The Downeaster Alexa

Billy Joel

About The Downeaster Alexa

"The Downeaster 'Alexa'" is a song originally written, produced, and performed by Billy Joel for his eleventh studio album Storm Front. The album itself went to number one while the fourth single "The Downeaster 'Alexa'" placed at #57 in the Billboard Hot 100. The song was included on Billy Joel's Greatest Hits Vol. 3 album in 1997.


Year:
1997
74 
#4

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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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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


12 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"The Downeaster 'Alexa'" by Billy Joel falls under the genres of pop rock and soft rock.
Chart Performance
The song reached #57 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart and #21 on the Adult Contemporary chart in the United States, showing significant commercial success.
Album Feature
The song is part of Billy Joel's eleventh studio album, "Storm Front," which was released in 1989.
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.
Song's Inspiration
The 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.
Cultural Impact
The 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.
Song's Title
The title “The Downeaster 'Alexa'" was derived from Billy Joel’s own boat, named after his daughter, Alexa Ray Joel.
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.
Music Video
The music video for the song was directed by Andy Morahan, known for his work with George Michael and Guns N' Roses.
Unique Instrumentation
The song features the use of accordion and violin, which contribute to its distinctive sound and atmosphere.
Environmental Message
Beyond the struggles of fishermen, the song also is a commentary on environmental conservation and the impact human activities have on marine life.
Song's Lyrics
In 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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    "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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