Big Shot
Billy Joel
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Well, you went uptown riding in your limousine With your fine Park Avenue clothes You had the Dom Perignon in your hand And the spoon up your nose And when you wake up in the morning With your head on fire And your eyes too bloody to see Go on and cry in your coffee But don't come bitchin' to me Because you had to be a big shot, didn't you You had to open up your mouth You had to be a big shot, didn't you All your friends were so knocked out You had to have the last word, last night You know what everything's about You and to have a white hot spotlight You had to be a big shot last night They were all impressed with your Halston dress And the people that you knew at Elaine's And the story of your latest success Kept 'em so entertained Oh, but now you just don't remember All the things you said And you're not sure you want to know I'll give you one hint, honey You sure did put on a show Yes, yes, you had to be a big shot, didn't you You had to prove it to the crowd You had to be a big shot, didn't you All your friends were so knocked out You had to have the last word, last night So much fun to be around You had to have the front page, bold type You had to be a big shot last night Well, it's no big sin to stick your two cents in If you know when to leave it alone But you went over the line You couldn't see it was time to go home No, no, no, no, no, no, you had to be a big shot, didn't you You had to open up your mouth You had to be a big shot, didn't you All your friends were so knocked out You had to have the last word, last night So much fun to be around You had to have a white hot spotlight You had to be a big shot last night Big shot Big shot Big shot Big shot Big shot Big shot
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: BILLY JOEL
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Writing Process"Big Shot" was written and performed by Billy Joel from his 1978 studio album, "52nd Street".
|
Lyrics InspirationThe lyrics were supposedly based on Billy Joel's real-life experiences in the social scene of New York City. They describe someone who’s seemingly intoxicated and behaving obnoxiously at a cocktail party.
|
Personal ConnectionJoel has admitted that the song is about himself, mentioning that he was often the 'big shot' making a fool out of himself.
|
Chart SuccessThe song released as a single in 1979, reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, and number 1 on the Canadian RPM Singles chart, increasing Joel's popularity.
|
Grammy Recognition"52nd Street", the album including "Big Shot", helped Joel win a Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1979.
|
Immortalized by Broadway"Big Shot" was included in the score for the jukebox musical "Movin’ Out", a Broadway show which featured Joel's songs.
|
Accompanying BandThe song features some top-notch musicianship from Joel's backing band, with Liberty DeVitto on drums, Russell Javors on guitar, and Doug Stegmeyer on bass.
|
Signature Style"Big Shot" is considered a prime example of Joel's power-pop style that characterized much of his work in the 70s and 80s.
|
Music VideoThe original 1970s music video for "Big Shot" showcases a live performance of Billy Joel, reflecting his energetic stage charisma.
|
Lasting InfluenceEven after several decades, "Big Shot" remains one of Billy Joel's most popular and enduring songs, frequently performed at his concerts.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Big Shot Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 5 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/6557079/Billy+Joel/Big+Shot>.
Discuss the Big Shot Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In