Billy Joel’s 1978 Album “52nd Street” produced several hits. One of them, in particular, was the hit single “My Life.” I found this track to be my favorite on an album that you could listen to without skipping.
I picked this song because of some of the lyrics that resonated with me. The song is about moving on, taking control of your path, and not letting others dictate your choices. Those particular lyrics really hit me.
Having left my hometown and joined the military, I understand what it’s like to break away from the past and start a new path. The lyrics “I never said you had to offer me a second chance” reflect a sentiment I have felt many times before, you move forward and don’t look back, even when others expect you to. While the song is rebellious in nature, it is upbeat, and a perfect anthem of self-determination and independence.
I will provide a brief analysis of this song to help explain why I love it so much. The speaker in the scene is someone asserting their independence. They are addressing people who might be questioning their own choices or trying to impose expectations on them. The purpose of the song is to defend one’s personal autonomy. Billy Joel does it very well in expressing that no one has the right to judge how someone chooses to live. It would almost be a perfect anthem for many folks trying to find their lives in today’s society. Other lyrics highlight reinforce this point when Billy sings that, “I don’t need you to worry for me ’cause I am alright”, or “I don’t care what you say anymore, this is my life”, and “Keep it to yourself, it’s my life”. Those lyrics can resonate with anyone who has had to make tough decisions against the advice or expectations of others.
The tone of the song is defiant and upbeat. It shows an underlying sense of frustration but also a feeling of liberation. The verses are narrative-driven. They tell the story of someone wanting to break free. The chorus backing him is very direct and forceful. It comes across a little confrontational, as if someone is standing their ground against unwanted opinions. The instruments, such as Joel’s Piano, and Liberty Devitto’s Drumbeat, give the song a confident and marching feel to it.
Billy Joel’s hit song is a powerful anthem of self-determination. It will encourage the listener to live on their own terms, a message that can be strong across the future generations. For me, it was a song that captured a period of my life where I was trying to move forward. Even if it was against opposing opinions or expectations.
Lyrics for “My Life”
Throughtful Reader 
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