“My Life” – BILLY JOEL

Written by: Billy Joel
Released: 1978

US Charts: #3
UK Charts: #12
Other Charts: #11 (Switzerland), #4 (Austria), #37 (Japan)

This thing I like most about this song is the attitude it conveys through the powerful lyrics and the catchy tune. The attitude is one that all of us feel at many times in our lives. It’s the attitude of not caring what everyone says to you about how you should be living your life. We all have some people around us telling us that we should be doing this, we should be doing that because they worry about us. This then eventually becomes irritating and really makes you want to stand up and even scream at them “I don’t care what you say, this is my life, not yours, don’t worry about it!” If you do feel like screaming like this, I suggest you just sing or play them this song, it would be nicer and more powerful too.

“My Life” also demonstrates Billy Joel’s unique ability to create catchy melodies while not making them cheesy. Along with Elton John, Joel is one of the greatest exponents of the piano in rock n’ roll. Before John and Joel came to the scene, the guitar was king and there seemed to be no place for piano at all. John and Joel changed that forever, making them both unique and memorable.

This song was one of Joel’s early hits, after “Just The Way You Are” but over his whole recording career, it was probably his 4th or 5th most successful song. He went on to have 3 number 1 hits in the US and in the process become one of the most successful musicians of the 80s and of all time in terms of records sold.

Lyrics-wise, as stated earlier, it places heavy emphasis on the attitude and desire of one to live their life the way they want irrespective of what others may advise them to do. A rebel can relate to the lyrics which is what has probably led to the song’s popularity. The rhythm is also very easy to follow and very effective in getting the message of the song across.

Overall, “My Life” is a easy listening song showcasing the unique talents of a premier rock n roll piano player. The catchy nature of the song will also ensure that you don’t forget this song easily. Enjoy!

Lyrics can be accessed here.

Chords can be accessed here.

Feel free to comment on this song and/or my review below.

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Tagged as: classic songs, hit songs, pop hits, pop songs