Downeaster Alexa
Billy Joel
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Well I'm on the Downeaster "Alexa" And I'm cruising through Block Island Sound I have charted a course to the Vineyard But tonight I am Nantucket bound We took on diesel back in Montauk yesterday And left this morning from the bell in Gardiner's Bay Like all the locals here I've had to sell my home Too proud to leave I worked my fingers to the bone So I could own my Downeaster "Alexa" And I go where the ocean is deep There are giants out there in the canyons And a good captain can't fall asleep I've got bills to pay and children who need clothes I know there's fish out there but where God only knows They say these waters aren't what they used to be But I've got people back on land who count on me So if you see my Downeaster "Alexa" And if you work with the rod and the reel Tell my wife I am trawling Atlantis And I still have my hands on the wheel Now I drive my Downeaster "Alexa" More and more miles from shore every year Since they tell me I can't sell no stripers And there's no luck in swordfishing here. I was a bayman like my father was before Can't make a living as a bayman anymore There ain't much future for a man who works the sea But there ain't no island left for islanders like me
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Written by: Billy Joel
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Origin"Downeaster Alexa" is a song by Billy Joel that appeared on his 1989 album Storm Front.
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ThemeThe song is written from the perspective of a downeastern, small-time fisherman who is having trouble making ends meet due to the changing fishing industry.
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InspirationThe song was inspired by the plight of the fishermen on Long Island, where Billy Joel grew up. The repercussions of overfishing and regulations had damaged their livelihood, a theme Joel wanted to highlight.
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Name SignificanceThe title of the song comes from the name of Billy Joel's boat. "Alexa" is named after his daughter, and "Downeaster" refers to a type of fishing boat often used in the northeastern United States.
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Music VideoThe music video for "Downeaster Alexa" includes footage of Joel piloting his boat through rough waters, reflecting the hard, and sometimes dangerous, life of a fisherman.
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Chart SuccessThe song was moderately successful upon its release, peaking at No. 57 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Language UsagePart of the chorus of "Downeaster Alexa" is sung in a dialect of French spoken by some fishermen and residents of coastal New England, which underscores Joel’s commitment to authenticity.
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SoundThe unique sound of the song distinguishes it from many of Joel's other hits. It features an accordion and violin for an instrumental rapidly changing, melancholic melody, imitating a sea shanty’s rhythm.
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Spiritual ConnectionThis song is considered by many fans and music critics alike to have a deeper spiritual connection. It often gets characterized as an anthem for all the working-class people facing industry change.
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CoversSeveral artists have covered the song, including Linkin Park on their 2005 promo CD entitled "Underground V6.0".
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Citation
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"Downeaster Alexa Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 5 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/32531191/Billy+Joel/Downeaster+Alexa>.
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