The Entertainer
Billy Joel
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I am the entertainer And I know just where I stand Another serenader And another long haired band Today I am your champion I may have won your hearts But I know the game, you'll forget my name And I won't be here in another year If I don't stay on the charts I am the entertainer And I've had to pay my price The things I did not know at first I learned by doin' twice Ah, but still they come to haunt me Still they want their say So I've learned to dance with a hand in my pants I let 'em rub my neck and I write 'em a check And they go their merry way I am the entertainer Been all around the world I've played all kinds of palaces And laid all kinds of girls I can't remember faces I don't remember names Ah, but what the hell You know it's just as well 'Cause after a while and a thousand miles It all becomes the same I am the entertainer I bring to you my songs I'd like to spend a day or two I can't stay that long No, I've got to meet expenses I got to stay in line Gotta get those fees to the agencies And I'd love to stay but there's bills to pay So I just don't have the time I am the entertainer I come to do my show You've heard my latest record It's been on the radio Ah, it took me years to write it They were the best years of my life It was a beautiful song But it ran too long If you're gonna have a hit You gotta make it fit So they cut it down to 3:05 I am the entertainer The idol of my age I make all kinds of money When I go on the stage Ah, you've seen me in the papers I've been in the magazines But if I go cold I won't get sold I'll get put in the back in the discount rack Like another can of beans I am the entertainer And I know just where I stand Another serenader And another long haired band Today I am your champion I may have won your hearts But I know the game, you'll forget my name I won't be here in another year If I don't stay on the charts
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Written by: Billy Joel
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
17 facts about this song
Genre Classification"The Entertainer" is classified in the rock and pop genres.
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Album InclusionThe song "The Entertainer" is included in Billy Joel's 1974 album titled "Streetlife Serenade."
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Chart RankingsUpon its release, "The Entertainer" reached number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
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Personal Motive Behind Song"The Entertainer" is a commentary by Billy Joel on the music industry, expressing his frustration of being a pop star.
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Song InterpretationIn "The Entertainer," Joel refers to his previous hit "Piano Man," critiquing the shortening of the song for radio play by saying "If you're gonna have a hit, you gotta make it fit, so they cut it down to 3:05."
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Other ReferencesThe song also discusses the transient nature of fame and the harsh realities of the music industry.
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Use in MediaThe song has been used in popular culture, notably in the 2015 film "The Walk."
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Live PerformancesDespite its strong message, it is not a song Billy Joel typically performs in concert.
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Recorded Label"The Entertainer" was released by the record label Columbia Records.
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Song DurationThe original recording of the song runs for 3 minutes and 38 seconds.
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Key FactsThe song is performed in the key of D minor.
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Music VideoA music video was made for the song, which features a live performance by Joel.
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SongwritingLike the majority of his works, Billy Joel was the sole writer of "The Entertainer."
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Relevance TodayThe themes in "The Entertainer" continue to be relatable, as they refer to the struggles faced by artists in the music industry.
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HomageDespite the song's cynical outlook, it's seen as an homage to the trials and tribulations of being on the road and performing for an audience.
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Vinyl Release"The Entertainer" was also released as a 7" vinyl single in 1974.
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Overall ReceptionFans and critics generally like the song for its honest take on music industry and fame.
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Citation
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"The Entertainer Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 14 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/6711410/Billy+Joel/The+Entertainer>.
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