Point of entry
Posted by: Janet on: February 8, 2008
I remember “And So It Goes” by Billy Joel just mesmerising me the first time I heard it. I still think it’s a masterful song, though now I listen with an ear altered by almost 10 years of marriage, and children. It’s always intrigued me that the singer keeps his forlorn tone, even though he makes the courageous choice. Maybe he knows he’ll need to make it more than once, in many different kinds of relationships.
You can listen to it here, or here on YouTube. The lyrics by themselves begin this way:
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…(Rest is here.)
9 Responses to "Point of entry"
February 8, 2008 at 5:32 pm
I agree with you – and with what you wrote last week in your post about Sting – that the music is essential. For me it doesn’t turn to magic till “But you can make decisions too.” Gorgeous chord progression there.
“Powerful, if a bit contrived.” Yes, you may be right; it captures a real dilemma, which is what I’ve loved about it. But the flow of thought seems a bit forced, somehow, to fit inside the form.
I suppose a case could be made that it’s intentional, and relates to the song’s meaning… something about trying to cram new experience into an old mold. ? Not sure.
February 8, 2008 at 8:13 pm
I like this, and I’m chortling over your comment on another blog about “So Much Depends…” and remembering that particular poetry teacher to whom you refer. :-)
February 9, 2008 at 2:41 am
Ruth,
Ahhhh, memories! We didn’t learn much about poetry, but we learned a lot about emoting! (Excuse me while I strike a dramatic pose in honor of Mr. Yeats…)
TadMack,
Maybe he’s wrong and won’t get his heart broken! I’m glad there’s not a sequel, so I can bask in my sunny speculations… :-)
February 9, 2008 at 11:38 am
I didn’t like Billy Joel until college when my best friend introduced me. He really is an amazing poet, isn’t he? The song Allentown is the one I remember best and find most touching. This one is really good too and I wasn’t familiar with it before. Thanks for sharing it!
February 9, 2008 at 1:42 pm
I like “Allentown,” too, though it’s sad. And “Piano Man.” But this one is my favorite. Yes, I think he’s quite a poet.
February 9, 2008 at 3:00 pm
“And every time I’ve held a rose
It seems I only felt the thorns”
Good reminder to pay attention to the rose.
Interesting music site, too!
Comments are closed.
February 8, 2008 at 4:49 pm
I so adore that song. The lyrics are powerful, if a bit contrived, but coupled with the haunting, falling, tune, it’s doubly so. And really, the verse parts sound very much like an Irish ballad, but it’s when he hits “And so it goes, and so it goes, and so will you soon I suppose” that it turns to magic.