10 Greatest Ever Story Songs
1. Piano Man - Billy Joel
In the 1970's, rock had become well-known for their singer-songwriters. Everyone from Joni Mitchell to Cat Stevens to James Taylor all were brandishing guitars and telling intricate stories in their songs. Then out of the blue came a singer-songwriter brandishing a piano that blew away all the competition.
With "Piano Man," Billy Joel constructed a semi-autobiographical tale of a man who makes his living as a pianist in a bar. As he goes through the lives of various patrons, he finds that each of them have their own problems, from a waitress practicing politics to a real estate novelist to a wannabe movie star. All of these patrons seem to come together at this bar and establish a camaraderie amongst themselves by watching this piano man perform.
The Piano Man is not one to provide solutions to their problems but to offer musical solace as they drink their troubles away in the bar. This song is a perfect anthem for the Everyman, as everyone feels put down in their lives and are willing to do whatever they can to survive. So kick back, grab a beer, and join in the Piano Man's song.