Uptown Girl
Billy Joel
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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 it 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 buys She's got a choice Uptown girl You know I can't afford to but 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
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17 fans
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".
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Chart PerformanceThe 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.
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Music Video PopularityThe music video for "Uptown Girl" was highly publicized in the 1980s due to extravagant choreography and Billy Joel's appearance as a mechanic.
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Inspired CharacterThe 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.
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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".
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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.
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Songwriting ProcessThe 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".
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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.
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Cultural InfluenceThe song's melody is reminiscent of the Four Seasons' style in the 1960s, influenced by Frankie Valli’s vocal style.
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Choreographic DistinctionJoel's dance routine in the music video of "Uptown Girl" was choreographed by Patricia Birch who also choreographed scenes in films such as "Grease".
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Timeless AppealEven years after its release, "Uptown Girl" continues to be one of Joel's most requested songs during concerts.
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Date of Release"Uptown Girl" was released on September 29, 1983, by Billy Joel.
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AlbumThe song is part of Billy Joel's ninth studio album titled "An Innocent Man".
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GenreThe song fits into the pop genre and reflects doo-wop influences from the 50s and 60s.
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Chart PerformanceIt topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, providing Joel with his third US number-one single.
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Music VideoThe accompanying music video featured supermodel Christie Brinkley, who later became Billy Joel's wife.
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InspirationThe 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.
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International Success"Uptown Girl" achieved huge international success, hitting No.1 in the UK and staying at the top spot for five weeks.
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DurationThe song has a duration of approximately 3 minutes and 15 seconds.
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Covers and PerformancesOver the years, many artists have performed or covered "Uptown Girl," including Westlife, who also experienced chart-topping success with their version released in 2001.
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LegacyAs 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.
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CertificationIn 1985, the song received a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
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Contribution to Pop CultureIn 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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Citation
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"Uptown Girl Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 31 Oct. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/19810531/Billy+Joel/Uptown+Girl>.
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