Billy Joel - Piano Man (B. Joel) ~ Erwin Lazaro 076

I recently realized that Billy Joel's "Piano Man" was a perfect song for me to cover. I originally thought long and hard about posting my cover for "Piano Man". I believe my singing sounds great, but I don't have the skills to "play" the piano. That really REALLY pains me. This is a song about a piano man, for Goodness sake! For that reason alone, I was ashamed about my lack of skill and didn't want to post this. Learning to "play" the piano is a childhood dream that has escaped me, thus far. I did try learning. I started learning and did well for a short time. I just couldn't sustain the amount of time required to pursue my passion for the piano. I'd start again. I'd stop again. It's a painful pursuit for me; a personal failed dream, I suppose. Thus far, anyway ... That's why "Piano Man" is perfect! Unfortunately, I'm one of those guys in the song, wallowing in my beer. But, I still have time to dig deep and start anew. Until then, I live vicariously through my children. My 9-year-old son is an excellent teacher. I'm considering paying him to give me lessons! ;)

Lastly, "Piano Man" is not a very uplifting song for Father's Day, but 'hey', all us dads should still kick up our collective feet, have a few beers, and forget ... errr, I mean ... ENJOY life for awhile!

From Wikipedia:
"Piano Man" was Billy Joel's first major hit and his signature song. "Piano Man" was released as a single in November 1973 and has been on several albums. The song peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in April, 1974.

"Piano Man" is a fictionalized retelling of real people Joel met during his days as a piano-lounge singer in Los Angeles at the Executive Lounge after the failure of his first album, Cold Spring Harbor. Joel's own personal feelings about this failure are expressed in the failed dreams of the characters in his song. At the time, Joel was trying to get out of a bad deal with the record company Family Productions, so, according to Joel, he was "hiding out" at the bar, performing under the name Bill Martin while Columbia Records tried to get him out of the deal. At the end of the song it tells of his success in his bar performances, but not quite making it to the big time.

The verses of the song are sung from the point of view of a bar piano player who focuses mainly on everyone else at the bar: an old man, John the bartender, the waitress, businessmen, and bar regulars like "real estate novelist" Paul and US Navy sailor, Davey. Most of these characters have unfulfilled dreams, and the pianist's job, it seems, is to help them "forget about life for a while". The chorus, in bar-room sing-along style, comes from the bar patrons themselves, who plead, "Sing us a song / You're the piano man / Sing us a song, tonight / Well, we're all in the mood for a melody / And you've got us feeling all right."

Category:

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• Erwin Lazaro
• Piano Man
• Billy Joel
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[dehdesh]

If you haven't exceeded your own expectations, then you have not invested enough effort yet. Your voice is great, your respect for music is great, and you could be better. Just remember, "It's a long way to the top, if you wanna rock n' roll". Talent will get you a fan base, hard work will give you immortality. Also, Instead of ashamed, feel inspired. It's more productive.

[cglazaro100]

@dehdesh First of all ... thank you. And, WoW ... those are some amazingly provocative and thoughtful comments. You're absolutely correct. It's more accurate for me to share that I'm not willing to take anymore time away from my family than I already am. I have no illusions about becoming famous. I just want to fuel my ego by sharing with as many people who are willing to spend time on my channel. That's enough for me.

My voice gives me the opportunity to express my love for music...it's enough

[AtariiaAerra]

Very nice. I subscribed. I like how you put your own spin on it. It does NOT sound like mediocre karaoke.

[jennymtz1]

AMAZING!

[dogwood912]

very nice, well done !!!

[fdcat842]

awesome cover dude... keep on keeping on.. sounds great

[betina549]

A FRIEND IS CHARMED WITH THIS SONG, ME GREAT RECUERRDA.... BEAUTIFUL.... TO MY DEAR FRIEND...THANK YOU

[squeakersrocks]

wow. you are amazing! excelent! you sound like billy joel! (just so you know, that is a MAJOR compliment!)

[warrenjlc84]

Good job! Your voice is good and you carry the tunes well (you don't drop off at the wrong times).

I listened all the way through. You are good! Just don't ask to hear my voice... No, no, no!

[Fancylooks]

I have had this video in my "Watch later" playlist for ages, and I am very glad I didn't delete it, I am glad I have just watched it. Thank you, keep well!

[spliffythree]

thats not to bad dude.

But how did you know that was a favourite of mine!

[eddielang2]

@dehdesh I second your motion ! Well said

[laverde92399]

Nice!