"They're sharing a drink they call Loneliness, but it's better than drinking alone" - gut-wrenching

@erco9167

2 ай бұрын

it me

Just so you know, for about 10 years, Billy's music could be heard nonstop on the radio. Billy could easily be considered Americana

@Catherine.Dorian.

3 ай бұрын

For me there’s three songs I feel would fit into that, this one, Sweet Caroline and American Pie (the song…)

@coachhannah2403

3 ай бұрын

That's not the endorsement you seem to feel it is...

@trhansen3244

3 ай бұрын

@@Catherine.Dorian. What about I Write the Songs?

@Catherine.Dorian.

3 ай бұрын

@@trhansen3244 I’ll be honest that one I don’t know

@jamiepasquariello2652

2 ай бұрын

​@@trhansen3244never heard of that song

Who's Billy Joel.? One of the best singer-songwriters of the 20th century!

@Joesmoothdog

2 ай бұрын

Ever!

I'm jealous - I wish I could hear this song for the first time all over again.

@katehaynes5735

3 ай бұрын

Me too!

@HansJoachimMaier

2 ай бұрын

So true!

@brentfugett2700

2 ай бұрын

That's why we love reactions like this!

@de-nz4jp

2 ай бұрын

Yes..

@xenxander

2 ай бұрын

envious not jealous.. get the words right... we'lll get you feeling aright. :3

People, right here is why this whole reaction thing is so freaking awesome. Seeing Sarah enjoy a song I've loved for 40 years and being taken away by it...yea, this is why music is so powerful and so fun.

Billy Joel is a massive star in the US. He built his career and made a name being an average "every man", but ironically now sells out the massive Madison Square Garden theater in New York (5,600 seats) every night for $750 tickets (those are the cheap ones, they go up to $3500 each). But yes, he is an incredible talent.

You will love “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant”.

@BlackGuardXIII

3 ай бұрын

Yes! ❤

@Joesmoothdog

2 ай бұрын

Truth

Imagine hearing about Bill Joel for the first time. You've got quite a journey ahead.

@PCH847

2 ай бұрын

Can you imagine the first time hearing him…to do that again….just wow

One of the top singer/songwriters, a true storyteller.

Mr. Joel was the musical poet of the 70s and 80s with a depth to his lyrics that is still relevant today. Do yourself a favor and dig into his catalog. You won't be disappointed.

He's been around for generations. Why? Because he's great. I hope you enjoy this one. Just sit back and relax.

Billy Joel has a bunch of great songs from the 70's til now.👍Any of his songs is a hit.

If you're gonna cry from Piano Man, wait till you Good Night Saigon!😮😂

@txheadshots

3 ай бұрын

Or the Downeaster Alexa

@Johnny96ri

3 ай бұрын

@@txheadshots or Allentown.

@matthewteague623

3 ай бұрын

Leningrad

Billy Joel is one of these artists with a seemingly bottomless catalogue. You could react to 50 of his songs and have the same reaction you're having today. His writing skills, his musicianship and his voice are all extremely top notch. Itcwould be hard for me to pick my top 10 songs from him without leaving out so many bangers.

The lyrics of this song is on another level. Not very many songs today immerse you into an environment all on its own. It’s a masterpiece.

Billy Joel is an icon. His list of big hits is endless. He's still performing on tour iin 2024...

@toddstarkey6820

2 ай бұрын

I did not know that. I would love to see him perform.

Billy is one of the best selling artists in history. He is a musical genius... The characters in the song are all real and are people he met while working at The Executive Room in California in the 70's.

🎼Billy Joel is a master of music. Sing us a song, you’re the piano man!🎼🎹❤️

Billy Joel is a great artist with an extensive list of great songs: "Just The Way You Are", "The Stranger", "My Life", "Big Shot", Angry Young Man", "Captain Jack", "The Entertainer", "You May Be Right", "Rosalinda's Eyes", "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant", "She's Always A Woman", "Movin' Out", "New York State Of Mind" are among the best.

@pipe2devnull

3 ай бұрын

Double thumbs up for "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" . He's starting a tour now.

@llanitedave

3 ай бұрын

"Vienna", "River of Dreams", "We Didn't Start The Fire", "Goodbye Saigon", "For The Longest Time", "Tell Her About It", "Leningrad", "Baby Grand" are just a few others that are irresistable.

@jimfrederick3907

3 ай бұрын

"An Innocent Man"

@marsa74

2 ай бұрын

Downeaster Alexa

"Just the Way You Are" will make you weep.

This song made Billy Joel a household name. Back in the day it was our first introduction to him and his music. Needless to say, we were as impressed as you and also asked, “Who is this guy?” We wanted more and he gave it to us for decades. In fact, he just released his first new song in years. It’s always a joy to watch someone discover Billy Joel for the first time. He’s got a huge catalog. He’s an amazing musician who loves trying different styles. Keep going down this path. You will not be disappointed.

Here it is 51 years later and the pictures he paints with his words are still fresh.

You can't really go wrong with classic Billy Joel. Hell of a concert too!

@bzGNR

3 ай бұрын

Saw him in concert with Elton John. Incredible experience. Both were famtastic.

In 1973, I was fifteen. And my skills in english were poor. But it was one of my favorite song, mainly because of the melody. Of course, I appreciate this song even more since I understand its meaning. Great memories from my teenage years

You should react to „We didn’t start the fire“; by him….40 years of American history in around 5 minutes, it’s brilliant

Next one, Billy Joel's "River of Dreams".

Billy Joel had an inccredible run of hits from the late '70s into the '80s and beyond. You absolutely need to hear his breakout hit, "Just the Way You Are."

Yeah Billy is the real deal

He wrote all his own music -- he had endless hits. His way with words is unparalleled. "Making love to his tonic and gin" "when I wore a younger man's clothes" "The smile ran away from his face..." and yes "Drinking a drink they call loneliness but it's better than drinking alone..." Pure poetry. He does a residency at Madison Square Garden once a month -- he sells the place out every time for years now.

So many great songs by Billy Joel for you to discover! If you haven't yet, check out Just The Way You Are.

Listen to. Just the way you are.

@pastorhectornunez556

3 ай бұрын

He's awesome in just the way you are. Enjoy love you really show your emotions we need more people like you on this Earth .

@patwalker9890

3 ай бұрын

A must-hear.

Billy Joel is a living legend, and this is one of his first hits. He came up with the idea for this song based on real life experience as a piano player in a bar, before he hit the big time. Your reaction was just perfect and insightful.

@jimwilcox2964

3 ай бұрын

He was having trouble with his record label when he went off and did the piano bar gigs and used a different name, last shot in the video Billy Martin on the sign.

He is probably the best singer/songwriter that I've ever heard. He just has too many jaw-dropping melodies attached to brilliant lyrics to list. "She's Always a Woman" is one example of another amazing song.

@Johnny96ri

3 ай бұрын

The best lyricist of his generation was Jim Steinman. Billy is good, but Jim is spectacular.

@MoMoMyPup10

3 ай бұрын

@@Johnny96ri great. But it wasn't something that I spoke of.

Billy Joel still does one concert a month at Madison Square Garden to this very day!

The late 60s and the early 70s. We had the best music and the coolest cars. I still have my 1969 Cutlass 442.

This is his first hit song I believe.

It was a mirror of his life before fame. He was really "The Piano Man" in real life. This was his first hit, and it was huge. He has many, many hits. Love your reactions. You're one of the most real and true reactors I've watched, and that's been thousands. Have a beautiful day.

He's an exceptional musician and Icon of his music brings tears to everyone who really listens to his music you enjoy that good music blessings

@pastorhectornunez556

3 ай бұрын

You speak from your heart blessings

i can name that tune in one note....what a Masterpiece

@mamabear9325

3 ай бұрын

She's Always a woman to me is fantastic....❤

He is a master storyteller! Billy Joel is an amazing singer/song writer. I have had the pleasure of seeing him in concert four times and every concert was AMAZING!

@Kimmerkel-k

3 ай бұрын

Me too and agree wholeheartedly!

He plays piano and harmonica live, very impressive.

Your reaction wiped me off my feet lol. Billy Joel, from Long Island New York, near New York City...took claiiscal piano lessons for years on his parents' insistence.Yes Classical music! He is a masster at piano playing, story telling, and wanted to be a rock and roll guy like any kid. "Piano Man" is based on Joel's real-life experiences as a lounge musician in Los Angeles from 1972 to 1973. In 1973/74 Piano Man was on his first real album, and the single got quite a bit of airplay but only made it to #25 onthe Billboard Hot 100.. After another album or two he relased THe Stranger in 1977 and had about 4 hits off it and other brilliant compostions [I call them compositions because these were not your ordiniary songs, they had superior melodies, chord changes and lyrics - they are extrordinary!] Piano Man has become his signture song and everyone in the audience sings it for him in concerts.. He did not write anything new between 1993 and now. He has just come out with a new successful song called Turn the Lights Back On...he's years 74 old and will turn 75 on May 9, 2024. Henow is bald with gray hair on the side, with a grey mustache and goatee beard. I consider Billy Joel the George Gershwin of his era, at least in song writing. Look up George Gershwin, get educated...Sarah, you're an incredibly nice lady...

Oh, now you've done it. This rabbit hole goes really deep.

@aprilstewart5929

3 ай бұрын

...and he's started writing again.

Billy Joel is one of the great musicians. Great voice and top level piano skills. If you want to see how good his piano skills are watch his video foe. Prelude to angry young man.

Back in the 70's Billy Joel was one of the big names, but I guess he's been largely forgotten now by all but a few diehard fans

Billy Joel was a major star in the 70s and 80s with many his but this song was what made him famous. It's masterfully written and performed and is a timeless classic. I grew up about 10 miles and 10 years from where he did (my HS choral teacher went to HS with Joel and used to brag that he beat out Joel for the lead in a school musical, lol). A lot of his songs call out places that are familiar to me. Some specific places but others, like an Italian restaurant which described any one of hundreds of such places on Long Island, NY.

I will never forget dancing with a beautiful lady once to this song. A sad and sweet memory.

"Who is Billy Joel?" Well Sarah... he is a master story teller who has written any number of hits. They are all good but this one has always been my favorite. Came out in 1973 and considered his signature song. Try his song "Honesty". I think you will appreciate that one too. Thank you Sarah. ❤

@SarahDengler

3 ай бұрын

Thank you! I’m sure I will

Billy is The Master of story. You have hours of music to listen to. He just released a new song after 30 years. So may I recommend his new one " Turn the Lights Back On. "

I was a sophomore in college when this came out. God were we lucky. IMO music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s has really stood the test of time.

I agree with your header. One of the greatest songs of all time. ❤

This is my favorite Billy Joel song. He is a brilliant song writer. I’m sure other comments mention many other great songs by him. When your in the mood for something light and fun by him watch Uptown Girl. ❤️👍👍

Your analysis is spot on. Except I see these moments that people go to a bar, have a drink and listen to music not as running away, but as a momentary escape from the pains and disappointments of life they know they must return to. The joy they feel singing along and to feel a part of the crowd as they all sway together is a few moments of stolen happiness in an otherwise bitter world.

It'll be a fun journey....Billy Joel has a wealth of great songs...the man is beyond impressive 👍

One of the greatest songs ever made.

Billy Joel is America’s greatest living singer-songwriter. This song launched his career. He is a must to see live in concert.

I discovered Billy the mid 80's when I was about 22 or 23 and never looked back. I had an evening with a friend a while back and we played videos and compared him with Elton John. Billy won by a small margin but I think that's because Billy wrote his own lyrics and also that his songs aren't all about love, he wrote from the point of view of a rich kid living in a drug-fuelled depression, his friends who served in Vietnam, the frustration of getting stuck in a small North-Eastern steel town, and the love for his Baby Grand piano. Not many people know this, but A) He was playing piano in a bar in New York when a Vietnamese guy burst in with a gun, shouting anti-American rhetoric and threatening to kill everybody. Billy started playing the 'Star Spangled Banner', and the guy just gave up and ran out. B) If you watch film footage taken down at the World Trade Center Plaza while the towers burned on 9/11, it's his songs that are still playing over the plaza tannoy as the towers finally come crashing down. Billy is truly the musical ambassador for NYC. C) He's one of only a handful of people who have regular slots playing at Madison Square Garden, which is near his home. PLEASE listen to 'New York State Of Mind' before you die!

I saw Billy Joel in concert in the 90’s. I rate it in my top three shows and I’ve been to a lot of concerts. He’s the best! Love you girl ❤

He sells out Madison Square Garden in NY every year. Lots of great music. Check out his collection

True story about people he observed while playing in bars Great song and songwriter. He had lots of hits

Most people don’t realize he was only 24 at the time he wrote this in 1973, and was playing in a piano bar in Los Angeles.

But something truly amazing the video that's right here on this site. It is Billy Joel performing this song many years after this performance in Japan in front of thousands of people. Seemed like every one of them knew every word of the song and they sang it out loud. This song put Billy Joel in the public eye where he remains to this day

I loved watching you fall in love 💞 with Billy Joel 🤩

Ohh, thank you for this reaction. 😇🤩 Billy Joel is truly a master musician, composer, arranger and lyricist. I hope that, like Bob Dylan, Billy is awarded a Nobel Prize for literature! All of Billy's songs are lyric driven, and the man was happily possessed by the spirit of music. He could make you laugh or cry or heal. If you're in the mood to have your soul moved yet again, try his song titled "Lulaby". But.....have tissues at hand. ❤

Sarah, Billy Joel is one of the greatest musical geniuses of the past 50 years. He has literally dozens of songs of the same quality as this one, which was his very first hit. Check out Scenes From an Italian Restaurant, Just the Way You Are, River of Dreams, We didn’t Start the Fire, Always a Woman, Vienna and Downeaster Alexa just for starters. You will be very happy you did. Thanks for the wonderful heartfelt reaction. You are one of my very favorite reactors.

Oh girl, Billy is the human jukebox dozens of Amazing songs.

One of his many great songs! Can't believe you haven't heard of him, a big wonderful rabbit hole! Its autobiographical because Billy was a piano man in a bar before he made it big Great storytelling, piano and voice, The whole package

@SarahDengler

3 ай бұрын

Thank you Richard! Nice to see you back 😊

It's one of my top 10 favorite songs in life! I've been meaning to tell you that you have one of the most beautiful souls in the world, Sarah! Never lose your light! God bless!

Knowing the background of the song is more amazing. Billy was tired of his record deal and to get out of it he took a alias ad started playing in "lounges" and "dive bars". Once he went back to the music industry the first song he wrote was "Piano Man", about all the people he had interacted with while laying low. There is even a line about it "They sit at the bar, and put bread in my jar and say man what are you doing here". Likely as Billy was big enough many of the "regulars" probably recognized it was Billy Joel so they where wondering what a guy who could sell out 40k+ seat venues was doing playing some sceezy dive bar.

@toddstarkey6820

2 ай бұрын

I never knew that!!

Billy Joel is a legend.

His song “Honesty” is my favorite of Billy’s and one of my all time favorites. Also “Just the Way You Are” is excellent! You need to hear those.

One of the best Storytellers of the last 50 years. A lovely voice...that conveys the emotion of the story in real time. Try "Italian Restaurant" for another one of his many, many great songs.

You little lady make it a treat watching you enjoy music.... your smile is beautiful.

Something special about watching someone experience these old songs for the first time. I get to appreciate them all over again ❤

Isn't it amazing how a song can just break your heart but make you feel so good at the same time. You got this old man tearing up watching your beautiful reaction.

Yes, Billy is great. I love this song. For another song that I feel will amaze you, please try Billy singing An Innocent Man.

Billy Joel is an amazing talent with a huge number of great songs. I suggest watching some of his live shows. The Soviet Union tour and Yankee stadium are amazing. You will be blown away.

He’s an exceptional songwriter singer with a long list of hits. American treasure!

I grew up in the 70s and Billy Joel was a big part of my life. He is so talented. I could listen to him all day. I believe the 70s and 80s music was the greatest. Thank you for playing it.

You have so much to hear from Billy

Billy Joel was a very big name in Music back in the 90"s. Sorry you just heard him but how wonderful it was for me to share your first reaction ever to him. He was an amazing storyteller. As you found out!!! Will be looking in on your channel soon. 🤗

My husband and I had our first real date going to a Billy Joel concert back in 1979! He's just as good in person, or better, than on the radio. He's an amazing musician and a wonderful storyteller.

Billy Joel is great you can literally listen to any of his songs and love it they are all great

The master storyteller...A great performer and a even better person.

Dive in,Sarah-- he has tons of great songs! T

I have watched your channel for a long time and love your reactions. Hard to believe that Billy Joel is new to you. You will have a great time exploring his catalog.

Billy Joel is a genius! Everything he did was awsome!

Great reaction, he really is very famous.

Loved your reaction! There really isn't a bad Billy Joel song, and there are hundreds,

It was a pleasure to see you react to this beautiful but under-rated song. It is by far my favorite song by Joel.

This song is over a half century old and will always be one of me favorites 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

Of all the reactions I have viewed for this song, you really got the message!! How even including the Piano Man we all have a story and perhaps question if we are where we want to be. You are so insightful!! ♥️

Billy Joel is an icon with a huge catalog of music that I look forward to seeing you discover. He is a great story teller and musician. I enjoyed this video. Well done!

Your reaction brought tears to my eyes.

@SarahDengler

3 ай бұрын

😢

Billy Joel should send you front row seats to his Concert for that amazing reaction.

Great song & great reaction!!! 😊❤

"They sit at the bar and put bread in my jar, and say man what are YOU doing HERE?" Enjoy it while they can, he was definitely going far... wouldn't stay in those small bars forever.

I was in a Piano Bar ,not dissimilar from this one, in New Orleans. The piano player played this song. Everyone from the barely 21 year olds out to party to a table with older folks dressed in tuxes and furs, were singing this with pure joy. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

Billy Joel is a gift! I am so glad I grew up during his hey day. At 74 years he just released a new song after years and years. Worth a listen as are ALL his songs.

Great reaction! You are going to love your trip down the Billy Joel rabbit hole! 😂