yes, Billy is from Long Island

[@markh.7650]

Bay Shore here (which for non-long islanders is in the Town of Islip). I was born in probably the most famous town on LI... Yep... Amityville! Brunswick Hospital, just up 110 from the infamous hoax house.

[@howtodoitdude1662]

Billy is a versatile musician. He plays the piano, all types of keyboards, the harmonica, the guitar, the accordion. I’ve also seen him live playing the drums in concert! He also uses his voice as an instrument tuning it to fit the style of his songs.

[@edugator6]

Yes, girl! Long Guy-land. Born in East Meadow and lived in Plainview. Also Fire Island. Loving your Billy Joel dive. And other reactions of course too! Thanks. ❤

[@brittreacts]

Yes! Thank you!

[@mikenastasi8927]

I'm from Patchogue. I spent a lot of time in Plainview because my aunt and uncle were from Plainview. Spent a lot of time there with my cousin.

[@byefron6613]

If you want to hear a song with lyrics that paint a picture and break your heart, listen to Goodnight Saigon. His voice is fantastic, but the story he tells paints a picture that is like no other. If you like his songwriting and storytelling, this song is for you.

[@farfromperfek]

Billy was born the Bronx but raised in Long Island. I was born in Long Beach, Long Island.

[@debbiehanson9201]

Billy Joel deserves a great deal of credit for all the opportunities he gives the individual musicians in his band to shine. It's consistently been a part of his performances and recordings.

[@macmcgee5116]

Saw hima few years ago in Dallas. During that show, one of his backup singers got their own moment to sing an Opera song. Another band member kept getting on camera and every time she was on,she seemed to be playing a different instrument. Keyboard, trumpet, trombone, guitar, percussion backup singer. He introduced her later and the crowd went crazy for her.

[@curtismarsh4528]

Hi Britt, another great review. Billy Joel's Vietnam War anthem "Goodbye Saigon" is a chilling classic.

[@DanimalBeerSherpa]

I LOVE that you have fell down the Billy Joel rabbit hole. Enjoy it, embrace it. He is a brilliant lyricist, poet, musician and simply hits your soul and that has been the way for decades. I hope you do some deep digs into his library and YES he still tours. Please catch him! My brother and his family saw him last year!

[@michaelpozzini6426]

Billy was born and raised in Hicksville not far from Bethpage. I myself have lived in Bayshore. Alexa is his daughter, his boat is named the Down Easter Alexa.

[@ryan420271]

I live on the Island of Newfoundland Canada, fishing is a HUGE part of our way of life. Great song loved it since i first heard it thru my mom when i was a kid

[@josephwhite4489]

Hey there, fellow Newfoudlander!!,,Nice to see The Rock represented!! Born & raised here, and at 55, my feet have never once left this soil,...I live on The West coast, Stephenville, to be exact. When I was growing up, all the men on my lane were fishermen,,there were fish stages & fish plants,,,as you know, all this is, basically, gone now. I was around 20 when Billy Joel released this song,,,to this day, whenever I hear it, it reminds me of sentimental youth and a dying, local way of life. For this reason, the tune is bittersweet, but, still, a favorite. I just discovered this channel about a week ago...I hope u are enjoying as much as I am...Britt reacts, but she also ROCKS!

[@ryan420271]

@@josephwhite4489 i was born in St. Albans but have lived in Trepassey and now in St. Johns, I've been following britt for awhile, came across her thru Tom MacDonald. And yup she's great.

[@highrisehomestead8950]

Thank you so much for doing this one!! My absolute favourite of his. The video is great as well.

[@jasonlewis3478]

“New York State of mind” performed at the old gray whistle site. Classic.

[@greendragonpublishing]

He was born in the Bronx, but moved to Long Island pretty quickly. He's well known enough in NY to sell out TWELVE shows in Madison Square Gardens, when he hadn't even released a new album in 13 years. (This broke the record previously held by Bruce Springsteen). He was in the last concerts at Shea Stadium. He played a 'residency' series of concerts at Madison Square Gardens from 2012 through 2024, after his 100th performance there. He still lives on Long Island (either Oyster Bay or Sag Harbor, not sure which).

[@silversurfer8278]

Hi Britt, thanks for reacting to what I regard as one of Billy Joel's greatest songs, a brilliant portrayal of how overfishing and factory ships have destroyed the livelihoods of fishing communities of the New England coast and islands.

[@ryanr5319]

Favorite Billy Joel song. Ty for reaction!

[@brittreacts]

Welcome!

[@DaveIdiens]

It is sooo nice to have someone focusing on Billy’s songs and interpreting them as he moves along. I found that all his lyrics are meaningful and his music is fabulous. He is a very talented and unique artist. And I love the fact that he loves motorcycles. And your insights are awesome! Thank you soooo much ❤🙏

[@BlackieNuff]

I don't know if ANYONE has ever reacted to this - such a great song.

[@smarttvhome335]

Your comments were dead on balls accurate. "Downeasters" refers to the boats of mainly (pun intended) lobster fishermen that had to sail downwind to get to Maine, hence "down east". Awesome song. Have you checked out We Didn't Start the Fire"? Also, he did the song from the Lion King, "River of Dreams".

[@smarttvhome335]

@0TeIeGram-me-itsBrittReacts.What would you like to talk about?

[@frankcastle9991]

Billy Joel respects the fishermen .He’s singing about a boat and their hardships. I’m a surfcaster I fish for Striped bass and bluefish on the beaches I swim out to the sandbars and drift in the current . I love it and this is always on my set list to listen to before I go in the drink. Tight lines everyone

[@VonHugenDork]

William Martin Joel was born on May 9, 1949, in the Bronx, New York. When he was one year old, his family moved to the Long Island suburb of Hicksville, in the town of Oyster Bay

[@WmTRiker]

*From a town known as Oyster Bay, Long Island rode a boy with a six pack in his hand...*

[@nickrizzi4927]

Great reaction BRITT, New there was something extra special about you. Love Bethpage, though every time a play golf there I leave Black and Blue 😊 Still many friends in Farmingdale and Rock Can. I have heard this was to be a musical tribute to Lightfoot, though I have never heard from Billy's mouth.

[@jpace4608]

Patchogue representing! In Jersey now but will always be a Long Islander!

[@mikenastasi8927]

I'm from Patchogue too. Where about were you? Did you graduate from Pat-Med? I graduated from Pat-Med in 1993.

[@jpace4608]

@@mikenastasi8927 I moved away right before high school. I went to South Ocean Ave Middle School and moved to Jersey in ‘86. Graduated in ‘91.

[@antoinettelopes]

I mentioned it before but the live version with Itzhak Perlman from MSG slaps. I was lucky enough to see that in person. There's also a fun moment in one of the Hangover movies. 😁

[@rebellibrarian]

"Is he from Long Island?" My child... yes. Yes, he is and he grew up around the same time my father did and I think they had to have worked together. It was a small musical world back then. A downeaster is a kind of boat - and his downeaster is named Alexa.

[@michaeltorre8170]

Simply put, There is no one better then Billy

[@peterjack840]

The man on the electric violin looks like Jean-Luc Ponty, a French musician who was known for his electric violin.

[@jmoney6900]

That would b Queen, we r the champions.

[@Mike.L.6528]

You are so sweet! Beautiful, pretty smile & best of all a great personality! And, just like song says “Love U Just The Way You Are”. Don’t ever change. You are perfect the way you are. Great reactions always! Billy Joel is amazing! And, he’s coming out with a new song! He has so many hits. You should check out Hall & Oates, Journey, Ambrosia…and start with Hall&Oates “Sara Smile”. Amazing song! It’s right up there with Player’s “Baby Come Back”.

[@adamfindlay7091]

It's in a pretty weird scene in Hangover 2; Billy has a very strong voice.

[@innocentbystander1853]

Here are a couple more Billy Joel storytelling songs worth reacting to… Allentown (decline of the steel mills in 1980s) Goodnight Saigon (Vietnam War)…would love for you to react to these songs.

[@ianmichael5628]

Thank you so much for reviewing this song. My father was a huge Billy Joel fan (as am I) and sadly died when I was 13 but we listened to this album a lot in the months leading up to passing. This remains one of my favorite songs to this day. I definitely suggest listening to the studio album version, as it is beautifully mixed and the soundscape makes you feel as though you really were working a trawler, wondering if and when that next catch may come. Fantastic video as always, keep doing great things!

[@christineg8151]

Probably one of my favorite Billy Joel songs. Gorgeous voice, sad message.

[@scottNNJ]

Billy Joel is from (I thought) Massapequa, L.I. I see another comment saying he’s from the Bronx, which may be the case, but he’s always associated himself with Long Island. For more of his really meaningful songs, check out “Goodnight Saigon” or “Allentown” (or both)

[@danbev9313]

Hicksville LI

[@kerryjohnson4328]

I'm a conductor on the LIRR. Feel free to say hi one day. 🙂 Always love your reactions.

[@normanrose2711]

love the Billy Joel reactions ! I could name 50 songs of his that would be enjoyed by your channel but how about his song Pressure? The video that goes with it is really good

[@tomseidel2992]

The late 70s and 80s were a brutal time economically for the working class. Family farms went bankrupt in large numbers,manufacturing jobs were lost and the housing market tanked costing a lot of construction jobs. This song and "Allentown "by Billy Joel, " Blue Collar Man" by Styx and "Rain on the Scarecrow " by John Mellencamp are some of the songs from that time that touched on the situation.

[@paulmeyer9255]

I'm seeing him inTampa in a few weeks. Check out where he is touring. Go to a concert. Won't regret it

[@medolfan]

If you listen to the percussion you can feel the rise and fall of the waves against the boat hull...if you've spent any time on a boat at sea, you'll recognize what I'm talking about. Genius level song-writing to portray the sound and feel of the ocean simply by using a drumbeat!

[@SadieWatchman]

Love this song, so glad you have reacted to it!!! He is such a clever writer...

[@alexscrimpshire8761]

I’ve often said, you could have someone just appear on earth and let them listen to all Billy Joel’s songs and they’d be caught up on almost all aspects of life.

[@dennischuppe1614]

Shout out to you Britt as well from the Twin Forks, Southampton!!

[@anthonydematteo4686]

Downeaster is a type of fishing boat. The name of the ship is Alexa. He wrote the song because the government was trying to tax them to oblivion. and it's my favorite song by him. Its brilliant.

[@bobbinette6184]

One of my Bill's fav is IT'S ALL ABOUT SOUL, hope you do it Britt.

[@nygener]

Yes he's from Long Island but he's "moving out" as he likes to sing. Do you have an extra 49 million dollars? because he's selling his house. *Billy Joel leaving 20-year New York home on the bay, living in Florida* Mr. New York is movin’ out of his beloved Long Island home of over 20 years. In the village of Centre Island, roughly 40 miles east of Midtown Manhattan, Billy Joel’s 26-acre estate has hit the market for $49 million.

[@ninja_tony]

Two more great songs of his in terms of storytelling are “Allentown”, which is similar to this in that it is about the lives of workers and coal miners in the small town, and “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant”, which tells an AMAZING story over the course of a man and woman having dinner together.

[@trenae77]

I’ve always loved the way the music follows the swells and dips of the ocean as the boat moves over.

[@JRMcCarroll]

He's just written so much. I used to have a 2-CD set of his "greatest hits," which didn't even scratch the surface.

[@ThePersistentRumor]

His song writing is unparalleled. I can't get through this one without crying. It's one of his most beautiful songs, in my opinion.

[@danbev9313]

Hello from Huntington LI

[@GJH1010]

Centerport here:)

[@raymondhira2723]

You will love 'James' by Billy Joel. It has the same moody '70's sound like 'just the way you are'. But the studio version is best. It's about life and pursuing one's dreams, great song! And you will love 'Honesty' or 'Always a woman to me' too, also Billy Joel songs.

[@lorigraham2496]

The accordion and violin add a sea chanty feel to the song. Yes, the violin is real.

[@CHOCKO895]

Long Island here. East Meadow!!!!

[@curtisbrack3398]

Awesome! One of my favorite Billy Joel tunes!

[@DaveIdiens]

He plays so many instruments, you will be impressed!

[@peterkanelis2083]

A great analysis of one of my favorite songs.

[@chrisalldis3375]

A great artist, a great song, by a guy who knows how to write

[@debibailey2968]

Great song! Love that, first time I've heard it! The violinist reminds me very much of Jon Luc Ponty!!!! He's incredible!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@markchapel6694]

That's probably because it IS Jean-Luc Ponty! 🙃

[@debibailey2968]

@@markchapel6694 well I guess that would be why then. I thought it looked like him, but wasn't sure!

[@jhas727]

Growing up in RI on the Water Galilee, New Port and East Greenwich Bay, Block Island Sound to points north it is a sad reality what has happened to local independent Fisherman. Very similar to what corporations have done to independent Local Farmers.

[@smcarpen]

I got a true gem for you. It’s an oldie but not well known. James Vickry, Until Morning, on the Colors Show. That young man is an incredibly gifted vocal artist.

[@kevindohn6776]

Thanks to whoever suggested this song, one of my favourites ! More RUSH please !

[@tbnobs]

One of my favorite Billy Joel songs

[@rickpetersen1745]

Hey Britt as a little kid I lived in Central Islip. Right now,today those same fisherman are fighting for their future in front of their U.S. Supreme Court about Government regulations that a put them out of business. Like being forced to have a government inspector on board and have to pay that government employee 700 dollars a day . Corrupt government.

[@sprayarm]

One of my friends at church in the praise band plays a blue electric violin… it is quite impressive what he does with it. He flips between it and electric guitar.

[@jakedasnake5054]

Thank you for reacting to this song. Years ago when I was up every morning at the 4 o'clock feeding of my 3rd child, this is the song I sang to her every night. It knew my job was going to leave a toll on my body, but I keep working long hard hours to provide for the family, who I love dearly. Singing this song to her also helped my state of mind knowing I'm going to do everything I can to provide a life for her.

[@donaldpruitt6787]

Billy was arrested in protest rally about this subject being from long island its very meaning ful to him and thousands Billy is absolutly one of the best songwrters vocalists platers on the planet he writes all his music and lyrics he goes further and paints a picture from the words to have you imagine the story of the subject a very rare ability and hes a master at it He is a world icon and will go down in history as such ....jean luc ponty geast violinists another master player world renoun Billy has had the best players ever and live is awesome total pros 👍♥️💯☮️☮️☮️☮️

[@MikeFugily-hj3ok]

Hi Britt, my father was a NYC Firefighter and bayman who clammed in the waters off Staten Island (Raritan Bay, one of/ believe largest clam beds in the world)....We also had a fair amount of Long Island clammers who would work the beds here.

[@ronaldcardinali2809]

Billy was born in the bronx like me also, and grow up in long island .The song was dedicated to his daughter Alexa ray Joel, when she was born, and he also named his boat with the same name.

[@RiccBallard]

Your from long island and never heard him sing "New York State of Mind"? Thought that was the New York theme song! 🤣😂🤣

[@ThelmaBaker-v2b]

The album this song was released on is excellent from beginning to end. The whole thing is great! If you haven't heard the rest of it, you would love it! ❤

[@warrenjohn]

*Stormfront* is the album that this song comes from. Great album! Almost every track is fire!

[@Sp33gan]

One of my favourite Billy Joel songs, as a Canadian it also speaks to the Maritime provinces where the fishing industry has become ever-increasingly difficult. It's a way of life that was, and remains, so important, yet the changing climate and overfishing has reduced the numbers of fish in the oceans drastically. Those work the waves are forced to go further out into the ocean and fish deeper than ever before to try to make a living. When he sings about trolling Atlantis, he's making the statement about how deep he's trying to find the fish. My first band was a Celtic Rock group and this was one of the songs we had in our setlist. Honestly, it's a thrill to sing this masterpiece, and the East Coasters/ex-fishers out here felt the words deeply and appreciated that we played this for them.

[@GJH1010]

I live in Centerport on the North Shore, not far from his home in Oyster Bay. You must go see him ASAP!

[@dudeymcduderson]

Jean Luc Ponty. My favourite violinist of all time. An absolute legend!

[@llschnitz]

Electric Violin by Jean Luc-Ponty. He performs on Elton John's 1972 album Honky Chateau where the hits Rocket Man, Honky Cat and other great hits can be found.

[@coyotej4895]

I grew up in a SE Alaskan Native family that is primarily employed in Commercial fishing. In the East one must also remember how many hundreds of years those waters where feeding so many growing populations and the fishing then was not properly regulated and managed. In Alaska we got it right with the tribes and the forestry industry forming a partnership that brought the runs back in Alaska. Other places have begun similar programs, and many are working but with the rising number of Chinese boats now encroaching and fishing without limit or oversight this is going to turn bad real fast. The rising cost of fuel and the extortion of the insurance systems are combining with the global effort to shut down fusel fuels which fishing boats have NO possible replacement for and together will put many fishermen out of business. Many places rely on our products for food and many people don't even know how many products including cosmetics and medical applications that will be affected.

[@ronlittman1896]

Billy Joel was a real working man's singer. Another great working man song is Allentown.

[@johnconti1087]

You are insanely smart. Oh and also insanely beautiful.

[@Xandrosi]

The original recording of DownEaster'Alexa had Itzhak Perlman on violin. The violinist on this live performance had big shoes to fill.

[@brianlanders9457]

He’s from Hicksville. Went to my high school. Love us islanders.

[@musicairplanes4884]

Maybe my favorite Billy Joel song.

[@mdm54]

I lived in Boston and near the ocean and saw the high tides and the wicked winters

[@robertbyrd5219]

A ‘downeaster’ is a type of commercial fishing boat … very nice channel, Britt, thanks …

[@riccardoangeli802]

Che talento dal vivo ... Piano Man non sbaglia un colpo .... Talento totale .... Consiglio Leave a tender moment alone " live" duet Tootsie Tielemans

[@twwtjohns]

I worked in a restaurant that had lobster tanks in the late 70s. Customers picked their own lobster from a one up to a 2 and a half pounder for their meal. They were Maine lobster shipped in every day or two.

[@meehanasap]

I grew up on the North Shore and have the same memories.

[@gcarap]

Billy is from Hiicksville, Long Island

[@robertkern9911]

Ive mentioned Billys from LI a few times He grew up in Westbury in aa Levitt develoment. I grew up near by in Levittown on the bordewr of Bethpage aand kids from Bethpage went to my school district Island Trees, Thhen we Moved to Central Islip Youve got to hear innocent man from the bridge to far Russia tour and New York State of Mind from the old grey whistle test Noth sure to blow your mind

[@BlackieNuff]

If you wanna see more "rock star" levels of violin, check out The Charlie Daniels Band, or TSO (Trans-Siberian Orchestra). Charlie Daniels is country with more traditional fiddles, but TSO is rock/metal "symphonic rock". It's all amazing.

[@labine12345]

Billy Joel is from Oyster Bay, Long Island. It'd be cool to see you react to "New York State of Mind" for his next one. He has a very deep catalogue.