The irony of Billy is the he said he writes the music first and his lyrics are sort of an after thought. Yet, he has written some of the most insightful , meaningful and heartfelt lyrics that have ever graced a rock album. He has touched my heart 1000 times and then some!
Great point. I'm a Long Islander, so he is to us as Springsteen is to New Jerseyans, but I'd like him whether or not it was compulsory. :D But to your point, I won't link to it for copyright reasons, but search Billy Joel outtakes and you'll get demo versions for this album which are fascinating. As you said, like many artists, he writes the music first with nonsense lyrics to fill, then he writes the 'real lyrics.' Some of them are funny. On 'I Don't Want To Be Alone,' he sings in the chorus, 'if you're looking for love, it's in the back of my car' in perfect meter to the music.
I’m not sure an afterthought gives him credit. I believe his comment is just that he writes music and then lyrics. Wheeeas I had a folk singer friend who used to prolifically write lyrics and then the music to fit the song. There are 2 ways to skin that cat.
Another of my "non-radio hit" Billy Joel favorites. I'm old enough to remember when TV went off. I like the message that you can be so picky and stubborn looking for a mate you can wind up alone - sleeping with the television on.
I am younger, but some tv stations back where I am from still signed off pretty early, around midnight. Most of them were targeted at a younger audience. I am sure it wasn't as iconic as seeing NBC or CBS sign off, but I am glad I got to experiment this in some way.
I really wish I was less of a thinking man and more a fool who's not afraid of rejection. This is the line I used to psych myself up in high school when I was too scared to ask someone out. Many fine memories happened because of this motivational line!
I think what makes this song actually great is starting from the third verse. Until then, it could just be an admittedly catchy pick-up song, but when it changes to show that he's also afraid to approach her, it creates a situation where they might fit each other, but both are too afraid of being burned to try it, so they both just end up sleeping alone.
The summer that my dad showed me the entire album of this forever sticks in my mind. To me this song is best played while taking a freezing cold shower or the late nights that you can’t get to sleep because it is too hot. Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it all
Billy Joel talked about the meaning of this album cut from “Glass Houses” (1980), explaining : “It’s about a guy who’s putting a girl down, but he’s putting her down because he knows she’s going to reject him if he comes on to her. So it’s sorta like sour grapes.” The jilted guy tells her that if she keeps being so choosy with her companions, she’ll end up alone at night with just her TV to keep her company. “Sleeping With The Television On” (1980) starts with “The Star-Spangled Banner”* fading out and segueing into a channel tone, which used to be the norm when TV stations would sign off for the night and transmit static until morning (“you’ll wake up with the white noise”). 💙📺💚 * The National Anthem of the United States of America.
at school nobody understands why I listen to this music, and when I laugh them off, they just leave the conversation, I don't listen to rap. Mr. Joel please do more florida concerts, ik I used to live in NY and its great but come down here more often.
I'm a Long Islander just like BILLY Joel im 53 now lived two towns over he was Hicksville I was North Massapequa never met him been listening to his music since jr high 1976 - now will never stop. Proud to be a New Yorker
Lyrics: I've been watching you waltz all night Diane Nobody's found a way behind your defenses They never notice the zap gun in your hand Until you're pointing it and stunning their senses All night long, all night long You'll shoot 'em down because you're waiting for somebody good to come on All night long, all night long But you're sleeping with the television on You say you're looking for someone solid here You can't be bothered with those 'just for the night' boys Tonight unless you take some kind of chances dear Tomorrow morning you'll wake up with a white noise All night long, all night long You're only standing there 'cause somebody once did somebody wrong All night long, all night long But you'll be sleeping with the television on You're eyes are saying talk to me, talk to me But your attitude is “don't waste my time” Your eyes are saying talk to me, talk to me But you won't hear a word 'cause it just might be the same old line This isn't really easy for me to say Diane I know you don't need anybody's protection I really wish I was less of a thinking man And more a fool who's not afraid of rejection All night long, all night long I'll just be standing here 'cause I know I don't have the guts to come on All night long, all night long And I'll be sleeping with the television on You're eyes are saying talk to me, talk to me But my attitude is “boy, don't waste my time” Your eyes are saying talk to me, talk to me But I won't say a word 'cause it just might be somebody else's same old line All night long, all night long We're only standing here 'cause somebody might do somebody wrong All night long, all night long And we'll be sleeping with the television on Sleeping with the television on Sleeping with the television on
@@ChiSportsNut18 Thank you for correcting me; I meant that neither this nor "Big Shot" appeared on the original 2001 release of The Essential Billy Joel.
@@decacards5250 Too arty and not as many classic melodies. That said, it still has great songs like Allentown, Pressure and Goodnight Saigon along with gems like She's Right on Time and Surprises.
@@kaileegirl1785 I named my Cocker Spaniel Leyna because of this album and that song....my faves? Sleeping the television, Sometimes a Fantasy and All FOr Leyna.....
I wonder how many from younger generations can imagine a television station playing the national anthem at the end of broadcast evening then a signal pattern for a few minutes, then white static till the morning with the new day starting all over with national anthem again?
David Daffern I can remember this song and the entire album. I couldn't believe that my Father brought for me! Strangest thing I can't sleep without the television on!!! My Father never turned our televisions off!!! Till this day if my t.v. goes off, I wake up in a matter of minutes!!! 59 yrs old now & still...
Brings back so many great memories and what a great album, the Stranger and 52nd Street too. Billy at his peak and it doesn't get any better the beatles, stones or anyone else. Thank you Billy Joel for 40 years of classic music that became part of who i am and made a better person. That's withot an alcoholic drink :)
I’ve attended multiple Billy Joel concerts, I know so many of his songs, I just heard this song for the first time in 2022 and it’s incredible and I’m mad I haven’t heard it sooner.
Billy's voice sounds so great on this song !!! It's a great album overall !!! In fact , I don't live very far away from where that house is on the front cover !
First time listening to this and I turned the volume up because it sounded too quiet. The instrumental intro scared the heck out of me! Doesn't help that I was half asleep.
That's me sleeping with the Television on totally forgot about this song till I revisited this album so true the lyrics love love love I wish he would play some of these not so well known song's live baci x
back in the day when at midnight, stations would sign off for the night! - Kids today don't know with 24/7 cable and streaming... but it was a better time - BTW I owned this on 8 Track and I think we wore it out! - maybe a tie with 52nd st as my fav BJ album
Always thought the national anthem at the start was cool. Even as a kid in Australia, I knew the American national anthem was played late at night in American TV.
I heard this song for the first time in my ENTIRE life on October 16, 2021 ! What jumps out to me the most is that this song is Sad BUT , it is sang with an Upbeat mood and it Rocks ! Even it being sad I am NOT when hearing this. Its actually a mood booster and high energy and like I said it rocks 🤘!!
@@Abl1cky anybody ( except for kids ) that cannot relate to this song cannot really relate to life or people. This song is also a real creative way of telling someone that their missing out 😀. Have you a great Christmas 🎄 !
I've been watching you waltz all night Diane Nobody's found a way behind your defenses They never notice the zap gun in your hand Until you're pointing it and stunning their senses All night long, all night long You'll shoot 'em down because you're waiting for somebody good to come on All night long, all night long But you're sleeping with the television on You say you're looking for someone solid here You can't be bothered with those 'just for the night' boys Tonight unless you take some kind of chances dear Tomorrow morning you'll wake up with a white noise All night long, all night long You're only standing there 'cause somebody once did somebody wrong All night long, all night long But you'll be sleeping with the television on You're eyes are saying talk to me, talk to me But your attitude is "don't waste my time" Your eyes are saying talk to me, talk to me But you won't hear a word 'cause it just might be the same old line This isn't really easy for me to say Diane I know you don't need anybody's protection I really wish I was less of a thinking man And more a fool who's not afraid of rejection All night long, all night long I'll just be standing here 'cause I know I don't have the guts to come on All night long, all night long And I'll be sleeping with the television on You're eyes are saying talk to me, talk to me But my attitude is "boy, don't waste my time" Your eyes are saying talk to me, talk to me But I won't say a word 'cause it just might be somebody else's same old line All night long, all night long We're only standing here 'cause somebody might do somebody wrong All night long, all night long And we'll be sleeping with the television on Sleeping with the television on Sleeping with the television on
I feel the same way about BJ as I do about Elton. I dont love their radio hits but their records are filled with deep cuts that are really great. Both of these guys have written a great catalog of songs and the lp cuts are where it's at
This song matches my father who always contantly fell asleep with the TV on in the livingroom RIP Billy Joel :( ps : i stayed at Silver Hill in Connecticut for 2 weeks the rehab BJ was at.
I'm middle aged, but this takes me back to middle-school, when I had a crush on an Italian girl, with feathered, black hair, named Dianna, in Ms. Bruner's homeroom class. Songs can take you back somehow.
The irony of Billy is the he said he writes the music first and his lyrics are sort of an after thought. Yet, he has written some of the most insightful , meaningful and heartfelt lyrics that have ever graced a rock album. He has touched my heart 1000 times and then some!
Great point. I'm a Long Islander, so he is to us as Springsteen is to New Jerseyans, but I'd like him whether or not it was compulsory. :D But to your point, I won't link to it for copyright reasons, but search Billy Joel outtakes and you'll get demo versions for this album which are fascinating. As you said, like many artists, he writes the music first with nonsense lyrics to fill, then he writes the 'real lyrics.' Some of them are funny. On 'I Don't Want To Be Alone,' he sings in the chorus, 'if you're looking for love, it's in the back of my car' in perfect meter to the music.
I’m not sure an afterthought gives him credit. I believe his comment is just that he writes music and then lyrics. Wheeeas I had a folk singer friend who used to prolifically write lyrics and then the music to fit the song. There are 2 ways to skin that cat.
Me too. He changed my life
That's cause billy was an artist. Artists paint with their soul.
@@jrod413 great point Billy seemed to pour his heart into his songs and you can heart it.
"Sometimes I wish I was less of a thinking man and more a fool who's not afraid of rejection." Can relate 100% to this.
I miss my wife, john. I miss her alot.
Same
@@takefive5607 "I'll be back"
Most young men can
I'm going to shoot my shot this week because that line hits me hard
Another of my "non-radio hit" Billy Joel favorites. I'm old enough to remember when TV went off. I like the message that you can be so picky and stubborn looking for a mate you can wind up alone - sleeping with the television on.
+James Edgar ROCK AND ROLL "NON RADIO HIT" POINT EXACTLY.
Most people under the age of 40 probably have never experienced the TV stations going off the air and the sound from the beginning of the song.
I am younger, but some tv stations back where I am from still signed off pretty early, around midnight. Most of them were targeted at a younger audience. I am sure it wasn't as iconic as seeing NBC or CBS sign off, but I am glad I got to experiment this in some way.
UNDERRATED Billy Joel song. So damn good.
+ACAP8107 this album won a grammy how is this underrated
+dylan thompson I said song, not the album.
best track
He never plays this at concerts either. :(
I agree.
This song is criminally under-appreciated. It's just such a perfectly crafted gem!
I really wish I was less of a thinking man and more a fool who's not afraid of rejection. This is the line I used to psych myself up in high school when I was too scared to ask someone out. Many fine memories happened because of this motivational line!
Circa 1988?
@@kevinobrien9626 1980
Preach brotha!!
That line lead to one of the best times in my life!!!
He is simply one of the best songwriter, ever
100000% true
@@Me-gs3uu Meh. Good songwriter, but that's all.
The best in my opinion.
I wish more people knew about this song- it's an underrated gem.
I think what makes this song actually great is starting from the third verse. Until then, it could just be an admittedly catchy pick-up song, but when it changes to show that he's also afraid to approach her, it creates a situation where they might fit each other, but both are too afraid of being burned to try it, so they both just end up sleeping alone.
My mom's all-time favorite performer. My mom's daily activity. RIP, Ma. Continue to miss you.
lovely thought...
One of the best albums ever top to bottom.
i actually won this album in high school 1980 brilliant
Unpopular opinion: this is my favorite Billy Joel song.
Popular opinion with me
*best
I like your opinion on this!
I agree to an extent... But I think "just the way you are" is a tad better.
Get reel drunk, then put on Piano Man. Might change yer mind ;)
The summer that my dad showed me the entire album of this forever sticks in my mind. To me this song is best played while taking a freezing cold shower or the late nights that you can’t get to sleep because it is too hot. Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it all
Billy Joel talked about the meaning of this album cut from “Glass Houses” (1980), explaining : “It’s about a guy who’s putting a girl down, but he’s putting her down because he knows she’s going to reject him if he comes on to her. So it’s sorta like sour grapes.”
The jilted guy tells her that if she keeps being so choosy with her companions, she’ll end up alone at night with just her TV to keep her company.
“Sleeping With The Television On” (1980) starts with “The Star-Spangled Banner”* fading out and segueing into a channel tone, which used to be the norm when TV stations would sign off for the night and transmit static until morning (“you’ll wake up with the white noise”). 💙📺💚
* The National Anthem of the United States of America.
This was a coming-of-age album for me in 1980-81. This is still one of my favorite songs.
Same here
at school nobody understands why I listen to this music, and when I laugh them off, they just leave the conversation, I don't listen to rap. Mr. Joel please do more florida concerts, ik I used to live in NY and its great but come down here more often.
I'm a Long Islander just like BILLY Joel im 53 now lived two towns over he was Hicksville I was North Massapequa never met him been listening to his music since jr high 1976 - now will never stop. Proud to be a New Yorker
Underrated as hell.
Lyrics:
I've been watching you waltz all night Diane
Nobody's found a way behind your defenses
They never notice the zap gun in your hand
Until you're pointing it and stunning their senses
All night long, all night long
You'll shoot 'em down because you're waiting for somebody good to come on
All night long, all night long
But you're sleeping with the television on
You say you're looking for someone solid here
You can't be bothered with those 'just for the night' boys
Tonight unless you take some kind of chances dear
Tomorrow morning you'll wake up with a white noise
All night long, all night long
You're only standing there 'cause somebody once did somebody wrong
All night long, all night long
But you'll be sleeping with the television on
You're eyes are saying talk to me, talk to me
But your attitude is “don't waste my time”
Your eyes are saying talk to me, talk to me
But you won't hear a word 'cause it just might be the same old line
This isn't really easy for me to say Diane
I know you don't need anybody's protection
I really wish I was less of a thinking man
And more a fool who's not afraid of rejection
All night long, all night long
I'll just be standing here 'cause I know I don't have the guts to come on
All night long, all night long
And I'll be sleeping with the television on
You're eyes are saying talk to me, talk to me
But my attitude is “boy, don't waste my time”
Your eyes are saying talk to me, talk to me
But I won't say a word 'cause it just might be somebody else's same old line
All night long, all night long
We're only standing here 'cause somebody might do somebody wrong
All night long, all night long
And we'll be sleeping with the television on
Sleeping with the television on
Sleeping with the television on
Travis Smith
Thanks a lot！
Thank you
Thanks! I was finally able to learn the lyrics to this great song!
Useful thx
Wrong you’re/your
A true hidden gem that didnt appear on any of his greatest hits album
@@ClassicTVMan1981X That's not true. It appeared on Greatest Hits 1+2, and The Essential Billy Joel 3.0, if not others as well.
@@ChiSportsNut18 Thank you for correcting me; I meant that neither this nor "Big Shot" appeared on the original 2001 release of The Essential Billy Joel.
one of the greatest artists of out time
This is no doubt Billy’s best album.
i prefer The Stranger, but this still a great album
@@joshuarivero007 Billy Joel said himself his favorite album was The Nylon Curtain.
@@decacards5250 Too arty and not as many classic melodies. That said, it still has great songs like Allentown, Pressure and Goodnight Saigon along with gems like She's Right on Time and Surprises.
Agreed. Glass Houses and The Stranger.
@@marktheslug Yup!
Glass houses still a great album in 2024
Piano Man non ha mai sbagliato un "pezzo" ... Incredibile .... Per lui la musica un gioco FACILE 🎹👏
Among my favourites: Piano man, All for Leyna, Goodnight Saigon, Sleeping with the television on, Allentown, Movin' out... 2018-infinity
Yesss All for Leyna and this song are both underrated
@@kaileegirl1785 I named my Cocker Spaniel Leyna because of this album and that song....my faves? Sleeping the television, Sometimes a Fantasy and All FOr Leyna.....
I wonder how many from younger generations can imagine a television station playing the national anthem at the end of broadcast evening then a signal pattern for a few minutes, then white static till the morning with the new day starting all over with national anthem again?
Not me, born in 2002. 90% of TV and music is shit ):
CrazyCWM I turn 17 in about a month. I couldn't imagine life without Billy. He is my favorite artist of all time
Andrew Whitcomb me too man
David Daffern I can remember this song and the entire album. I couldn't believe that my Father brought for me! Strangest thing I can't sleep without the television on!!! My Father never turned our televisions off!!! Till this day if my t.v. goes off, I wake up in a matter of minutes!!! 59 yrs old now & still...
@@KingOfTheSeas_ same and I'm 16
This is easily one of his best songs.
I’m 25 to have been around when music was like this would have been incredible
Brings back so many great memories and what a great album, the Stranger and 52nd Street too. Billy at his peak and it doesn't get any better the beatles, stones or anyone else. Thank you Billy Joel for 40 years of classic music that became part of who i am and made a better person. That's withot an alcoholic drink :)
I’ve attended multiple Billy Joel concerts, I know so many of his songs, I just heard this song for the first time in 2022 and it’s incredible and I’m mad I haven’t heard it sooner.
Has he not played this song during all the concerts you’ve been to?
@@bellasky2114 since it’s not one of his bigger hits, no. There’s also very few live performances even here on RUclips.
@@bellasky2114 I’m seeing him in concert this Saturday!
oooooh you need after school detention to 'study' his older albums! penance? noooope
You know I'm exactly the same with zanzibar
First album I ever bought. Played that damned cassette till it wore out.
Sometimes blends in with Sometimes a Fantasy in my mind. Both great, underrated songs.
ALL NIGHT LONG, ALL NIGHT LONG.
God those harmonies just make this song so amazing.
The best Billy Joel song so few actually know.
Billy's voice sounds so great on this song !!! It's a great album overall !!! In fact , I don't live very far away from where that house is on the front cover !
Philip M where’s that?
I found it, it’s in Long Island
I bought this album on 8-track! Yeah, I'm that old! Great Song!
As did i
David Hays sounds great on record
Hahaha. Me too we old gen xers. Oy very.
I was born in 1984 and I have this on 8 track too.
Such a GREAT song that never got much airplay. I LOVE the keyboards!!
One of many great tunes on this album. Close to the borderline being my favorite.
GREAT drumming by Liberty on this song!
Great as always, Loved living in Drexel Hill and jamming on the highways.
Wish I could sing/play like that. This music makes me feel alive.
Love it .... Tomorrow morning you will wake up white noise.... Great
Another excellent song, jubilant !
What a musician !!!
Probably one of my favourite Billy Joel songs.... Wish he will play this in the UK one day
First time listening to this and I turned the volume up because it sounded too quiet. The instrumental intro scared the heck out of me! Doesn't help that I was half asleep.
there were so many good songs on this album that even an awesome song like this was underplayed
Love the syncopation in this! One of my favourites!
He played this when i seen him in Philly and me and my friend were going crazy. Great Song.
best billy joel song, first song in my album that still has my heart
i LOVE THIS ALBUM ONE OF MY FAV 80'S RECORDS . FAVORITE BJ RECORD
Yet another underated song. This song is great.
When people say that they hate Billy Joel, I play them this song and it often changes their mind.
What a great melody.
Agreed CaapriceTube... Absolutely agreed!
And harmony
New fan, dude is amazing x10. So hip man
That's me sleeping with the Television on totally forgot about this song till I revisited this album so true the lyrics love love love I wish he would play some of these not so well known song's live baci x
the last part of the song is so beautiful
( 2:40 )
the lyrics are a masterpiece omfg
Man, what a great song
This was my moms most played record, became a favorite of mine and one of my favorite artists. TY MOM
back in the day when at midnight, stations would sign off for the night! - Kids today don't know with 24/7 cable and streaming... but it was a better time - BTW I owned this on 8 Track and I think we wore it out! - maybe a tie with 52nd st as my fav BJ album
I feel like this song was way before it’s time!
I can listen this All night long :)
First time hearing this song! It’s really good. It could have made the Top 40.
This is seriously the best in so many ways
This song has been cut down to 3:05 😅
My favorite Billy Joel song from my favorite of his albums :)
hmmm, this song remind me of one my youth summer on motor bike. love you billy
One of my favorites!! I love this!
2021
One of my favorites ❤
So much is in this song, and the sad thing is, few people have heard it, and even fewer paid attention
Thank you
Good song! I probably haven't heard it since I owned this on vinyl. Congrats on 75 at MSG!
This is the another best album of Billy, next to "The Stranger".
I love all of the Glass Houses Album.
Love this song and somehow never was a single
Always thought the national anthem at the start was cool. Even as a kid in Australia, I knew the American national anthem was played late at night in American TV.
One of his most underrated songs!
Explain!
best song ever i listen to it everyday
I am amazed by how his lyrics still apply today. Besides of course his music is great :)
One of my favorite Billy Joel songs
I heard this song for the first time in my ENTIRE life on October 16, 2021 !
What jumps out to me the most is that this song is Sad BUT , it is sang with an Upbeat mood and it Rocks !
Even it being sad I am NOT when hearing this. Its actually a mood booster and high energy and like I said it rocks 🤘!!
Im a big billy joel lover, and I tried this song for the 1st time 2 days ago, and quickly became one of my favorites. A very underrated song.
@@Abl1cky anybody
( except for kids ) that cannot relate to this song cannot really relate to life or people. This song is also a real creative way of telling someone that their missing out 😀.
Have you a great Christmas 🎄 !
Give the drummer some ❤
This is Joel's Elvis Costello homage. My favorite Glass Houses track.
ESPECIALLY that keyboard solo. Pure Attractions.
Not really. It was the other song “I don’t want to be alone anymore.”
"And my microphone smells like a beer."
My favorite BJ lyric!
Love this song and album
One of the two best songs
So underrated!!!
#QUARANTINE2021
Idk why but this song really makes me think about life and stuff
same, it makes me sad in a way
Billy Joel calling me out hardcore on this one yeesh. Good for reflection...
Don't forget, this album was also Billy reacting to New Wave. He's brilliant.
I've been watching you waltz all night Diane
Nobody's found a way behind your defenses
They never notice the zap gun in your hand
Until you're pointing it and stunning their senses
All night long, all night long
You'll shoot 'em down because you're waiting for somebody good to come on
All night long, all night long
But you're sleeping with the television on
You say you're looking for someone solid here
You can't be bothered with those 'just for the night' boys
Tonight unless you take some kind of chances dear
Tomorrow morning you'll wake up with a white noise
All night long, all night long
You're only standing there 'cause somebody once did somebody wrong
All night long, all night long
But you'll be sleeping with the television on
You're eyes are saying talk to me, talk to me
But your attitude is "don't waste my time"
Your eyes are saying talk to me, talk to me
But you won't hear a word 'cause it just might be the same old line
This isn't really easy for me to say Diane
I know you don't need anybody's protection
I really wish I was less of a thinking man
And more a fool who's not afraid of rejection
All night long, all night long
I'll just be standing here 'cause I know I don't have the guts to come on
All night long, all night long
And I'll be sleeping with the television on
You're eyes are saying talk to me, talk to me
But my attitude is "boy, don't waste my time"
Your eyes are saying talk to me, talk to me
But I won't say a word 'cause it just might be somebody else's same old line
All night long, all night long
We're only standing here 'cause somebody might do somebody wrong
All night long, all night long
And we'll be sleeping with the television on
Sleeping with the television on
Sleeping with the television on
great song !
この曲は僕の青春
今死ぬ程辛いけど
この曲を聴くと悩み無き頃を思い出す
ありがとう
You are not alone good luck my friend!
@@michaelthespikel5685
ありがとう！
@@bellasky2114
ありがとう！
Best track on the album IMO
Great album!!
I feel the same way about BJ as I do about Elton. I dont love their radio hits but their records are filled with deep cuts that are really great. Both of these guys have written a great catalog of songs and the lp cuts are where it's at
funny you should say that..., the first time that i ever saw and heard BJ my first thought was that Billy is the American EJ.....,
but Billy wrote music and lyrics! Elton had a more pop thing going on. Yet Billy is, imho, streets ahead.
Awesome!
Sleeping with the RUclips on 🤣
This song matches my father who always contantly fell asleep with the TV on in the livingroom RIP Billy Joel :(
ps : i stayed at Silver Hill in Connecticut for 2 weeks the rehab BJ was at.
Al Pacino he didn't die dumbass
so good
I'm middle aged, but this takes me back to middle-school, when I had a crush on an Italian girl, with feathered, black hair, named Dianna, in Ms. Bruner's homeroom class. Songs can take you back somehow.