Totally agree. Ive seen him live twice and would have loved him to have played this. Cant understand why he doesnt play it live, its one of his best songs. Fantastic tune.
@@marklendonml The legend is he doesn't like the song all that much so he won't play it that much. He did the album under pressure from the studio as well.
He's top tier among pop singers of his generation. He can even still hit the high notes at his current age. But yeah...criminally underrated song. Probably gonna rehash some things already said, but Streetlife Serenader has it all: memorable piano hook at the beginning, catchy chord progression through the verses, powerful lyrics/vocal work and a perfectly placed guitar solo to bring it all together. Shame BJ doesn't play it anymore; wouldn't mind hearing this song over stuff like We Didn't Start the Fire or No Man's Land (songs even Joel says you can "feel free to go to the bathroom while I play this" -_-)
@@wefukthenwo I saw him twice, once as a 7 year old with my parents in '79 and again 16 years later as a young man with my then girlfriend in 1994-95. The first show was fantastic in 79. Bj had so much energy and the place was magnetic and electric. It seemed the whole world was there. 2nd show 16 years later bj was obviously older, balder and overweight and unenthusiastic just going through the paces. It was disappointing, but I'll never forget that show from 79.
Jeff Healey (Rest In Peace) definitely got some of his singing voice from this song (and from Billy Joel in general), as well, the short guitar solo starting at 4:02 here is one of my very favourites to play along to. David Brown slays it on the Stratocaster for that one. Love it. 💖
Thank you. I alway wondered who played that guitar solo. I was 7 in '79 when my parents took me to see me first concert- Billy Joel. Amazing show I still remember 45 years later!
To me, this song is a tribute to the artistic flame within "regular" people who never become rich and famous, who work 9 to 5 or struggle to get by, but who still bring passion, heart, and creativity to the moments of their lives. People like me and probably you, too.
"Streetlife Serenader" Streetlife serenader Never sang on stages Needs no orchestration Melody comes easy Midnight masquerader Shoppin' center heroes Child of Eisenhower New world celebrator Streetlife serenaders Have such an understanding How the words are spoken How to make the motions Streetlife serenaders Have no obligations Hold no grand illusions Need no stimulation Midnight masqueraders Workin' hard for wages Need no vast arrangement To do their harmonizing
bought this in 85 , was 14, enthralled reading the album notes on the hour long journey back home on the bus. Every track still resonates in the 52 year old me now. This has become my favourite, after half a dozen of the other tracks before it, over the almost 40 years of loving this album.
My parents took me to see billy in 1979 at the Washington capitals centre in Landover Maryland. I was 7. Mom & dad were only 20 years older than I. Anyway I always remembered that show and the electricity in the air. Still have visions of the house lights lightning everything up and the strobe effect as billy ran around on stage. This song was one of the ones played I like most... I took my 7 & 10yo kids to see a billy Joel tribute band play in a smaller theater, but of course it lacked the magic of what I had experienced. Great song.
One of my favorite live albums ever. not any big radio hits. just well written album tracks that he thought deserved more attention. These were the songs he was most proud of at the time.
Although Captain Jack wasn’t on FM radio across the globe, that has to be regarded as a radio hit as it was an incredibly moment in his trajectory (thanks Philly)! She’s Got a Way on Songs got radio play and became very popular to this day.
Oh Billy,you are so great and cool. I just heard this song and I got goose flesh.Last time/first time I heard it was, when it came out. Omg,how great is this feeling now. Thank's Billy !!!!!!!!!
Nothing like it.... When I was younger I don't think I appreciated how much work must have gone into this tune, now when one actually really listens to it 'properly'30 yr later, it's mind-blowing! X
I am drowning myself in his music I am a piano player singer graduated high 🏫 1980. Thank you Lord for leading me to Billy Joel. I love you Mr. Joel. My old friend.
Yeah, this is song has a very reflective but inspiring feel to it. Always the sign of great music when it can transport you to a different place in your mind.
He teased a few years ago per below link...(!), but I postulate he feels he can't top what he did here on SITA, which is phenomenal... ruclips.net/video/_GXO3TkthEk/видео.html
I was on a road trip with my father when I was 11 or so in the early 80s. We had Songs From the Attic cassette on and this song played during the night with the streetlights passing by. Always think of that trip whenever I hear that song.
I am a "child of Eisenhower"... these lyrics really hit home to me. It's all about relating yourself to your generation - you're place in the world - and what you leave behind. One of my "bucket list" songs to sing - and to learn on the piano.
This beautiful gem didn't get nearly the airplay or the recognition it deserved - thanks for posting a classic that as the next poster said has been "largely forgotten"
This song reminds me my childhood, I was like 3 or 4 years old and my dad use to play this entire album all the time, so I grew up listen to this song and it became one of my favorites.
WOW! ST. Paul Civic Center. Many good concerts there many years ago. It doesn't exist any longer, but I remember the shows. This song captures the BIG, open sound the arena concerts of the day had. On this album, I always thought this song had the most airy, ambient sound. Some of the other tracks have a more quaint, bar room feel. All and all this is a classic album and I agree with the folks who feel these songs are better live than in the studio.
This Song Reminds me of Wynwood County Florida. Good age to figure out who your are. Soliders coming home from playing uncover Hyni Krishna. At MIA. Like something outta Up in Smoke... Cheech & Chong.
His latest band couldn't pull it off withthe finesse required... The drummer would be incapable as for Tommy Burns, he'd absolutely massacre it. Sadly left back when The Band were more capable guys .
Guitar solo at the end is HUGE.
My dad coached me in little league 8n those days. He's dead now. Rip
It's such a shame that this song has been largely forgotten. What a masterpiece of rock composition this is!
people like us that look for these gems get to enjoy and appreciate it more
Totally agree. Ive seen him live twice and would have loved him to have played this. Cant understand why he doesnt play it live, its one of his best songs. Fantastic tune.
@@marklendonml The legend is he doesn't like the song all that much so he won't play it that much. He did the album under pressure from the studio as well.
Very well said. I heard this one for the first time in nearly 40 years, and it's masterful.
Louis Taplin I think it’s a great song but I wouldn’t want to play it every night for a year. I’d rather play I Go To Extremes over and over
I'm suddenly 16 again, driving along the 10 Freeway toward Los Angeles with my buddy and we're listening to this cassette. Good times.
Billy Joel....a GREAT singer! I never hear anybody talk about what a great singer Billy is. Totally under-rated.
He's top tier among pop singers of his generation. He can even still hit the high notes at his current age.
But yeah...criminally underrated song. Probably gonna rehash some things already said, but Streetlife Serenader has it all: memorable piano hook at the beginning, catchy chord progression through the verses, powerful lyrics/vocal work and a perfectly placed guitar solo to bring it all together. Shame BJ doesn't play it anymore; wouldn't mind hearing this song over stuff like We Didn't Start the Fire or No Man's Land (songs even Joel says you can "feel free to go to the bathroom while I play this" -_-)
I have seen him twice in concert and he is just a Gentleman. I love this guy!
So very true !!
@@wefukthenwo I saw him twice, once as a 7 year old with my parents in '79 and again 16 years later as a young man with my then girlfriend in 1994-95. The first show was fantastic in 79. Bj had so much energy and the place was magnetic and electric. It seemed the whole world was there. 2nd show 16 years later bj was obviously older, balder and overweight and unenthusiastic just going through the paces. It was disappointing, but I'll never forget that show from 79.
We are so lucky to have been alive for these wonders.
Jeff Healey (Rest In Peace) definitely got some of his singing voice from this song (and from Billy Joel in general), as well, the short guitar solo starting at 4:02 here is one of my very favourites to play along to. David Brown slays it on the Stratocaster for that one. Love it. 💖
Thank you. I alway wondered who played that guitar solo. I was 7 in '79 when my parents took me to see me first concert- Billy Joel. Amazing show I still remember 45 years later!
One of his more (undeservedly) obscure songs that gives me the chills ... incredible distilled emotion, and the guitar solo!
Its the best song on Streetlife serenade album in my opinion!!
To me, this song is a tribute to the artistic flame within "regular" people who never become rich and famous, who work 9 to 5 or struggle to get by, but who still bring passion, heart, and creativity to the moments of their lives. People like me and probably you, too.
It does have that organic authentic feel that I love.
Well said!
yeah bro well said. Definitely like me too.
"Streetlife Serenader"
Streetlife serenader
Never sang on stages
Needs no orchestration
Melody comes easy
Midnight masquerader
Shoppin' center heroes
Child of Eisenhower
New world celebrator
Streetlife serenaders
Have such an understanding
How the words are spoken
How to make the motions
Streetlife serenaders
Have no obligations
Hold no grand illusions
Need no stimulation
Midnight masqueraders
Workin' hard for wages
Need no vast arrangement
To do their harmonizing
The drums and guitar solo are epic in this one.
The guitar solo is short but so powerful and well-placed.
+MrRonskiman Wow, your comments are spot on!!
bought this in 85 , was 14, enthralled reading the album notes on the hour long journey back home on the bus. Every track still resonates in the 52 year old me now. This has become my favourite, after half a dozen of the other tracks before it, over the almost 40 years of loving this album.
This was one of the first albums I owned, and this one... just wow.
Masterpiece of an album!!
My parents took me to see billy in 1979 at the Washington capitals centre in Landover Maryland. I was 7. Mom & dad were only 20 years older than I. Anyway I always remembered that show and the electricity in the air. Still have visions of the house lights lightning everything up and the strobe effect as billy ran around on stage. This song was one of the ones played I like most... I took my 7 & 10yo kids to see a billy Joel tribute band play in a smaller theater, but of course it lacked the magic of what I had experienced. Great song.
One of my favorite live albums ever. not any big radio hits. just well written album tracks that he thought deserved more attention. These were the songs he was most proud of at the time.
Deservedly so.
It's brilliant isn't it? Maybe one of the most satisfying things he ever did.
Although Captain Jack wasn’t on FM radio across the globe, that has to be regarded as a radio hit as it was an incredibly moment in his trajectory (thanks Philly)! She’s Got a Way on Songs got radio play and became very popular to this day.
You can hear his classical training shining through his piano playing.
Oh Billy,you are so great and cool.
I just heard this song and I got goose flesh.Last time/first time I heard it was, when it came out.
Omg,how great is this feeling now.
Thank's Billy !!!!!!!!!
Nothing like it.... When I was younger I don't think I appreciated how much work must have gone into this tune, now when one actually really listens to it 'properly'30 yr later, it's mind-blowing! X
His greatest.
I am drowning myself in his music I am a piano player singer graduated high 🏫 1980. Thank you Lord for leading me to Billy Joel. I love you Mr. Joel. My old friend.
Yeah, this is song has a very reflective but inspiring feel to it. Always the sign of great music when it can transport you to a different place in your mind.
That it does!
Exactly!
He REALLY needs to “dust this one off!”
He teased a few years ago per below link...(!), but I postulate he feels he can't top what he did here on SITA, which is phenomenal...
ruclips.net/video/_GXO3TkthEk/видео.html
He needs to open with this
I was on a road trip with my father when I was 11 or so in the early 80s. We had Songs From the Attic cassette on and this song played during the night with the streetlights passing by. Always think of that trip whenever I hear that song.
Perfect. Just perfect, every listen brings a new experience. 40 years for me. Midnight masquerading.
Am I the only one who thinks that this would KILL if he did it now at MSG?!
Grey song, but would be a major bathroom song for 70% of the crowd
What a body of work , so many great hits but this in my opinion is his finest composition. A phenomenal piece of music .
Powerful,Emotional tune!
Piano in this track speaks to my heart.
My favorite song!
Such a masterpiece of a song!
I am a "child of Eisenhower"... these lyrics really hit home to me. It's all about relating yourself to your generation - you're place in the world - and what you leave behind. One of my "bucket list" songs to sing - and to learn on the piano.
The greatest entertainer of my times.
UTTERLY BEAUTIFUL!
Another classic and one of his finest! I could listen to him all day long because he never gets old or out of date.
Hey 85 Calhoun, you have great taste !
True art never gets old
An astounding piano composition.
One of his best for sure. Epic
This Band GROOVED!
Really? Jk
This beautiful gem didn't get nearly the airplay or the recognition it deserved - thanks for posting a classic that as the next poster said has been "largely forgotten"
Billy's best work.
here is a sweet deep and sad melody in this song that touch your heart something really imposible
I can relate to the lyrics of Billy's songs, they are gems about life and love, poetic
Classic Billy still get that shiver brings me back to you Billy Joel i and have loved these times xxxxxxxxxxx
Top ten song for me.
This song reminds me my childhood, I was like 3 or 4 years old and my dad use to play this entire album all the time, so I grew up listen to this song and it became one of my favorites.
Love it even more live...unless I'm in a New York State of Mind. 🔥❤🔥
WOW! ST. Paul Civic Center. Many good concerts there many years ago. It doesn't exist any longer, but I remember the shows. This song captures the BIG, open sound the arena concerts of the day had. On this album, I always thought this song had the most airy, ambient sound. Some of the other tracks have a more quaint, bar room feel.
All and all this is a classic album and I agree with the folks who feel these songs are better live than in the studio.
LOVE THIS SONG, ALWAYS HAVE!!
I still listen to this song since 1984 amazing Talent
Just an incredible performance.
This "speaks" volumes. So True...
I think this song sounds better live.
Way better
No shit Sherlock.
What an odd, yet great vibe from this song.
Love.
Amazing song...
great
as usual
Que bonita canción!!
Brilliant. Thanks for uploading.
Brother I am with you.
If you can listen carefully, you can hear where Goodnight Saigon got it's roots.
what I'd give to hear him live -
Good stuff!😅
Ennesimo gioiello di Billy Piano MAN ....
This Song Reminds me of Wynwood County Florida. Good age to figure out who your are. Soliders coming home from playing uncover Hyni Krishna. At MIA. Like something outta Up in Smoke... Cheech & Chong.
yeah brother sing it
Nice
Just like the Blow Pop I have in my mouth right now Billy never gets old.
Anyone know who was playing the guitar solo? Looks like David Brown?
It was David Brown on lead guitar. Russel Javors on rhythm guitar.
❤️❤️❤️😻
Shopping center herroooooo yea....
I know it's probably not cool to be a Billy fan but this song is superb !
Of Course it's cool to be a Billy fan! Billy Joel is the best artist of all time!
Why would it not be cool to be a Billy fan?...He's a true artist
Actually *plays, writes and arranges the music!*
Billy is and will be my musical idol as long as I live, it's the soundtrack that accompanies my life, and I'm proud of it.
Where are the young musicians today that come close?
The older you get the less you give a damn about cool. Cool is what you like.
His latest band couldn't pull it off withthe finesse required... The drummer would be incapable as for Tommy Burns, he'd absolutely massacre it. Sadly left back when The Band were more capable guys .
Bit of a stretch for the piano man....stream of consciousness approach...insightful heartfelt .brilliant....
🙂🐸😎
RIP Adam