Billy Joel’s Biggest Hit Was Also His Biggest Personal Flop: “I Was Shocked and Embarrassed”

Everyone is their own worst critic, it is one of the most common symptoms of being a human being. Personal judgment and scrutiny are inevitable, and even the most successful individuals often torture themselves about what they could have done better. One musician who certainly falls into this trap is the one and only piano-playing and songwriting maestro Billy Joel.

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The hardest person on Billy Joel is Billy Joel. The man is seemingly never satisfied with his work and is constantly looking for ways to make his music better. Recently, regarding the matter, Joel stated, “I have not forgiven myself for not being Beethoven,” per CBS Sunday Mornings.

Even though Joel is incredibly self-critical, you’d think the musician would give himself a break every once in a while. However, he seemingly doesn’t, and he even thinks very little about one of his biggest hits of all time, “Piano Man.”

Why “Piano Man” Is Not Music to Billy Joel’s Ears

Released in 1973, “Piano Man” wasn’t initially a monster hit. It did receive some chart success, as it peaked at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it never reached No. 1. Regardless, Joel’s single is one of the most famous and recognizable songs in the world. It’s a staple of American culture and the epitome of a quintessential barroom anthem. Although, still, Joel doesn’t believe it to be his best work. Matter of fact, he deeply dislikes several parts of the tune.

At its height, “Piano Man” was not a badge of honor Billy Joel seemingly wanted to score. Given the flaws he could identify in the song, he was embarrassed by the song’s success. He told Metro, “The melody is not very good and very repetitious, while the lyrics are like limericks.” Needless to say, Joel is an admirable example of perfectionism. Frankly, if he wasn’t so critical of his own work, would he have reached the level that he did? Food for thought.

Joel might beat himself up over the musical flaws in “Piano Man,” though, that doesn’t mean he isn’t proud or grateful for his work. He is, as he stated, “I was shocked and embarrassed when it became a hit. But my songs are like my kids, and I look at that song and think, My kid did pretty well.” Billy Joel’s outlook on his work might be tiresome, though it is seemingly crucial to his success. After all, if you aim high and miss, you at least miss high.

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