Uptown Girl

Billy Joel

About Uptown Girl

"Uptown Girl" is a song written and performed by American musician Billy Joel. The lyrics describe a working-class "downtown man" attempting to woo a wealthy "uptown girl". It was released on September 29, 1983, on his ninth studio album An Innocent Man (1983). The 12" EP featured the tracks "My Life", "Just the Way You Are" and "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" (catalogue number TA3775), whereas some 7" single versions featured "Careless Talk" as a B-side.


Year:
2010
3:13
64 

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Uptown girl
She's been living in her uptown world
I bet she's never had a backstreet guy
I bet her momma never told her why

I'm gonna try for an uptown girl
She's been living in her white bread world
As long as anyone with hot blood can
And now she's looking for a downtown man
That's what I am

And when she knows what
She wants from her time
And when she wakes up
And makes up her mind

She'll see I'm not so tough
Just because
I'm in love with an uptown girl
You know I've seen her in her uptown world
She's getting tired of her high class toys
And all her presents from her uptown boys
She's got a choice

Uptown girl
You know I can't afford to buy her pearls
But maybe someday when my ship comes in
She'll understand what kind of guy I've been
And then I'll win

And when she's walking
She's looking so fine
And when she's talking
She'll say that she's mine

She'll say I'm not so tough
Just because
I'm in love
With an uptown girl
She's been living in her white bread world
As long as anyone with hot blood can
And now she's looking for a downtown man
That's what I am

Uptown girl
She's my uptown girl
You know I'm in love
With an uptown girl
My uptown girl
You know I'm in love
With an uptown girl
My uptown girl
You know I'm in love
With an uptown girl
My uptown girl
You know I'm in love
With an uptown girl

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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 »

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Written by: Billy Joel

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


23 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Uptown Girl" was written and performed by Billy Joel, first released on his 1983 album "An Innocent Man".
Chart Performance
The song reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 in the United Kingdom, making it Joel's only UK number one hit song.
Music Video Popularity
The music video for "Uptown Girl" was highly publicized in the 1980s due to extravagant choreography and Billy Joel's appearance as a mechanic.
Inspired Character
The song was initially written about supermodel Elle Macpherson, but it ended up being associated with Joel's soon-to-be wife, Christie Brinkley, who also starred in the music video.
Song Theme
"Uptown Girl" is a characteristic pop song of the 1980s and is themed around class difference and Billy Joel's self-identification as a "downtown man".
Cover Versions
"Uptown Girl" has been covered by various artists including Westlife, who released their version in 2001 and managed to top the charts in the UK once again.
Songwriting Process
The song was initially written as a piece titled "Uptown Girls" with plural, indicating Joel's attraction to multiple women during his time in the Caribbean. It was later rewritten as a singular "Uptown Girl".
Album Success
"Uptown Girl" quickly became one of the most popular songs on Joel's album "An Innocent Man", which was nominated for the Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards in 1984.
Cultural Influence
The song's melody is reminiscent of the Four Seasons' style in the 1960s, influenced by Frankie Valli’s vocal style.
Choreographic Distinction
Joel's dance routine in the music video of "Uptown Girl" was choreographed by Patricia Birch who also choreographed scenes in films such as "Grease".
Timeless Appeal
Even years after its release, "Uptown Girl" continues to be one of Joel's most requested songs during concerts.
Date of Release
"Uptown Girl" was released on September 29, 1983, by Billy Joel.
Album
The song is part of Billy Joel's ninth studio album titled "An Innocent Man".
Genre
The song fits into the pop genre and reflects doo-wop influences from the 50s and 60s.
Chart Performance
It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, providing Joel with his third US number-one single.
Music Video
The accompanying music video featured supermodel Christie Brinkley, who later became Billy Joel's wife.
Inspiration
The song was initially written about his relationship with his then-girlfriend Elle Macpherson, but it ended up also becoming about his soon-to-be wife Christie Brinkley.
International Success
"Uptown Girl" achieved huge international success, hitting No.1 in the UK and staying at the top spot for five weeks.
Duration
The song has a duration of approximately 3 minutes and 15 seconds.
Covers and Performances
Over the years, many artists have performed or covered "Uptown Girl," including Westlife, who also experienced chart-topping success with their version released in 2001.
Legacy
As of 2022, the song continues to be one of Billy Joel's most recognized and popular songs, making it a staple in his live performances.
Certification
In 1985, the song received a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Contribution to Pop Culture
In addition to being a chart-topper, "Uptown Girl" has also been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its place in pop culture.

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    Uptown Girl

    179.1M
    1.1M     26,549

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1983

    Billboard #3


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