The 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 trolling 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 strippers 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
12 facts about this song
Genre Classification"The Downeaster 'Alexa'" by Billy Joel falls under the genres of pop rock and soft rock.
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Chart PerformanceThe song reached #57 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart and #21 on the Adult Contemporary chart in the United States, showing significant commercial success.
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Album FeatureThe song is part of Billy Joel's eleventh studio album, "Storm Front," which was released in 1989.
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Central Theme"The Downeaster 'Alexa'" uniquely addresses the struggle of the fisherman's lifestyle, highlighting the difficulties faced due to government regulations, overfishing, and natural factors that affect their livelihood.
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Song's InspirationThe song takes inspiration from the actual life and challenges of the commercial fishermen in the Baymen community of Long Island, New York, where Joel resides.
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Cultural ImpactThe song's regional relevance has made it an iconic piece within the community of Long Island, often heard during professional sporting events in the area.
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Song's TitleThe title “The Downeaster 'Alexa'" was derived from Billy Joel’s own boat, named after his daughter, Alexa Ray Joel.
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Music Style"The Downeaster 'Alexa'" is known for its distinctive style, blending rock with a more maritime, almost folk-like sound reflecting the subject matter of the song.
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Music VideoThe music video for the song was directed by Andy Morahan, known for his work with George Michael and Guns N' Roses.
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Unique InstrumentationThe song features the use of accordion and violin, which contribute to its distinctive sound and atmosphere.
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Environmental MessageBeyond the struggles of fishermen, the song also is a commentary on environmental conservation and the impact human activities have on marine life.
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Song's LyricsIn the lyrics, Billy Joel refers to Block Island Sound, Montauk and Gardiners Bay–which are all real-world locations relevant to the fishing community in New York.
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Citation
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"The Downeaster Alexa Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35894862/Billy+Joel/The+Downeaster+Alexa>.
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