Generally speaking, I dislike songs about being a musician. Clever artists can incorporate their experiences into something more universal or unique (my favorite has one about being a traveling salesman). Beyond being a classic and probably among the early examples of this kind of song, this one holds up. Oddly, Joel has two such songs. I can’t think of any artist (“The Entertainer” being the other) with two songs about being a musician that I actually like.

I have to confess, John at the Bar does not look at all like I had envisioned him. Davey who is still in the Navy totally does, though.

Man, the aesthetics of the 80’s will never stop being obnoxious.

I wonder if anyone smokes cigarettes in music videos anymore.


Category: Theater

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2 Responses to HCW: Piano Man

  1. Mike Hunt says:

    Generally speaking, I dislike songs about being a musician.

    I will admit, it is tough to pull off. Navel gazing of any sort is generally annoying. I think the enjoyment level has a lot to do with how much you enjoy the band.

    Three examples of this type of song that I enjoy are…

    The Load-Out by Jackson Browne
    Rock and Roll Band by Boston
    Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue

  2. trumwill says:

    The Load-Out is another really good one. Like The Piano Man, I think it’s one I heard early. So there could be a novelty-stale bias.

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