Piano Man is a semi-autobiographical song inspired by Joel’s experience of performing at a piano bar in Los Angeles after the release of Cold Spring Harbor was unsuccessful. This track tells the tales of people from within this Los Angeles establishment as they struggle through life.
Musicians everywhere understand the desire to have their art heard and appreciated – which makes this lesson such an essential one!
Theme
Billy Joel had made his way west by the early 70s and was playing piano in bars as a living. This autobiographical song, like many others written by Joel himself, documents his experiences working at such bars; furthermore it chronicles suburban decay by detailing each individual at this particular bar who all have unique personal histories that are featured herein.
Piano Man has become one of Billy Joel’s signature hits and an audience favorite on his live shows. A joyous and catchy tune that engages listeners, it also explores themes of loneliness and nostalgia making this an engaging song to learn.
To play piano man, you will require knowledge of some basic piano chords and music reading. This lesson will teach you all of these things plus more; additionally you will learn lyrics and background of the song from Steve Lungrin a professional pianist with over two decades of teaching piano experience who offers easy lessons that are patient with beginner students – including offering access to his Facebook group where students can ask questions, post progress videos or seek additional help!
Chorus
Piano Man by Billy Joel is an award-winning hit song about a pianist in a bar who watches over his patrons’ lives and struggles, offering commentary about loneliness and finding meaning in everyday life.
This song, composed in 3/4 time (also known as waltz time) by Billy Joel features jazzy piano solo and harmonica introduction, as well as his trademark walking bassline on choruses and verses. First released as a single in 1973, and hitting number one that year; its success quickly made it an anthem for working class people and has since become part of American popular culture.
Though this song features a straightforward melody, its chord progressions are intricate. Many chords use flat 9s (or b3) which add jazzy undertones. To help beginners ease into it more easily, an intro riff played on left hand while right hand plays simple chord progression is featured during song’s start up stage – an ideal way to gain familiarity with song without needing to memorize complex chord structures!
Verse 1
Piano Man is an iconic song that tells the tale of a professional piano player at a city bar, who observes numerous individuals come through his doors each with their own stories and struggles. The lyrics contain both depth and realism that have touched listeners for generations.
Joel wrote the song as something of an autobiographical account, with him recounting his own experiences working at Los Angeles’ Executive Room. Some characters in the song are real too – John at the bar, waitress practicing politics and Paul as an actual real estate novelist are among them; others may be fictional but inspired by people he knows well.
Piano Man stands out musically by using an uncommon 3/4 time signature that gives its song an unusual fluidity that pairs beautifully with its narrative-driven lyrics and emotional resonance of harmonica as a standout instrument. Since Piano Man became an American classic, its popularity has led to various incidents of controversy; particularly those regarding its lyrics which cause some fans to think two of its characters might be gay.
Verse 2
Piano Man by Billy Joel is one of his most beloved hits, which tells an autobiographical tale about his experiences working as a pianist in bars. Some characters in Piano Man may even represent real people he knows – yet Billy does an outstanding job making sure it appeals to multiple listeners.
This song tells the tale of a pianist at a bar who observes the lives of its patrons, each person having their own story and dreams that some have already fulfilled while others still long to pursue. As the song narrator attempts to help these individuals find happiness by playing songs that will uplift them emotionally, so too do the patrons benefit.
The lyrics of this song describe a bar where all are seeking solace from their difficulties, with patrons seeking consolation through music from its narrator; patrons relying on him for support to achieve their dreams; in one verse he asks Elizabeth what request she has; this song showcases his kindness and care towards customers, making its success more likely.
Verse 3
Piano Man is an iconic tune written by Billy Joel that recounts the story of a professional pianist working in a city bar. Inspired by Billy’s personal experiences as a piano lounge singer and the people he encountered through this gig, its lyrics provide insight into life for those living on the margins.
This song’s musical narrative style perfectly complements its lyrics. The 3/4 time signature, rare among pop songs, gives the track an easygoing rhythmic flow that keeps listeners engaged throughout. Harmonica adds melancholy and introspection while piano serves as the primary melodic instrument capturing its emotion in this emotional piece.
Piano Man was inspired by characters Joel had met while working at The Executive Room, such as John, a bartender who would serve drinks during Joel’s shifts; Paul (the “real estate novelist”) was inspired by real-life broker who wanted to write the next great American novel; Davy the Navy Enlisted Man was actually David Heintz whom Joel met while serving in 1972; all these stories come together into one timeless song which continues to speak out to audiences today.
Verse 4
Piano Man is a timeless tune widely considered a “pop classic.” The song tells the tale of an experienced pianist working in a bar who encounters various customers who offer him solace through music. Additionally, its lyrics explore themes like loneliness and broken dreams while simultaneously emphasizing music’s healing properties.
Joel’s lyrics feature vivid characters based on people he encountered during his career as a bar singer, such as John the bartender who is inspired by an actual employee; Paul the real estate novelist comes from one of Joel’s colleagues who desired to become writers; while Elizabeth Weber, Joel’s first wife is referenced through her character of “practicing politics.”
Musically, this song is in 3/4 time (waltz time), providing a sense of fluidity to accompany its storytelling lyrics. Furthermore, harmonica adds melancholy vibes that complete this composition – making this track ideal for practicing rhythm and timing skills.
Finale
Piano Man is an iconic song that every pianist should know by heart. Although not strictly necessary for every gig, playing this tune for those who enjoy singing along is always enjoyable and can showcase your skills to others.
Billy Joel wrote his semi-autobiographical song while working at Los Angeles’ Executive Room; it became his debut hit in North America and is considered his signature tune despite not considering it one of his finest works. Additionally, in 2015 the Library of Congress included it into their National Recording Registry.
Piano Man is an example of Billy Joel’s success as an artist. Not only is he a brilliant songwriter and entertainer, he can imitate accents (such as New Yorker twang). Perhaps most important for Billy is his ability to connect with audiences by giving them what feels like personal stories — something many listeners love in his music as not simply entertainment but an integral part of their lives.