Big Man on Mulberry Street

Billy Joel

About Big Man on Mulberry Street

"Big Man on Mulberry Street" is a song by Billy Joel from the 1986 album The Bridge. The jazz-influenced song's title refers to Mulberry Street in the Little Italy section of New York City. Jazz musician Ron Carter plays acoustic bass on the track. The horn section includes acclaimed musicians Eddie Daniels on alto saxophone, Michael Brecker on tenor saxophone, Ronnie Cuber on baritone saxophone, Marvin Stamm and Alan Rubin (a.k.a. Mr Fabulous) on trumpets and Dave Bargeron (of Blood, Sweat & Tears) on trombone.  


Year:
1986
5:26
145 
#1

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Why can't I lay low
Why can't I say what I mean
Why don't I stay home
And get myself into some boring routine

Why can't I calm down
Why is it always a fight
I can't get unwound
Why do I throw myself into the night

I'm on the outside
I don't fit into the groove
Now I ain't a bad guy
So tell me what am I trying to prove

Why can't I cool out
Why don't I button my lip
Why do I lash out
Why is it I always shoot from the hip

I cruise from Houston to canal street
A misfit and a rebel
I see the winds talking to themselves
And I can understand
Why is it everytime I go out
I always seem to get in trouble
I guess I made an impression on somebody
North of Hester and south of grand

And so in my small way
I'm a big man on Mulberry street
I don't mean all day
Only at night when I'm light on my feet

What else have I got
That I'd be trying to hide
Maybe a blind spot
I haven't seen from the sensitive side

But you know in my own heart
I'm a big man on Mulberry street
I play the whole part
I leave a big tip with every receipt

I'm so romantic
I'm such a passionate man
Sometimes I panic
What if nobody finds out who I am

 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

Release and Album
"Big Man on Mulberry Street" is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel. It was released as a track on his album "The Bridge" in 1986.
Genre
The song is categorized under the genre of Jazz-pop. It displays Joel's skills as a jazz pianist, taking inspiration from the big band music of the 1950s and 1960s.
Song Inspiration
The song is inspired by the streets of Little Italy in New York City, with Mulberry Street being the main thoroughfare.
Television Appearance
"Big Man on Mulberry Street" was featured prominently in an episode of the popular television series “Moonlighting”. The episode was also named after the song.
Tune Evolution
Billy initially wrote the song as a small piece of incidental music for the "Moonlighting" episode. However, it later evolved into a full-fledged song that was added to his 1986 album.
Emotional Inspiration
The song is said to reflect Billy Joel's emotions at the time of his divorce from his first wife.
Musical Style
"Big Man on Mulberry Street" stands out among Billy Joel's discography for its extensive use of jazz elements. Its unique orchestral arrangement was done by Patrick Williams, an American composer and conductor.
Storytelling
The song's lyrics and jazz style illustrate a narrative that takes the listener on a journey through the streets of New York, reflecting Billy Joel's storytelling prowess.
Reception
While not released as a single, "Big Man on Mulberry Street" has garnered acclaim from fans and critics alike for its jazz-infused style and lyrical complexities.
Live Performance
Despite its popularity, the song is rarely included in Billy Joel's live setlists, potentially due to its complex arrangement and high demands on the vocalist. However, when it is performed, it is often a highlight of the concert.

Discuss the Big Man on Mulberry Street Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

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

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Big Man on Mulberry Street Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2311322/Billy+Joel/Big+Man+on+Mulberry+Street>.

    Missing lyrics by Billy Joel?

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

    Watch the song video

    Big Man on Mulberry Street

    124.6K
    634     18

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    David Coverdale is the founding member and vocalist of which band?
    A Def Leppard
    B Motley Crüe
    C Whitesnake
    D Journey

    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!

    Billy Joel tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!