The curious case of Billy Joel's new song "Turn the Lights Back On"

[@tinacalderon4899]

I Agree!!

[@sythompson9331]

I'm in my 70s- I think this song touches a lot of things you feel now. good review on your part

[@malcolmroberts1359]

This is a song about reflection .... I am that older guy sitting in my comfortable recliner (sadly too early for a drink!!) and the lyrics made me remember how I screwed things up through my life but I want redemption. Great song and a huge thank you to Billy for writing it.

[@exercisethemind4784]

The one that got away, luckily this song did not. Thanks Billy

[@Bubbin]

The drums have some throw-back to Down-Easter Alexa and some of the piano fills are similar to past work. Not the same, but echos of the past. I agree that this is a song about his relationship to his music. The way that we remember past events isn't always spot on but we hit the high/low points when talking about them. The piano fills feel the same. I cannot tell you how happy I was to hear this resurgence (if you will) and hope there is more. At least he's here, and the light is on.

[@Jordan-p5u5g]

Billy Joel’s last song is too derivative - people have commented about its similarities to “Morning is Broken,” “End of the Road,” “Hallelujah, Salvation, and Glory,” “Sometimes I’m Alone” (sung by a cat), “Your Song,” and to several of his own songs - “Always a Woman,” and “Piano Man.” The song should be called out for its unoriginality.

[@CliffMcAulay]

This is such a lazy review of Billy Joel's new record. For a kick off, you haven't noticed that it was written mainly by Freddy Wexler? The chords are not 'Obviously Billy's work' They are 'plainly reminiscent' of 'Morning has Broken'.And the 'Great chorus' is 'plainly reminiscent' of 'Rock And Roll All Night ' by Kiss... I could go on...The Autotuned vocals!!! I love Billy Joel, and like you, I regard him as part of the succession of great American songwriters going back to George M Cohan.. But this new work is pretty typical of the AI rubbish we have been served from quite a notable amount of 'legacy' performers lately.. No names..But the letters A.B.B.A are written large.. I am all about encouraging the old un's to keep the melodies flowing..But don't you think that Billy knows what he is doing?

[@lionheartroar3104]

Its a GREAT song. Welcome back to the charts Billy!

[@paulvoorhies8821]

What charts??

[@longtallshorty5791]

@@paulvoorhies8821what jealousy??

[@paulvoorhies8821]

@@longtallshorty5791 Marciano, Liberace?

[@johnfrick9995]

He managed to capture the feel of 1970s music, which is the first time anyone has been able to do that in over 30 years. I hope others can do the same because music has been stale for the last 30 years, for everyone.

[@josephfernandez8015]

It’s probably not gonna chart unfortunately

[@stevetournay6103]

Famous Last Words also made reference to turning lights off...and the connection is acknowledged as deliberate at the start of the video for the new song, where Billy turns the page, literally, from a handwritten sheet of Famous Last Words to a blank sheet... I'd be a musician (as my brother is), at least part time, if I could play anything. I can't, but I do sing passably, which means a lot of karaoke. Tried out Turn The Lights Back On. Have never had a song feel so "right" the first time through. I'm borderline obsessed with it...thank you Billy, and also Freddie for the compositional assist and especially your persuasiveness!

[@jimdecker4079]

This latest song definitely has an early Billy Joel sound to it.

[@connieanderson9448]

It’s about him and his career, I love the way he’s back , very very brilliant, I love all his songs, but absolutely love his new song ! I listen to his concert the 100th Fantastic!

[@franksomoza1124]

Pretty beautiful song!!!! Once again. Billy is a WINNER!!!

[@KevinOfferman-by5es]

I believe the other music he's released in the interim were either Orchestrated pieces or performed by another artist. This is his first "pop" song since 1993. It's interesting what possibly drove him to write this, it's almost like he's saying, yes I told you i wouldn't ever write new material but I'm turning the lights back on so "MAYBE" i can give you one more album of reflection of the last 30 years. LETS cross our fingers he does that!!!!

[@davegott8412]

Famous words says these are the last words I have to say before another age goes by…so he lets the door be open to new stuff 😊😊

[@jacquelinewade9054]

There's just one problem with your evaluation, David. Billy didn't actually write the song! It was written for him by Freddy Wexler. Although it's a truly exceptional song (both lyrically and musically), and it's tailor-made for him, it's disappointing that, after such a lengthy drought, he finally releases a song that he didn't write. Therefore, as much as I like the song and agree overall with your opinions about it, I'm hoping that this isn't his "swan song", since all things considered, it should be lyrics that he actually gave birth to and not that he's fostering. Your video should be re-worked, so that it's more accurate in it's content...but thank you for your kind comments about Billy in general!...and kudos to Freddy Wexler for writing a masterpiece! Hopefully, they'll be an album of (at least mostly) original material in the near future, since there was some discussion (in a radio interview) about the "team" working on other songs that Billy had previously written.

[@daviddas]

I highly suspect that after thirty years of "songwriting retirement" this is probably the help he needed -- someone to help him find his muse again. We'll never know the true extent of who did what in the songwriting -- clearly the other writers did contribute significant portions -- but on the flip side, Billy definitely feels proud enough of it to call it his own and own it fully, and I also suspect that the lyrics are a sentiment that echoes part of his own psyche.

[@anthonydavid1965]

For the full story of this new song, search for yesterdays interview of Billy and Freddy Wexler by JimKerr on Q104.3 Radio. It’s on KZbin. During the interview Billy states the song was written by Freddy and he agreed to sing on it as he thought it sounded like something he could have written himself. Billy did alter a few words and notes etc, so gets a song writing credit, but the song is Wexler’s. The most interesting admission in the interview though is that Billy and Wexler have been working on unfinished/unreleased songs of Billy’s for a year and a half!

[@howtodoitdude1662]

Listen to the broadcast again, you are adding your own twist to it.

[@thelevisullivan]

The fact that Billy had a hand at all in writing it is good enough for me.

[@JerzyG84]

I'll have to listen to that. I could tell something was different lyrically, kind of like a song written in the style of Billy Joel, but I couldn't put my finger on it until I saw the amount of song writers were on this song.

[@Flint92]

I'm really torn on this because one of the reasons I love Billys Music since the 1970s and he is his own craftsman on words and music (Outside of Code of silience) which Cyndi lauper was on in 1986. I really was stunned to see that Billy had a co-writer on this and had some hesitations about how I felt. The Billy Joel channel on Sirius had Freddy Wexler on it discussing this song and the collaboration with Billy (and these are his words, not mine). I definitely agree with this song being about Billy, but also feel it wasn't his "heart and soul" alone. Freddy thought "he had a great song" (paraphrasing) and that "was seriously considering releasing it on his own" (my question is why didn't he if it was that good prior to meeting Billy)? Secondly he said Billy took this song from what it was and hit it out of the park and Freddy was in awe of Billys talents. Reality is no one is going to know how much of the song was Freddys and how much Billy changed, but I truly believe that Billy is at the point in his life where he didn't care about working with someone and getting co-credit) I.E. (Elton and Bernie).

[@squilliamfancyson2870]

@@howtodoitdude1662 Well, I’ve listened to the interview a couple times, and OP is telling it exactly as it was said. This is a Freddy Wexler song that Billy tweaked. To believe otherwise is to live in denial.

[@jbmagic100]

I can't stop listening to this song. It's gorgeous

[@ErgoKing]

I was thinking the same thing about the song-that it was about him as a songwriter-when I was first listening to the song on autorepeat yesterday. And the title, "Turn the Lights Back On," sounded like something someone would say if he was ready to open up the songwriting shop again. . . .

[@glazdarklee1683]

Like many fans of Billy Joel, I am in my early 60s. I heard this song far later than many as I have been on a cruise. (Did I mention my age?) As pointed out, the chord progression is almost textbook. But it is the brilliance and magic of Billie Joel that he married them to just the right lyrics and played them in just the right way to bring tears to my eyes.

[@VercingetorixIV]

There’s always been a light on Billy. You lit it and I don’t see it fading any time soon.

[@johndiggins3147]

It's describing the aftermath of the pandemic! Trials and tribulations the indelible impressions it made on all of us. Opportunities missed and squandered. Our lost years and looking for redemption if there is any.

[@KyleHannanUK]

I agree. The song's better on repeated listens and the video is wonderful but let down by a drumtrack which is rhythmically just a monotonous plod

[@thejoyofthemusicinmylife7897]

With Billy Joel pretty much stop producing new music since his last full album, he had become the Irving Berlin of rock and roll. Berlin stop producing music for public consumption in the early 1950s. He saw the new direction music was heading in and rather then to adjust his style he decided just to close up shop. It is great to have a new song by Billy. Below is my thoughts on this new release. The Lights Back On has that classic Billy Joel sound. I like the build up of instruments as the song goes along. Billy's voice is strong and still resonate with a touch of aging which is expected for his years. Billy's genius comes right through and this new song is worthy to take its place in the great Billy Joel songbook. From what I can hear there are no use of a newer techniques of modern day popular music, it does not sound like he is making a deliberate effort to keep up with the times as some veteran music artist have done. Billy does not need a new makeover. His style of writing is timeless that can bypass fashionable current music trends. Here we have a solid effort and a good song. If Billy is going to make more music then this new offering is a hopeful sign that good things are to come. For the listener who has the work of Billy imbedded in their brain, if your disappointed on the first listen, do not prejudge but give the song a number of listens before passing off final judgment. We do expect a lot from an artist of the caliber of Billy Joel and if your not picking that at first, then again give the song some repeated listens. I am sure there are a number of Billy Joel songs you now love but it took a while to reach that point. As for myself I love the new song from the start and it only gets better each time hearing it. Lastly, the world has changed greatly since Billy released his last full pop album. With the internet coming into our lives attention spans have grown shorter. Some people will just give the new song a quick listen and move on. People to not spend as much time listening to a full vinyl records like they use to. We even have a generation who never done that. Jumping around to different songs on streaming service such as Spotify is more common. Here Billy just gave us one song to take in. Perhaps in doing so he is keeping up with the times instead of offering up an album of 11 songs. Even Ringo Star has said he is just going to just release 4 songs EPs. Hey Billy EPs may be the way to go hint, hint. Again Turn The Lights Back On is worthy of Billy legacy and a reminder of how great an artist he is and I am glad he tapped back into his creative side to give us a new song which I hope fans will embrace. Also Billy will have a new song to play at his live shows so a win win for everyone. I like to conclude by sayin thank you Mr. Joel for this very nice gift to your fans which we did not see coming. Today it is being presented for all of us to unwrap and enjoy. First a new Beatle song now a new song by Billy Joel. We are so lucky.

[@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078]

Wowww I think you’re onto something. Usually I pick up on stuff like this in songs. But it didn’t even occur to me that’s what he could be talking about here. But it fits so well. For multiple reasons.. First, he’s been married 4 times. So more than likely he’s not he’s thinking of a specific woman. Second, many times he’s used the analogy that he views his music as women to an extent. When he retired from writing rock ‘n’ roll, he said it was the promiscuous woman with fishnets you have a lot of fun with. While classical music he wrote was more of the mature girl next-door who you marry. So applying that context to this, it kinda fits.

[@josephfernandez8015]

I think he regrets the decision to not make any new music since 1993. The song is basically asking the question whether he was too late “turning the lights back on” when it comes to making new music. I HOPE this means we get some more new music,if not a full album.

[@daviddas]

I too wonder if there's a bit of regret here. It's not for the money (he has plenty) or the family or the lack of opportunity. I sincerely wonder if there is some ambition left in him to do a little more.

[@davidfulton179]

Ironic that he told the crew during the Russian concert to turn the lights OFF out of consideration for the audience. And now, nearly 40 years later he is asking for them to be turned back on. Maybe so he can tell the audience goodbye.

[@stevetournay6103]

Famous Last Words contains a line about turning lights off, too.

[@davidfulton179]

There is very much a Leonard Cohen vibe here. Which would make a lot of sense. Billy is closer to the end than to the beginning but the urge to create remains.

[@vallaindigital]

I'm happy I fell on your video, because after I listened to the new BJ song, I felt it was too "safe", and didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped. I don't dislike it, for sure, but after your comments on the song, I feel I understand it better now, and can appreciate it better. Cheers!

[@daviddas]

I don't disagree with you that it is "safer" -- but I don't put a judgment on a 73-year-old manor not writing something adventurous. I think he's ultimately being true to who he is at this stage in his life.

[@SmittysShop]

Interesting take. I think that any man (and perhaps, woman) that has allowed a love to slowly fade away, through complacency or lack of effort, knows exactly what this song is about. Such an emotionally moving song, for me.

[@daviddas]

I think so too.

[@mlcbillykeys]

Agree, and like anyone, I have some relationship regrets, and the song speaks to me at that level. But I can't help feeling the relationship being explored in this song is that between the artist and the "manufacturing" process to produce a finished song.

[@ikust007]

Piano Man and She’s a woman : unbeatable. But this song is pretty in the vibes !

[@bobmalaggese4098]

In "famous last words" he does say "there may be other words some other day". Well.......here they are!

[@davidarmour7766]

It sounds like he had something to communicate over music. The message was more important than music. An expression from his heart.

[@johndersham1]

I agree with you on the subject of this song. It is a wonderful great sounding piece.

[@jraoul711]

I enjoyed your insights into the song. I agree about Billy being both a great song writer and a one of my favorite lyricists. I think it takes a few listens to realize it's actually a very good song. It kind of reminds me of Billy's classic period. Such as And so it Goes and She's got a Way. I kind of think though the lyrics point to maybe more to come? It could be did l wait to long to release a single. But turn the lights back on implies there's more to be shed light upon. I could be wrong, but that's kind of my interpretation. Just because he's mid 70's doesn't mean he couldn't have more to state musically.

[@daviddas]

It took me a few listens too, to get it.

[@wyleddawg6130]

This reminds of johnny cash's later version of 'hurt'. Sung from an older man looking back on lifes regrets. Billy Joel turned the light back on for us all! ❤

[@tinacalderon4899]

Good Idea Elton John should sing this song in honor of Joel

[@AdgTee21]

Great review! Some of the most touching comments I’ve read are from younger folks who didn’t grow up with Billy Joel like we did(73!), but absolutely love his music. They are blown away to be alive when he’s made a new song when before he was only their parents’ memory!! ❤

[@tinacalderon4899]

turn the Lights back. on !!!

[@francesdalton4345]

I feel as if this new song is partly his romantic self in regard to his personal life, but it feels also as if it's his romantic relationship with his audience. After all, it appears as if all intense singer-songwriters have a romantic relationship with their listeners. When I started listening to it, I kind of thought oh, I might not like this, but then the chorus hit and tied it all together. My God, this is such an intense chorus. I wonder if he wrote it first? Thank you Billy.

[@daviddas]

Agree on the intensity -- it's an understated intensity. And agree on the romance he has with his audience. I bet he would agree.

[@gazaniac]

Fantastic review. You said everything I was thinking. I never thought the song was for his wife.

[@jgdforesthills1]

Billy Joel continues to give us classic Billy Joel lyrics, harmonies and music that touches your spirit and soul. Another classic.

[@redadamearth]

He didn't write the lyrics - or the music - or the title - it's Freddy Wexler's song, by Joel's admission. Joel did not write it.

[@jgdforesthills1]

well it sounds like a Billy Joel song. The music reminds me of the style of Billy Joel’s music. Obviously this songwriter was heavily influenced by the music of Billy Joel. I think it’s a great song. Billy Joel put his stamp on it and it’s a big hit. I bought it right away.

[@ChrisPernaDrums]

Your interpretation is spot on.

[@ElizabethRoseyomiz]

thanks for this interesting video, David.I just heard the song. I’m also a life long fan. I even met him - at Havana Jam in Cuba in 1978. And Richie Cannata, one of his tenor sax players, played on one of my albums. So at first listen, it’s classic BJ in structure and, as you said, his distinctive piano attacks. I feel a melancholy in the lyrics. And I think that your observation that he’s confronting himself (life review?) is astute. I relate to this re-evaluation, looking back and asking tough questions. I get the feeling that the song hit him in the heart and he had to record it. Don’t forget that he was doing completely sold out concerts at Madison Square Garden every month for a long time. He’s amazing and the productions with Phil Ramone at the helm are brilliant. Keep going with your tribute song, DD.

[@THELICENSEDGURU]

Took it as this being about society as a whole in this space & time…

[@howtodoitdude1662]

The lyrics sometimes don’t fit smoothly with the music. That’s because he co wrote it. The 6/8 count sounds like him and so does the broken chords and the solo, but the chord progression is too simple for Billy.

[@RichardAndersonNewZealand]

i agree with all of your comments except the suggestion that Elton could sing it, if anything i wouldve been great for a Freddie Mercury cameo...which obviously isnt possible.....its a great (honest) song, he always makes me feel nostalgic.

[@daviddas]

Freddie Mercury would be amazing on this song. One day we'll AI it and see what it would have sounded like!

[@RichardAndersonNewZealand]

@@daviddas now theres a challenge that i could get with :)

[@BethanySwint]

I love Billy’s music! It’s never a dissatisfying experience! I’m only 21 but his music has greatly impacted my life!

[@ronatopaz2793]

He didn’t write the lyrics to Turn The Lights Back On!

[@daviddas]

I just made a video about the co-writing process for this song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYvXh4N8pJaJg80

[@joshdietrich5080]

I love the song, and even though I’m over thirty years younger than Billy, the lyrics resonate with me, and where I currently am.

[@JeffreyGold]

Love Billy Joel's new song! Also check out Sting's The Bells of St. Thomas. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zn6xnIpunqppq5o

[@PatrickMobileHomes]

Interesting phases of making gobs and gobs of money peddaling old gold.

[@davidkallenbach1099]

I love this song, love the lyrics and the piano, but I have to wonder, upon first listen I said to myself, is this a decades old song I just had never heard before , by a much younger Billy Joel? But it was recorded with such clarity it had to have been recorded recently…which leads me to think Billy Joel laid down the basics and then the other three guys listed on the credits used AI technology to make his voice sound exactly like Billy Joel’s voice as it was 40 years ago. In the same way they merged the young Billy’s footage with the current one in the official video, it really seems like they did the same with the music-heavily synced/enhanced by AI…anyone else get this feeling?

[@timmarks5691]

I never understood why he stopped recording….One of the best

[@CluelessImp5408]

because he wanted to stop while he was ahead, didn’t want to release music he wouldn’t be proud of at the time

[@jackiewilliams4854]

My first listen to his new song brought me to tears driving down the road. Memories of my life which Billy Joel supplied the backdrop to came flooding back. Absolutely beautiful lyrics and sung like only he could do.

[@badmariamedia]

His lyrical history is story songs filled with imagery and mood. This is a power ballad. Nothing wrong with it, but the words don't read as Billy Joel.

[@finch2213]

This is the third Billy Joel song that has lyrics about people talking in a hall. 1. Innocent Man- “Some people stay far away from the door if there’s a chance of it opening up. They hear a voice in the hall outside and hope that it just passes by.” 2. The Longest Time- “I’m that voice you’re hearing in the hall, and the greatest miracle of all.” 3. Turn the Lights Back On- “Please open the door. Nothing is different, we’ve been here before pacing these halls trying to talk over the silence.”

[@jonnyhansen4036]

Great song, i love it. But as with the latest Rolling Stones record, the producers goes bananas with pitch correction....that totally ruins it for me...Why put pitch correction on Billy Joel (or Mick Jagger)??...I just don't get it....

[@alexiskobalt7450]

PASTICHE much? The song - yes, pleasant to the ears - comes across as written by A.I. For one thing, Joel piggybacked onto Freddy Wexler's original track when he came across him in the studio. So it's more a matter of Joel giving legitimacy to a song that would have been excoriated as a Joel rip-off without him. No mention of the chord calls-back to "She Has a Way" and others. The cadence makes you breathless - in a bad way. You are correct in your click track comment. I expect some folks here to cover the song and sing it more smoothly.

[@daviddas]

It comes down to a difference of opinion. I found it heartfelt and sincere; you apparently didn't.

[@alexiskobalt7450]

@@daviddas It being heartfelt and sincere has zero to do with the cadence issues (which you at least noted), clumsy past-hit insertion, and THREE additional writers. Never said I didn't LIKE track; there's just something off about it. Watch his performance at the Grammys last night and you'll see just how awkward the arrangement truly is.

[@daviddas]

@@alexiskobalt7450 I agree the Grammy performance was subpar. A little awkward and hesitant and, frankly, it felt nervous.

[@alexiskobalt7450]

@@daviddas Agreed! Especially since he followed it up with a solid perf of "You May Be Right." That said, will his fans love it and sing along at his concerts? 100%. But I expect at some point someone will cover it and change the tempo just like Roberta Flack did with "First Time (Ever I Saw Your Face)" and it clicked into place.

[@jamesgroff4962]

Kind of interesting that he doesn't begin with a piano jntro

[@daviddas]

I think I heard that people who ordered the single got a version with a piano intro (?)

[@markgrant1302]

Wow, you're really comparing Billy with the Beatles.... I can't imagine Billy would do that. Now and then was limited to what they had to work with, an old Demo with a fixed piano part and vocal, as opposed to a collaboration between Billy Joel and another songwriter Freddy Wexler who took an old song idea, wrote parts, they discussed it, made changes then recorded something completely brand new. That's a pretty arrogant attitude, never mind all of your hot air about your "insight" into what Billy surely must have been thinking as an older more reflective man. Nothing ruins music more than obsessed fanboys that don't get the story right.

[@beatrixwickson8477]

Billy literally does compare himself to the Beatles once stating that he was stopping at 12 albums because they did. Then they release one more track and so does Billy. Coincidence? Maybe. You might not be able to imagine him making the comparison but he sure does, even if it's from the position of idolising them.

[@er070559]

It's a great song. I loved it upon hearing it the first time. However, hearing Billy sing it live at the Grammy's completely blew me away. The emotion in his voice took it to another level. Now I feel like the studio version, though still very good, sounds a bit over produced.

[@TjerkMuller]

If you didn't like the posthumous 'Now and Then' by the Beatles (agreed), I wonder what you make of the cover version by Andre Antunes.

[@jonathanlapointe6262]

I thought that he quit making music because of the contract he had/has? with the record company and he vowed to screw them till the end. And he didn't want to let the world that close anymore. And I got to say I have the same reaction when I first heard it I was still tearing up happy tears but it seemed to fall a little flat for me but it is growing on me. I don't know about downeaster Alexa but it reminded me a bit of Miami 2012

[@toddgelineau6536]

Billy has said The Last Word was written to put a period on his lyric writing. He didn’t find writing lyrics fun anymore despite enjoying writing melodies. This new song was written with the help of others at their urging. He had no plans to write and release new music until Wexler pushed him.

[@VallaMusic]

it's fine if Billy now wishes that he had never stopped making albums - our minds can do complete 180's after many years of reflection - especially after taking stock of our lives at an older age

[@JohnGadzaJr.]

Great review. It's definitely spot on.

[@markcroxteth2108]

A UK band called McFly released a song last year called 'Honey, I'm home'. It was around the idea of the band going back to their favoured rock 'n' roll sound after a gap of 10 years or so. So maybe this song has a similar sort of theme. I won't be able to unhear that theory now though. But that's good, it puts the song into a more uplifting light.

[@musicman4557]

Thanks for this video and your comments. I have been a Billy Joel fan all the way back to the Piano Man Album and being a Piano Player myself, have always gravitated towards his music. I was thrilled to learn that he had released a new song after all these years, and though I was elated, I had to ask "Why". I have heard Billy say on many occasions when asked about his retirement from songwriting, that he just felt that he had nothing more to say. He has also said that "He hated to write, but loved to have written". Having written some songs myself, I know that the songwriting process is laborious and difficult at times, and it just wasn't fun for Billy any longer. However, in listening to this new song, I really believe it is about Billy and his relationship to his fans and the music industry in general - "I'm late, but I'm here right now" I think he is saying, "I'm back". There are so many word pictures in the lyrics of this song, that it seems that he is talking about himself, turning the lights off of his creativity, perhaps to soon?? He say's he is waiting for "Forgiveness", maybe from the fans, or again the music audience in general, for not putting out any new music for 30 years. "And maybe you love me, maybe you don't Maybe you'll learn to and maybe you won't" It just seems like he is almost apologizing for not putting out new music, but it is like he is saying I'm back, just give me a chance. "Trying to find the magic that we lost somehow". The line "outsiders inside the Home that we built". I don't know maybe I am reading way to much into his lyrics, but being a Billy Joel fan for so many years, I have learned that Billy doesn't write lyrics flippantly, he puts a lot of thought into them, and he is usually trying to convey a message of some kind. I hope this is not all, and I have to feel that he has more to say??? I hope to see an album forthcoming. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.

[@nicholasdarienzo8117]

Sounds a lot like "If I Only Had the Words to Tell You," doesn't it? Bookends for a legendary career!

[@danurban247]

Billy has said in interviews that the lyrics of Famous Last Words were intentional, though he'd always follow up by saying that he may say more at a later time if he finds the inspiration.

[@MrJimeih]

Unnecessary dumping on The Beatles. Some of us were quite touched by Now and Then.

[@marinfamily2010]

The piano chord progression reminds me of Cat Stevens’ “Morning has Broken”.

[@joewhip9303]

Watching the official video it is clear it is about him and his career. I hear a ton of Beethoven in this song. Wonderful.

[@triumphjb1504]

Dear God, please don't make a song called "Brenda and Eddie". Is nothing sacred?

[@rahulbanerjee9968]

agree with everything you had to say about billy. he's a craftsman and a genius in his own right but there was no need of taking that cheap shot at 'now and then'. it still had the beatles touch and this is the greatest band of all time we're talking about. so put some respect there.

[@daviddas]

Clearly I need to make a video about Now and Then explaining myself. :)

[@rahulbanerjee9968]

@@daviddas yes please, i’d love that. again i didn’t mean to disrespect you or anything. i love your takes, and pls do one about ‘now and then’ too. xx

[@jakolbfleisch]

The thing that caught my ear was the lack of a real bridge which has always been the center point of many of his songs and he was known for crafting very interesting bridges within the songs.Was it left out for simplicity? Was it left out for lack of idea? Unless he speaks on it we'll never know, but it is curious.

[@daviddas]

Billy does write great bridges. Fascinating historical anecdote: the song Modern Woman also doesn't have a real bridge. However, if you track down his studio demos, there IS a bridge in there that never made it to the final version. It's fascinating to analyze this and ask the question, "What is it about this bridge that made it 'not good enough' for Billy to keep it?"

[@geoffcoe4276]

100% right, and the lack of a bridge was the first thing I thought was missing in the version he performed live at the Grammys. When I listened to the recording, I noticed some subtle structural changes in the instrumental section that led me to think that that's the "bridge replacement."

[@emilyserafamanschot800]

I enjoyed your analysis of Billy Joel's latest song. I'm a big fan--I have many of his LPs (some in vinyl) and I've seen him twice--once solo and once with Elton John. But stop it right there with the comparison to the Beatles' "Now and Then". Sure, that song is no "Strawberry Fields Forever" or "I Am The Walrus". It's not even near "All You Need Is Love" or "This Boy". But it was a wonderful way to wind up a Beatles' career. It's nostalgic and sweet. I was a sweet 12 years old when I saw them on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964--sixty years ago, probably around the time you were born. They were the first to steal my heart. You're entitled to your opinion, but I don't have to agree with you. Just let me--and all the other young girls like me--reminisce and have fun. Thanks.

[@daviddas]

Absolutely. :) I feel I can justify my opinion, but it is just that, an opinion. I might do a video on it at some point.

[@EvanHarrold-j9i]

Martinez Richard White Michelle Williams Kenneth

[@triplejazzmusicisall1883]

I like the song but believe we should acknowedledge all four participants involved in it's creation. There are four individuals credited with this composition and one in particular arguably had equal part in it's formation alongside Billy. Prior to this I have been informed that Billy has only co-written with another once before which was with Cyndi Lauper on Getting Closer.

[@daviddas]

I just made a video about the co-writing process for this song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYvXh4N8pJaJg80

[@paulcarr5918]

I t definitely has that dual meaning between the relationship in the song and his career.

[@HumbertoAbed]

I have always loved Billy. Seeing him in concert was in my bucket list since, forever. I was so lucky I could see him live just before the pandemic. He came to Mexico city and I got tickets as soon as I knew he was coming. His songs are very nostalgic to me. All of them remind me of better times. It may sound redundant, but my favorite song is For the longest time. I heard the song just yesterday. immediately I heard he is talking to me, to us. He is not talking bout love, at least not about a couple's love, but his love to us and our love to him. He is saying I'm still here, and so you are. It's a little late, but not too late. I loved it the second I heard it for the first time, and loved it the next 20 times I played it again and again. Billy IS one of the greatest of ll time. And I'm glad I got to share this time window with him and be a listener of his words and music

[@ricktheexplorer]

Reminded me of the kind of woman that wants a divorce the moment you meet her.

[@generalkang1969]

I like your take on this song, and it gave me something to think about... much appreciated!

[@scalzmoney]

The writing credits don't matter, folks. The moment this song was released it became a Billy Joel song. Do we really think there's no connection between the performer and the meaning of their songs? Please tell that to this generation's pop musicians whose songs have a dozen songwriters in the credits.

[@thelevisullivan]

The fact that Billy had a hand in writing it is good enough for me. There are a lot of artists, both past and present, who have worked with multiple collaborators on songs.

[@daviddas]

Agree. Though traditionally he hasn't been much into collaboration, this seems like a special case.

[@frantark2535]

On the radio show interview, i believe Billy takes credit for main credit on this song, and mentions others, it's all very vague who wrote what on it, but I agree lyrics don't sound like Billy but are symbolic in a lot of ways, and piano and melody although basic, sound like him, but it all sounds great, I'll take an album worth like this , bring it on please! And thanks Freddy to collab with Billy and draw him out!

[@KevinOfferman-by5es]

@@daviddas While the lyrics are written by Billy only, but it appears that he had assistance writing the music. It's possible he wasn't sure what would resonate with the modern audience and called in help. Which is fine by me.

[@Joeandfran]

This easily resonates with any one who has had even just one relationship that had disappointments, sadness or any fallout that was never overcome. So much healing needed, but too slow achieved, but amazing when it comes, even if it is late.

[@MarleyTravels]

Mostly a great review/listen. I'm a bit confused as to why you felt the need to take a swipe at "Now and Then" though. Music is a largely subjective experience. If you had done so in a separate video, I would in no way object. Doing so in this one took me from enjoying what you were saying to WTF very quickly and left a bad taste in my mouth.

[@daviddas]

Fair enough. It was a little out of the blue. My thoughts on Now and Then might deserve a separate video.

[@yishi9007]

Excellent review!!!

[@johnpanfili1062]

The one grudge I have with this song is the snare. It just sounds awful and is so distracting. The strings are slightly muddy, but not awful. I just would've liked better production, especially on drums.

[@daviddas]

It's a pretty particular sound, with some dampening/muffling, but I found it interesting just the way it is.

[@cestrell]

Very nice words... thank you for digging into the song and giving an honest review.

[@MichaelJamesLorinReviews-wg8br]

This was very well said!

[@miked6288]

Why are there 2 different songs with the same name?

[@billtooke6642]

The Elton reference was 100 percent spot on. Feels more like an Elton song than a Billy song & the lyrics feel very Bernie

[@daviddas]

I do hear a lot of an Elton sound in this song, but I'm also keeping in mind that Billy hasn't really written songs for 30 years, and we're now listening to a 74-year-old songwriter, who's definitely going to write very different material than he did in his 20's and 30's and 40's.

[@adamfowler3916]

A beautiful surprise!

[@BiagioOliverio-c7t]

This songs sums up most of his fans life. We had a life , but we are still with lots of life to live

[@edd2771]

Duh. Of course that’s what it’s about.

[@CorinneHSmith]

I think the highest creative example of a verse from popular music, in terms of both rhyme and story, is from "Piano Man." "Now Paul is a real-estate novelist / Who never had time for a wife / And he's talking with Davy / Who's still in the Navy / And probably will be, for life." It's also written in limerick form. Which MOST of that song is written in. Kudos, Billy!

[@apatheticempathy]

>>> ___ Well it's Billy ole narcissism @ its lyrical 7O'szumtin best. Maybe even a dash of public audience guilt? Auto tuned took out the needed personality of a genuine honest voice return? JMO/btw. Otherwise we need quality deep songs so bad, and were SO damn thirsty, we will gladly drink/gulp it all down. The SAD real truth is most all we have is Taylor Swift lyrics these days. ZzZZZzz ... zzz. I'm just so glad that I of am an ripe reminiscing age when I was honored to hear past "new" Billy, album after album. I've grew up/have been blessed in a past priceless/timeless musical era. Welcome back to all genuine true music w/ depth veterans. Billy please don't get discouraged, this whole world needs YOUR GIFTS and our musical arms will always be wide open !!! ___

[@rod_at_adelaide5766]

Great song, great performer. I'm a life long fan but it should be mentioned Billy didn't write the song it was written by Freddy Wexler although Billy did make a few minor changes.

[@daviddas]

I just made a video about the co-writing process for this song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYvXh4N8pJaJg80

[@rod_at_adelaide5766]

Thanks for delving into this, very interesting@@daviddas

[@francinemedici2998]

Well executed and eloquently summarized

[@bryan6537]

He did not write the words by himself,it was co written.

[@daviddas]

I just made a video about the co-writing process for this song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYvXh4N8pJaJg80

[@CherrysJubileeJoyfully]

5:08 EXACTLY!!!!!

[@jeffreyg607]

David Das, very well done!

[@chrispiccolo8267]

I really like this song! Good to see him back... I agree with you that it had some Elton John feel. The verse reminds me of something David gray would right. Check him out if you don't know his music.