Say Goodbye to Hollywood

Billy Joel

About Say Goodbye to Hollywood

"Say Goodbye to Hollywood" is a song written and performed by Billy Joel, first released in 1976 on his album Turnstiles. It was originally released as a single with "Stop in Nevada" as a B-side. However, the song achieved greater recognition in 1981 when a live version from Songs in the Attic was released as a single, with the live version of "Summer, Highland Falls" as a B-side. Joel wrote the song after moving back to New York City in 1975; he had previously relocated to Los Angeles in 1972 in an attempt to get out of an onerous record deal. The man who represents this song on the Turnstiles album is the man wearing sunglasses and holding a suitcase.  


Year:
1976
4:36
263 
#1

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Bobby's driving through the city tonight
Through the lights
In a hot new rent a car
He joins the lover in his heavy machine
It's a scene down on Sunset Boulevard

Say goodbye to Hollywood
Say goodbye my baby
Say goodbye to Hollywood
Say goodbye my baby

Johnny's taking care of things for awhile
And his style is so right for troubadours
They got him sitting with his back to the door
Now he won't be my fast gun anymore

Say goodbye to Hollywood
Say goodbye my baby
Say goodbye to Hollywood
Say goodbye my baby

Moving on is a chance that you take every time
You try to stay together
Say a word out of line and you find
That the friends you had are gone
Forever, forever
So many faces in and out of my life
Some will last, some will just be now and then
Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes
I'm afraid it's time for goodbye again

Say goodbye to Hollywood
Say goodbye my baby
Say goodbye to Hollywood
Say goodbye my baby

Moving on is a chance that you take every time
You try to stay together
Say a word out of line and you find
That the friends you had are gone
Forever, forever
So many faces in and out of my life
Some will last, some will just be now and then
Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes
I'm afraid it's time for goodbye again

Say goodbye to Hollywood
Say goodbye my baby
Say goodbye to Hollywood
Say goodbye my baby

 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

Song Classification
"Say Goodbye to Hollywood" is a rock song with elements of pop and soft rock, performed by the renowned American singer-songwriter Billy Joel.
Year of Release
The song was originally featured on Billy Joel's fourth studio album "Turnstiles" released in 1976.
Inspiration
The inspiration for the track comes from Phil Spector's 'Wall of Sound' production method, with the title in reference to a famous line in "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend," a song famously performed by Marilyn Monroe.
Live Versions
In 1981, a live version of "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" was included in Joel's album "Songs in the Attic."
Writing Process
The song was written during a time of personal turmoil for Joel; he was going through a divorce and moving back to New York from Los Angeles.
Musical Style
"Say Goodbye to Hollywood" showcases Billy Joel's flair for catchy melodies and profound lyrics, making it a staple part of his concert setlists.
Others' Covers
Notably, Ronnie Spector and The E Street Band covered "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" in 1977, which went on to reach the top 100 on the Billboard Charts.
Successful Chart Performance
The live version of "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Popular Collaborator
Liberty DeVitto, a long-term drummer for Billy Joel, was featured extensively in the live version of "Say Goodbye to Hollywood."
Cultural Impact
The song's lyrics resonated with many listeners and it has continually been played on classic rock radio stations, solidifying its place in popular music history.

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    Say Goodbye to Hollywood

    1.4M
    4,256     272

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1981

    Billboard #17


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