WRITER REACTS TO Billy Joel - Piano Man (REACTION) First Time Hearing It

[@dibutler9151]

"Son can you play me a memory, I'm not really sure how it goes, it's sad and it's sweet and I knew it complete, when I wore a younger man's clothes." That line is 100% perfection.

[@DonnaNable-s2g]

@@dibutler9151 that is my favorite line also. What a picture it paints!

[@lddub5918]

He’s more than a songwriter, he’s a storyteller. The GOAT.

[@larryC1070]

Perfect songs are rare. But this is one of them.

[@philunderwood8553]

Billy Joel: I"m gonna write a great song with incredible lyrics. Also Billy Joel: And I gonna make it a waltz.

[@geniej9093]

Your appreciation of the many song writers that have been reacted to is great. So happy for your sobriety.

[@SaeedReacts.]

It has been a wonderful journey discovering these legendary artists. Its inspiring and i am learning a lot! Thanks so much for watching!

[@dagmar.6954]

This is such a great story telling song. This was Billy's first single released in 1973. "Piano Man" is based on Billy Joel's real-life experiences as a lounge musician in Los Angeles. The song is sung from Joel's point of view as a piano player at a bar, reminiscing about his experiences there & the people he encountered.

[@SaeedReacts.]

It is an incredible song! And love this concept and perspective and the way everyone is observed. So good! Thanks for watching!

[@jdbroders64]

Per Joel, that was the real name of Davey and he was in the Navy.

[@traceycater]

He also plays the harmonica beautifully! I wish he would have played it in this video!

[@jonsher7682]

@@SaeedReacts. It's much more than that. It was Joel's own story. He had signed his first record deal when he was an unknown, and as a result, very little of the revenue went to Joel, and the label screwed the mastering of his first album, recording it a faster speed that made him sound like a chipmunk. So Joel was depressed and angry, had demanded that the label sell his contract to a major label, and in the meantime, Joel had refused to record, instead using a fake name, Billy Martin, to play at a piano bar is Los Angeles so he could pay his bills. Joel was afraid he has lost his chance and that he was wasting away his talent in a run down piano bar. That's why Joel saw the disappointment in the eyes of his regulars; like him, they were despondent, or at least that's how he perceived them, perhaps projecting his own disappointments on them.

[@Steelblaidd]

@@SaeedReacts. For extra color he was playing in the bar to run the clock so he could get out of his recording contract.

[@stuBdoc]

I think you may have missed the best line in the lyrics: "They're sharing a drink they call loneliness, but it's better than drinking alone." That is powerful.

[@kweile4339]

He caught it, look at his face. He looked like he'd been gut punched.

[@SaeedReacts.]

I didnt miss it, many memories flashed by. I did forget to say something about it.

[@dawncochrane1898]

Such an odd comment! Rewatch that part of the video-when he heard that line he turned his head and closed his eyes and let out a “woooo”. He got it!

[@usertr13phinsup]

@@SaeedReacts. Congrats on 3 I have 10 promise it does get better every year. Much PEACE Brother you are never alone 😎

[@hongfang2348]

He is one of the great singer/songwriters, with a tremendous catalog and many hits including this song.

[@danmullins8480]

We Didn't Start The Fire is another great example of Billy's songwriting.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Much of this is true Billy Joel personal experience as a piano bar guy, when he was struggling to get a record contract. I am a retired music teacher...Billy Joel is a national treasure...in the writing of songs and stories, he is the George Gershwin of his era. Wanna GOOD Cry? Listen to his Lullaby, Good night My Angel.

[@endoraismygma]

I'm so lucky to have grown up in the best of Billy Joel Era. This will always be my favorite but ALL of his music is Works of Art. I really enjoyed your reaction, I'm 7 years sober 🙌💚

[@SaeedReacts.]

Amazing music! Congratulations on your 7 years!

[@par500dragon7]

River of Dreams, We Didn't Start the Fire, Downeaster Alexa, The Stranger, Pressure, Allentown, My Life, It's Still Rock and Roll to Me, Goodnight Saigon... and so MANY more incredible hits!

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thanks for the recommendations!

[@eileenreid5348]

@@par500dragon7 you forgot Vienna...😁

[@iainsmith2434]

@@SaeedReacts. another Billy Joel song you will enjoy is You’re Only Human, and basically 60-70 others. I may be biased.

[@mikeleenlaurent9691]

Yes! You are the first reactor that I have seen that actually gets what this song is about! I loved it!!

[@pamacree3890]

This is an anthem for those of us growing up in a certain generation.

[@jamishops]

You will enjoy diving into the rabbit hole of Billy Joel music. His music is personal and tells great stories. He rarely misses. Would love to hear more Billy Joel from you. Thanks for the reaction.

[@SaeedReacts.]

Definitely looking forward to more! I have a few reactions on the channel to his music, and a few that are blocked that are on patreon until they get released.

[@DJDOGG31]

Storytelling at its finest. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@3ScotsInk]

The first time I saw Billy Joel was in Memphis 1973- he was the warm up for The Beach Boys,, and at the end of his set he was called back for an encore. I only saw that happen one other time, a year later when Queen warmed up Mott the Hoople. Welcome to the Joel rabbit hole- can’t wait to be here for that. It’s as deep as rabbit holes get and filled with riches. Put “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant” on your list for another great story. Billy Joel doesn’t disappoint!

[@SaeedReacts.]

Awesome you saw him live a few times! This song is amazing. Definitely will be checking that one out soon! Thanks for watching

[@jeffl9167]

I was so excited to see you did this song. As a writer, I knew you'd appreciate the lyricism of it. "...[W]hen I wore a younger man's clothes," and "they're sharing a drink they call loneliness, but it's better than drinking alone" are two of the greatest lines in song.

[@SaeedReacts.]

Incredible song! So many great lines. Thanks for watching.

[@jedroueche8161]

New York State of Mind is fantastic if you want to hear a bluesy sound and great piano playing.

[@terri2494]

GREAT song! 👍🏻🔥🔥🔥Watch his performance on The Old Grey Whistle Test. (It was a British TV show.) He’s an incredible performer, on top of being a top tier lyricist, composer, singer, and pianist. He has great musicians in his band and he doesn’t mind letting them have the spotlight. They all seem to enjoy performing together. That was also him on the harmonica. His music videos are always entertaining. He’s a pretty good dancer, too.

[@ellencourtney7187]

Great reaction-you got it at first listen for sure. It’s wild for me to see a young Billy Joel again. What a career he has had. Bravo 👏

[@SaeedReacts.]

Amazing song! Love this one. Thanks for watching!

[@donnapalmisano8307]

This song started his career ! "We Didn't Start The Fire" is an analogy of world gone by from the 50's through today, encapsulated! The good,. the bad and the ugly!!! Phenomanal artist!!! Love Him!!! BTW, There is a live version of him playing both the piano & harmonica!!! Yes he plays harmonic too!!!

[@thoru4367]

Masterpiece

[@DariaBilowus]

One of my favourite Billy Joel's songs is "An Innocent Man"

[@gorodneypace]

a freaking classic.... we are all dreamers

[@SaeedReacts.]

100%

[@piwaka50]

Billy Joel still performs and has been playing one show a month at Madison Square Garden in New York since 2014 up until this year. There is always a demand for him to play Piano Man as he narrates on the 60 Minutes Australia show a couple of years ago. An amazing musician and humble man.

[@tjrivers]

Genius at work. For decades.

[@dennisflury6942]

The best line, When I wore a younger man's clothes!

[@757optim]

Congrats on "quitting". Funny word for winning. ; )

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thanks! It really is 😄

[@deborahvernarelli6394]

Ah, the song that put him in the spotlight. I missed this one on patreon but I get the chance to watch you react to his beautiful storytelling in this song. What an icon he is. I have watched you react to many of his songs over on patreon and can't wait for them to get here so others can watch your wonderful reactions.He spells out the story of the people in the bar, doesn't he? Billy Joel could really paint a picture. Thank you, Saeed for reacting to him. Much love to you and your family ❤️ 🫂.

[@SaeedReacts.]

His writing is just amazing. Truly inspiring! Thanks for watching! Much love to you and your family ❤️🫂

[@LeciaPurks]

One of the most well written songs and so many can relate. Great reaction

[@SaeedReacts.]

Incredibly well written! Love it! Thanks for watching.

[@AudioVile]

Very few musical journeys have this many ups, downs, joy, sadness, dreams imagined and dreams dashed... uplifting and melancholy... "And the piano sounds like a carnival..." What a ride! Great reaction!

[@SaeedReacts.]

Masterpiece! Thanks for watching!

[@EastPeakSlim]

"Goodnight Saigon." It's excellent.

[@SaeedReacts.]

I reacted to it, but its currently blocked. Its on patreon in the meantime until that gets resolved.

[@dawncochrane1898]

Great reaction to one of the most amazing songs that have ever been written and performed. Billy Joel is in a class by himself. Everything he does is amazing! I would love to see your reaction to his newest song, that was released earlier this year. Give it a listen! It’s called. “Turn the lights back on” and the lyrics are equally stunning! You are awesome. I really enjoy watching you!

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thanks! Appreciate the kind words. Turn the lights back on was actually my first Billy Joel reaction. The video is on the channel. I have done a few others that are blocked and on patreon until that gets resolved.

[@jmrob1107]

Billy Joel has written and performed so many amazing songs. "Vienna" is my favorite song of his.

[@KKDZ-sn3gi]

Great reaction! 🔥 Billy Joel is from Long Island NY….where I grew up. He is a musical genius, in my opinion. ❤

[@SaeedReacts.]

I share your opinion, even though i have only listened to a few songs 😃. Thanks for watching.

[@GaiaNative]

Enjoyed your reaction to Billy Joel. Thanks so much. Wonderful to hear you have been sober for three years. Well done Saeed

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thanks so much!

[@debbiechang5781]

There’s an accordion along with the harmonica in the background. Billy Joel is a national treasure. Genius storyteller/composer/lyricist/poet/pianist all in one body. Amazing talent! He has a huge catalogue to explore. 🌸💐✌️

[@pierre-andrehentzien6003]

Life is what? A dream within a dream? Reallity is what? What u see, hear, smell, taste? Or just a waste? Anyone finds out him-/herself what it is. Billy makes an educated guess, put it into words and music. Smooth, thinkable, and just easy to listen to, if u won't follow the lyrics. That is poetry

[@TheNotedHero]

One of the greatest lyrics ever written: "Yes, they're sharing a drink they call loneliness. But it's better than drinkin' alone". Billy Joel is a master storyteller and pianist. Keep his stuff coming, you're going to love it all. I'll throw one of his into your no doubt super long list of songs to get to: "Allentown". Oh, and "Leningrad". He was invited to perform in the USSR before the fall and it left an impression on him.

[@SaeedReacts.]

Amazing line! And rings very true Thanks for watching and the recommendations.

[@sandybourdeau9300]

This was the first of many many iconic hits and albums for Billy Joel. I loved the piano bar back in 1973! He memorialized some great times from back then.

[@katjawege6886]

This song is ICONIC. Missing this kind of music on the current charts. Thanks for your reaction ❤

[@SaeedReacts.]

Incredible song! Thanks for watching!

[@mollykeefe2870]

Billy Joel is an amazing poet- I had to honor to see him in concert many years ago- cried the entire time.. I know every song.. keep listening to him... "goodnight Saigon," is epic. also, watch his Kennedy Center honors award- and how many pay tribute..

[@SaeedReacts.]

Awesome you saw him live. This is an amazing song. Thanks for watching.

[@afbill4219]

This song is the epitome of neigborhood bars in the late 70s through the 80s.

[@jackcotner8981]

Enjoyed your reaction and analysis of this song. Billy Joel is a prolific writer.

[@SaeedReacts.]

Such a brilliant song! Thanks so much for watching!

[@marianclough8577]

Go down the Billy Joel rabbit hole. He's written some wonderful songs. I just found you & subscribed.

[@SaeedReacts.]

Definitely will explore more! Thanks for watching and subscribing. Have a great day.

[@joergen11111]

a masterpiece.......mood, lyrics, musicality.......they call it lonelyness but its better than drinking alone..........unique

[@SaeedReacts.]

Great line! Hits close to home!

[@joergen11111]

@@SaeedReacts. listen to MIKE AND THE MECHANICS.....the living years........most emotional song ever.....

[@garycunningham9216]

Fantastic song. A real masterpiece.

[@hopeklemann1]

🌸 Billy Joel is a genius!

[@gypsygirl3255]

Scenes from an Italian Restaurant is also a great song.

[@kestrelle5345]

"Down East Alexa" is a favorite of his.

[@AnaRafaelaDionísio]

I love Billy Joel and, especially this song. Ana

[@SaeedReacts.]

Such a great song! Thanks for watching.

[@johnathanstruble1064]

Next Billy Joel Story time, please react to "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant"....me thinks you'll love it! ❤👍✌️

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@notablindliberal896]

Is there possibly a more incredibly written song? I dont think so. Billy Joel is 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@SaeedReacts.]

It truly is amazing!

[@barbarakitt5948]

Billy Joel is 🔥🔥 More meaningful is your openness about your sobriety; thank you for sharing that and congrats on 3 🫶🏻

[@SaeedReacts.]

Incredible song! Thank you so much!

[@timcaldwell5241]

That is the song that got him out of the bars and thrust him into mainstream entertainment! It’s kind of ironic that after hearing “what are you doing here”, I’m sure many times, that he put himself out there and 50 plus years later…people are paying small fortunes to hear him!

[@SaeedReacts.]

Wow! A song that is set in a bar got him out of it! Amazing!

[@debigiroux1811]

Great reaction and congratulations on your sobriety, happy for you😊 I love all of Billy Joel’s songs. He has a great concert too what a great time we had. ❤✌

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thank you! Amazing you saw him live. Looking forward to more of his music.

[@fabian4ever69]

Absolutely Brilliant song and beautiful writing of a classic.

[@SaeedReacts.]

This one is genius!

[@michaelmorris423]

I'm so glad you've finally heard this one. One of my lifetime favorites. And I'm sure that as a writer you really can appreciate how well written and poetic these lyrics are. I hope that people are still listening to this one a thousand years from now.

[@SaeedReacts.]

Me too! It is an incredible song. Amazing lyrics and a lot to learn from it. Thanks for watching.

[@1bigrowdy]

His song Until the Night, is a tribute to the Righteous Brothers that he sings both parts .One of.His most overlooked song.

[@MoMoMyPup10]

He is the elite of the elite of song writers -- the rhyming and tempo is just brilliant

[@thomastimlin1724]

He is George Gershwin reincarnated.

[@jonisteinbach7240]

I had him on 8 track.😊

[@famat161]

You'll love Billy Joel. Bing worthy.

[@Stacy55ish]

Many great songs from Billy.

[@Saqua2289]

You seem like a kind soul. Blessings to you and your family.

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thank you! Much love to you and your family

[@ladyshar42]

"as the smile ran away from his face" is one of my favorite lines. It's just such a creative way to describe that.

[@SaeedReacts.]

Beautiful line!

[@Eowyn187]

So excited to see you with this title!!! He's so freaking talented. And this song is gorgeous!! Talk about music that never fades, or lessens. Music on this level won't have much competition. Ever.

[@SaeedReacts.]

Just next level stuff! Thanks for watching.

[@Eowyn187]

@@SaeedReacts. you're very welcome ⚘️ 🎧

[@keddiewye6517]

I recommend Billy Joel live at the Old Grey Whistle Test performing the song New York State of Mind. His official videos are good but watching him perform his songs Live is an amazing experience!

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@LeahJo13]

This came out the year I was born. I hadn't realized that before. Billy Joel wasn't ever one of my favorites but this song is incredible! The piano playing is stellar!!!

[@SaeedReacts.]

It truly is an amazing song. One i will revisit a few more times 😃 Thanks for watching.

[@BrendaNelson-ll4ls]

Saeed, Billy Joel a great song writer. A Matter of Trust is one of my favorites. An Innocent Man, Vienna, Big Shot, Only the Good Die Young, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thanks for the recommendations! Some of those are recorded, but currently blocked

[@StatsJedi]

I own a 4 CD set of his greatest hits. Huge variety of styles also. My favorite of his is "River of Dreams" (official video).

[@karenmandeville7116]

Billy Joel is a great storyteller. Love your videos. Nice to see an author's perspective.

[@SaeedReacts.]

A brilliant song! Really well crafted. Looking forward to more! Thanks for watching.

[@matthewteague623]

Billy Joel has very deep expansive vault of songs, and there is gold everywhere, in nearly every decade. I have to give a plug for "Leningrad". It won't be the most commonly requested song, but it's a storytelling great. "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" probably *will* be the most recommended song, and with Damn Good Reason. "Allentown" or "Goodnight Saigon" are another two excellent story-based songs.

[@brianstites3761]

Billy Joel has so many hits you should react to UPTOWN GIRL, LONGEST TIME, MY LIFE, ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG, WE DIDN'T START THE FIRE, YOU MAY BE RIGHT, TELL HER ABOUT IT, MOVING OUT, STILL ROCK AND ROLL TO ME . Just to name a few like I said with many many hits.

[@SaeedReacts.]

I have a few reactions on the channel to his music and more coming. One later today.

[@lilamuzik3385]

Billy Joel is masterful. You ABSOLUTELY MUST HEAR HIS SONG GOODNIGHT SAIGON! It will astound you.

[@SaeedReacts.]

I reacted to it, but its currently blocked. Its on patreon in the meantime until that gets resolved.

[@suzannezethner8180]

Classic storytelling ❤❤❤❤

[@susanrombak7959]

You never miss Saeed, great reaction and the last line IMO is the best, referencing the Piano Man himself. Great job on quitting drinking and smoking simultaneously! ✌🏽

[@SaeedReacts.]

This song is so good! Brilliant writing! Thanks so much!

[@kweile4339]

Love your reaction! You get it...

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thanks so much!

[@katrinaprescott5911]

This song is an education for writers in: write tight; show, don't tell; and characterization. (I'm a writer)

[@neighbourlady]

Billy is an amazing story teller! Congrats on the time no-smoke, no-drink! Quite an accomplishment! 7 years no-smoke here, but I still take my brandy. Great reaction! Can you give information on your books? Would love to check them out!

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thanks so much! They are currently only available in Dutch on Amazon and Kobo, but i am intending to translate them into English. But i really need to make it more of a priority :)

[@imtherapycat]

I've just started watching your reaction. I know you're going to LOVE the lyrics in this one!!

[@SaeedReacts.]

Genius ! Thanks for watching.

[@traceycater]

My favorite song of Billy Joel !

[@debbiethomasson2709]

We Didn't Start the F 12:31 ire is great! A history lesson from his life. BTW, great interpretation. Quick paced, but fantabulous!

[@michaelbeckwith6177]

Saeed you really remind me of "When I was younger so much younger than today" your older subscribers would know but you're my favorite channel!!

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thanks so much!

[@musicaficionado2974]

And congratulations on you sobering up! I can relate to that to.

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thank you!

[@bazkeen]

Incredible lyrics. Great choice 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@SaeedReacts.]

Excellent song! Thanks for watching.

[@Wishbone1977]

I'm impressed. You know someone's actually paying attention when they pause the video and _first_ talk about something they were reminded of, _then_ talk about the verse they just heard, quoting basically all of it more or less verbatim along the way. And yes, Billy Joel is a masterful storyteller and he is not confined to any one genre. He has written brilliant songs in tons of different styles. I really hope you do continue to dive into his catalog, because there is a _lot_ of gold to find there.

[@SaeedReacts.]

This song has really stayed with me since the recording. Just so well crafted. All elements come together in a beautiful way. The music, the vocals and ofcourse amazing writing. Brilliant. Definitely will continue to explore his music. Thanks for watching.

[@Wishbone1977]

@@SaeedReacts. In that case I have a few recommendations for songs of his to check out. You will get different recommendations from different people. The man's catalog is _huge_ and everyone has their own favorites. Here are a selection of mine, intended to showcase the _breadth_ of his musical talent rather than just the ones I like best. In other words, these songs are not only excellent (in my opinion anyway), they are also all very different from one another in style: Uptown Girl The Longest Time Christie Lee The Downeaster Alexa We Didn't Start The Fire Lullabye The River Of Dreams The Ballad Of Billy The Kid

[@barbarabweaver1]

His lyrics are amazing

[@anitawright7169]

Billy Joel has a gift for his awesome singing, storytelling and songwriting. Got to love him! Love your reaction!

[@SaeedReacts.]

Amazing artist! Thanks for watching.

[@orlylivne]

Great reaction Saeed! He is an amazing singer & songwriter with a great variety of beautiful songs : this is one of them! (This song has finally been unblocked😊!)

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thanks so much, Orly! Such a great song! Hope the others get unblocked too 😄

[@tcanfield]

Billy got loads of exposure on the radio (both AM & FM) when this first came out. It never got old and tiresome like other songs were after too many listens. Even now I never mind hearing it again and love watching young people discovering it !

[@rickwelch8464]

THIS is the rabbit hole to go down. Vienna, Only the Good Die Young, The Stranger, and his masterpiece, New York State of Mind (live) ,Scenes From an Italian Restaurant (which has a great live version out there). There are like 15 more great ones, these are the ones that come to mind.

[@SaeedReacts.]

Definitely will be checking out more. I have a few reactions that are blocked that are now on patreon until that is resolved

[@smithpauld1501]

When I wore a younger man’s clothes, I memorized this song as I drove from Northern California to my parents’ home in Ohio. I’d just got out of our Navy and the verse about Davey cut hard, even at 25. Brings a tear, it does.

[@davidmckenzie420]

One of the greatest songs ever.

[@pairofpints]

Perfect song.

[@stephaniewhite7512]

Great reaction to great music. Subscribed when i heard you say you've been sober for 3 years. Ive got two years under my belt. I love mornings now.

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thanks for subscribing! And congratulations on your two years! I totally feel the same way. Mornings are great now!

[@Angelslvhf]

I think you'll enjoy Billy's song, "Rosalinda's Eyes" that speaks of young love while he's working musician jobs waiting to get discovered.

[@Noelle0026]

You would also like Scenes From an Italian Restaurant by Billy Joel Another great storytelling song.

[@SaeedReacts.]

I recorded a reaction to it, but its not uploaded yet. Hope to get that one up soon!

[@ernestoalamo3591]

Check out his live album Songs In The Attic. Early 70's

[@thomask6681]

Go into any bar anywhere in the world and it's the same life stories.

[@sweisbrod6109]

Another. Billy Joel story song from the early 80s is Goodnight Saigon. It's a heart-breaker 🇺🇸

[@SaeedReacts.]

I reacted to it but its currently blocked and on Patreon in the meantime until that gets resolved.