I read a clip from an article about Billy Joel talking about his song, “Only The Good Die Young.” And it showed how your perspective can change as you get older. But, for way too many, even the new perspective doesn’t help ’em wise up. Here’s that clip:
~ In 2023, when he was 74, Joel said of the song “It’s occurred to me recently that I’m trying to talk some poor innocent woman into losing her virginity because of my lust. It’s kind of a selfish song. Like, who cares what happens to you? What about what I want? But on the other hand, it was of its time. This was written in the mid-’70s, and I was trying to seduce girls. ~
Yeah, age gave Billy a new perspective. But no added wisdom.
Somewhat to his credit, Billy also pointed out that “the boy in the song failed to get anywhere with the girl, and she kept her chastity.” But obviously, no thanks to the boy.
I’m picking on Mr. Joel a little bit. But not because I don’t like his music. I’ve enjoyed a lot of his songs over the years. And several of them were in my repertoire during my live performance days (not Piano Man, nor will it ever be).
Yeah, Billy had a knack for finding a hook and a melody and turning them into hit songs. But I wish he’d gained some wisdom over the years. Because that’s the only way you can get a new perspective on eternity. And, yes, that’s crucial. Because eternity is a long time to deal with the consequences of a bad decision/perspective.
And that’s part of the catch-22 of fame.
It can help provide a life where all your needs, wants, and desires are covered. But having everything covered, lavishly, can also lead to greediness and sorrow. That’s not a rule. But it DOES happen more often than not.
It’s not too late for Billy to get a new perspective that isn’t subject to his own self-righteousness. He’s obviously still very much alive. And still kicking things up on stages all over the place. But time is running out for him. And the rest of us, too.
So, I hope he realizes, sooner rather than later, that he needs to sail on the river of Life instead of the River of Dreams.
There’s another life in the land of everything.
There’s another life, but with different expectations.
We could push real hard from a new perspective.
And we could end the stress and regain a lot of patience.
(from my song, Freewheel) © 1988
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