No Man's Land

Billy Joel

About No Man's Land

"No Man's Land" is a single by Billy Joel. It was the third single from his 1993 album River of Dreams. The song is about the growth of suburbia and its negative environmental and social aspects. It presumably refers somewhat specifically to Long Island (the line about "lots more to read about Lolita and suburban lust" is an indirect reference to Amy Fisher). It was the first song performed on Late Show with David Letterman in August 1993. In 2017, Joel performed the song in concert as part of the story line in the Thanksgiving episode of the sixth season of the TV series Arrow.  


4:48

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

I've seen those big machines come rolling through the quiet pines
Blue suits and bankers with their Volvos and their valentines
Give us this day our daily discount outlet merchandise
Raise up a multiplex and we will make a sacrifice
Now we're gonna get the big business
Now we're gonna get the real thing
Everybody's all excited about it

Who remembers when it all began
Out here in no man's land
Before they passed the master plan
Out here in no man's land
Low supply and high demand
Here in no man's land

There ain't much work out here in our consumer power base
No major industry, just miles and miles of parking space
This morning's paper says our neighbor's in a cocaine bust
Lots more to read about Lolita and suburban lust
Now we're gonna get the whole story
Now we're gonna be in prime time
Everybody's all excited about it

Who remembers when it all began
Out here in no man's land
We've just begun to understand
Out here in no man's land
Low supply and high demand
Here in no man's land

I see these children with their boredom and their vacant stares
God help us all if we're to blame for their unanswered prayers
They roll the sidewalks up at night, this place goes underground
Thanks to the condo kings there's cable now in Zombietown
Now we're gonna get the closed circuit
Now we're gonna get the Top 40
Now we're gonna get the sports franchise
Now we're gonna get the major attractions

Who remembers when it all began
Out here in no man's land
Before the whole world was in our hands
Out here in no man's land
Before the banners and the marching bands
Out here in no man's land
Low supply and high demand
Here in no man's land

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Billy Joel

William Martin "Billy" Joel (born May 9, 1949) is an American pianist, singer-songwriter, and composer. Since releasing his first hit song, "Piano Man," in 1973, Joel has become the sixth best-selling recording artist and the third best-selling solo artist in the United States, according to the RIAA. He also has the third best-selling album in the United States with his Greatest Hits Vol. 1 & 2. more »

16 fans

Written by: BILLY JOEL

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album release
"No Man's Land" is a song from Billy Joel's 12th studio album, "River of Dreams," which came out in 1993.
Chart Performance
Although it was not one of the chart-topping hits from the album, the song still managed to capture the attention of the listeners due to Joel's unique storytelling and powerful commentary.
Social Commentary
"No Man's Land" acted as a social commentary in which Joel criticizes the commercialization and urbanization of Long Island, New York.
Emotional Theme
The song clearly demonstrates Joel's frustration and sadness over the rapid development and loss of natural beauty in his native land.
Background inspiration
Billy Joel grew up in Hicksville, Long Island, and his love for his hometown greatly influenced much of his music, including this song.
Song Genre
"No Man's Land" is typically categorized under Rock genre including elements of pop.
Live Performance
Unlike some of Billy Joel's other songs which are frequently performed live, “No Man’s Land” has been played less frequently in his concerts.
Grammy Nominations
"River of Dreams," the album containing "No Man's Land," was nominated for several Grammy Awards including Album of the Year.
Perception
The song is valued as a sharp critique of reckless consumption, with its bleak imagery and biting lyrics.
Music Video
The music video for “No Man’s Land” features footage of natural landscapes being demolished and replaced by commercial buildings.

Discuss the No Man's Land Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "No Man's Land Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/11942533/Billy+Joel/No+Man%27s+Land>.

    Missing lyrics by Billy Joel?

    Know any other songs by Billy Joel? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    No Man's Land

    367.8K
    1,729     81

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Which group sang the song "96 Tears"?
    A The Sonics
    B Paul Revere and the Raidersr9
    C Count Five
    D Question Mark and the Mysterians

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Billy Joel's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Billy Joel tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    No Man's Land

    »