Entertainer
Billy Joel
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I am the entertainer and I know just where I stand Another serenader and another longhaired band Today I am your champion, I may have won your hearts But I know the game, you'll forget my name And I won't be here in another year If I don't stay on the charts I am the entertainer and I've had to pay my price The things I did not know at first I learned by doing twice But still they come to haunt me, still they want their say So I've learned to dance with a hand in my pants And I rub my neck and I write em a check And they go their merry way I am the entertainer, I bring to you my songs I'd like to spend a day or two but I can't stay that long I got to meet expenses ,I got to stay in line Got to get those fees to the agencies And I'd love to stay but there's bills to pay So I just don't have the time I am the entertainer, I've come to do my show You've heard my latest record spin on the radio It took me years to write it, they were the best years of my life ***>>*** If you're gonna have a hit you gotta make it fit So they cut it down to 3:05 I am the entertainer, the idol of my age I make all kinds of money when I go on the stage You see me in the papers, I've been in the magazines But if I go cold, I won't get sold I get put in the back in the discount rack Like another can of beans I am the entertainer and I know just where I stand Another serenader and another longhaired band Today I am your champion, I may have won your hearts But I knew the game, you'll forget my name I won't be here in another year If I don't stay on the charts.
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Written by: Billy Joel
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Album Release"Entertainer" is a song recorded by Billy Joel for his 1974 album, "Streetlife Serenade."
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Influential ConceptionThe song was written by Joel himself. It is greatly influenced by the struggles he faced as a musician, exploiting the darker side of fame and the shallow nature of the entertainment industry.
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Chart PerformanceIt was not released as a single and hence did not manage to chart in America.
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Heartfelt LyricsThe song's lyrics talk about an entertainer's life and the hardships that come along with it. The idea to reflect personal emotions and experiences through the lyrics quickly became a Billy Joel trademark.
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Artist's ViewsDuring live performances, Joel has introduced the song by saying, "This next song is a love song... to MYSELF."
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Unique InstrumentationThe album version of the song features Billy Joel’s piano accompanied by synthesizer arrangements, while the live version is performed as a solo piano piece.
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Dedicated FanbaseDespite not being a chart-topper, the song has been a consistent fan favorite and is regularly included in Joel's live performances.
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More InstrumentationBesides Joel’s piano, the song features guitar, bass, drums, and synthesizer. This diverse array of instruments paints a vivid image of the entertainer's life the lyrics portray.
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Background Inspiration“The Entertainer” was inspired by Billy Joel’s resentment at being forced to cut his song “Piano Man” down to make it more radio-friendly.
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Cultural ImpactEven though it was not officially released as a single, “The Entertainer” has left a lasting mark on pop culture, often being used in documentaries and movies to discuss or illustrate the music industry's difficulties.
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Citation
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"Entertainer Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 8 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/16012529/Billy+Joel/Entertainer>.
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