Big Man on Mulberry Street
Billy Joel
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Why can't I lay low Why can't I say what I mean Why don't I stay home And get myself into some boring routine Why can't I calm down Why is it always a fight I can't get unwound Why do I throw myself into the night I'm on the outside I don't fit into the groove Now I ain't a bad guy So tell me what am I trying to prove Why can't I cool out Why don't I button my lip Why do I lash out Why is it I always shoot from the hip I cruise from Houston to canal street A misfit and a rebel I see the winds talking to themselves And I can understand Why is it everytime I go out I always seem to get in trouble I guess I made an impression on somebody North of Hester and south of grand And so in my small way I'm a big man on Mulberry street I don't mean all day Only at night when I'm light on my feet What else have I got That I'd be trying to hide Maybe a blind spot I haven't seen from the sensitive side But you know in my own heart I'm a big man on Mulberry street I play the whole part I leave a big tip with every receipt I'm so romantic I'm such a passionate man Sometimes I panic What if nobody finds out who I am
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: Billy Joel
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Release and Album"Big Man on Mulberry Street" is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel. It was released as a track on his album "The Bridge" in 1986.
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GenreThe song is categorized under the genre of Jazz-pop. It displays Joel's skills as a jazz pianist, taking inspiration from the big band music of the 1950s and 1960s.
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Song InspirationThe song is inspired by the streets of Little Italy in New York City, with Mulberry Street being the main thoroughfare.
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Television Appearance"Big Man on Mulberry Street" was featured prominently in an episode of the popular television series “Moonlighting”. The episode was also named after the song.
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Tune EvolutionBilly initially wrote the song as a small piece of incidental music for the "Moonlighting" episode. However, it later evolved into a full-fledged song that was added to his 1986 album.
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Emotional InspirationThe song is said to reflect Billy Joel's emotions at the time of his divorce from his first wife.
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Musical Style"Big Man on Mulberry Street" stands out among Billy Joel's discography for its extensive use of jazz elements. Its unique orchestral arrangement was done by Patrick Williams, an American composer and conductor.
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StorytellingThe song's lyrics and jazz style illustrate a narrative that takes the listener on a journey through the streets of New York, reflecting Billy Joel's storytelling prowess.
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ReceptionWhile not released as a single, "Big Man on Mulberry Street" has garnered acclaim from fans and critics alike for its jazz-infused style and lyrical complexities.
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Live PerformanceDespite its popularity, the song is rarely included in Billy Joel's live setlists, potentially due to its complex arrangement and high demands on the vocalist. However, when it is performed, it is often a highlight of the concert.
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Citation
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