And So It Goes

Billy Joel

About And So It Goes

"And So It Goes" is a song written by Billy Joel in 1983, though it was not released until six years later. It appeared as the tenth and final track of his 1989 studio album Storm Front. The original 1983 demo was released on the 2005 box set My Lives. Joel wrote the song about a doomed relationship with model Elle Macpherson. Their relationship was dramatic, as Macpherson was only a teenager while Joel was reaching his mid-30s. Joel dated Macpherson for a brief time shortly before becoming involved with model Christie Brinkley, who would ultimately become his second wife. The song is unique for Joel as it is written in iambic tetrameter. In the original demo version of "And So It Goes," Joel sings the melody simply, accompanied by a simple piano backdrop, in a style very reminiscent of a hymn. On the 1989 album version, Joel sings and plays all the instrumentation (piano and synthesizers). The official video is from a live performance in front of a concert audience. The single peaked at No. 37 on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 on the U. S. Adult Contemporary chart in 1990. It has been covered by many subsequent artists (see "Cover Versions" below). The King's Singers and others have developed several vocal harmony arrangements of the song, which are often performed by high school and college choirs. The song was featured throughout the Boston Legal episode "Son of the Defender". 


Year:
1989
3:38
1,963 
#4

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

In every heart there is a room 
A sanctuary safe and strong
To heal the wounds from lovers past
Until a new one comes along

I spoke to you in cautious tones
You answered me with no pretense 
And still I feel I said too much 
My silence is my self defense

And every time I've held a rose
It seems I only felt the thorns
And so it goes, and so it goes
And so will you soon I suppose

But if my silence made you leave
Then that would be my worst mistake
So I will share this room with you
And you can have this heart to break

And this is why my eyes are closed
It's just as well for all I've seen
And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows

So I would choose to be with you
That's if the choice were mine to make
But you can make decisions too
And you can have this heart to break

And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


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


10 facts about this song

Album Information
"And So It Goes" is a track from Billy Joel's album "Storm Front." This album was recorded in 1989 and had four singles, of which this song was the last.
Songwriting
Billy Joel wrote the song himself, which is notable because many popular artists have their songs written by a team or by other songwriters.
Song Inspiration
The song was written about Joel's relationship with model Elle Macpherson, which ended around the time he wrote the song.
Style
Unlike many of Joel's other songs, "And So It Goes" is a slow, mournful ballad, with lyrics that reflect Joel's feelings of sadness and regret.
Performance
Despite its popularity, Joel has stated in interviews that he finds the song difficult to perform live because of its emotional content.
Critical Reception
The song received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its raw emotion and lyricism, while others found it overly sentimental.
Chart Rankings
"And So It Goes" did not perform as well commercially as other songs from the "Storm Front" album, peaking at #37 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Song Meaning
According to Joel, the song is about letting go and accepting that some things are beyond our control. This sentiment is reflected in the refrain, "And so it goes, and so it goes, and you're the only one who knows."
Acapella Performances
The song has been popular in the acapella community, with groups such as the Whiffenpoofs from Yale University and Harvard's Din & Tonics having performed it.
Covers
Numerous artists have covered "And So It Goes," including artists from different genres such as pop, country, and classical. Some notable artists who have covered the song include Josh Groban, Barbra Streisand, and Marianas Trench.

Discuss the And So It Goes Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "And So It Goes Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/17101979/Billy+Joel/And+So+It+Goes>.

    Missing lyrics by Billy Joel?

    Know any other songs by Billy Joel? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    And So It Goes

    7.6M
    37,924     919

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1990

    Billboard #37


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "I wanna kiss you but I want it too much, I wanna taste you but your lips are __________ poison."
    A venomous
    B seriously
    C deadly
    D preeminence

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Billy Joel's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Billy Joel tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!