Is Billy Joel song offensive?

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Wow. IT IS JUST A SONG!!! Don’t hypothesize about him or what he was thinking; it’s probably fictional. Pray for him, but, I’m not sure if he really seduced a girl.

Anyway, I like this song; Billy Joel is my third favourite male vocalist/artist, because, he does have an amazing voice, is way talented, & musically, can do no wrong in my book. I own this song on his two dist “Best Of” collection. Obviously I do not approach the song the same way as you most do.

What is the point of this song? To get up Virginia’s skirt, I’m guessing…but, did you actually READ the lyrics? I mean, if he’s trying to seduce her, he’s far from charming and witty. “…don’t let me wait…”, “…I might as well be the one…” I mean, C’MON!! WHO would think to themselves “Oh, yeah!! He’s way smooth! I want to lower myself to that!!” NO! IF a woman is serious (and, again, it’s just a song, even ~I~ don’t think I should be analyzing the song this much) about her religion, or even her dignity and self respect, wouldn’t she think he’s a creep? No woman would pay creedence to this guy. The very first line, “…don’t let me wait…”: Like it’s her fault for not giving it up to him right away. Now, we can see, right there that he is playing mind games with her, almost making it look like she’s in charge, but, really, guilting her, almost. That pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the song.

ALSO, let’s review, “I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints.” Well…if any line in the song makes me cringe, it’s this one. We know Hell wont be happy…ESPECIALLY if friends of ours are there (no matter if we are, regardless) and there will be no tears in Heaven. I don’t take this song seriously, but, I think that Mr. Joel is confused and I hope that he wakes up before he dies.

Furthermore, the refrain, “Only the good die young”…what is this implying? The bad live forever? Dying is a bad thing? Youth is a bad thing? I don’t get where he was going with this.

AND, “…they didn’t give you quite enough information…”, that whole stanza…it seems like a warning song here, actually…

Of course, it could just be a man’s desperate plea (I think that he was writting this as the authour being around Virginia’s age; I don’t think it was predatory in nature as far as pedophilia or anything, but, a desperate horny teen saying whatever it will take to try to get some). If anything, even though I don’t agree with the subject matter, I do like the song and the opportunity to have a look inside a man’s psyche as to what he is thinking will let him score. I’m sure he is speaking for thousands of frustrated & misunderstanding boys out there. I’m not saying they are right, but, I must commend all rap, rock, and alternative artists who represent a portion of the population and speak on behalf of them…especially in their growing pains formative years. To slightly veer off the main highway that is this topic, there are some good songs out there that express anger and bitterness and resentment. Good to listen to, and move on…

Alright, getting back on the off ramp, the last part, “…but, did she ever say a prayer for me?..” I think this does sum it up. Bitter pill to swallow, this line, isn’t it?

In essence, I personally like it. Now, would I allow my children, should I ever be so blessed, to listen to it is a different story.
 
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CanonAlberic:
I can take or leave this song, but I really HATE the Pina Colada Song (or anything by Rupert Holmes!).

Peace.
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:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: That’s funny…My wife and I love this song (It’s real title is “Escape”) since it’s about a husband and wife rediscovering their love for each other and all they really have in common. Just like she and I did… Different strokes for different folks I guess. I doubt either of us would know anything else from Rupert Holmes if it came on the radio, LOL.

As for Billy Joel…he’s just s screwball and though he has talent, I don’t think I own any of his stuff and really wouldn’t buy it anyway.

If 'Only the Good…" burns ya up then you’ve never listened to “My life”…it’s the same nobody-can-tell-me-what-to-do bit.
I think his lyrics reflect the kinda guy he is in real life and that just means he’s not my kinda person.
Pax vobiscum,
 
i do like the ‘what’s a mattah with the car i’m drivin’ song, though. very catchy and good lyrics.

the artist i’m finding myself detesting these days is gwen stefani. her music is great. her lyrics are HORRIBLE. anyone heard the love angel music baby cd? besides being ridden with offensive language, the whole cd gives me a very strong ‘give it up’ vibe.

i do admit the music is good, though. she’s talented.
 
Many songs I used to enjoy I now find offensive now that I listen to them really closely.😦
 
it was offensive in the '70s, and it still is.
there are several rock “classics” that offend me. i worked in a place where i had to listen to that stuff in the seventies and early eighties.

in particular i hate: stairway to heaven, lucy in the sky with diamonds, ramblin man. i had to listen to that stuff day after day.
 
OK - just to set it straight - Billy Joel IS anti-Catholic and he DID write the song to offend. That’s no secret.

Those of you who have posted on the side of “giving him the benefit of the doubt” - in this particular case, it is true that Joel was angry when he wrote it and never made his dislike of the Catholic faith a secret.

My question is: Why? How did he get such a chip on his shoulder? Anybody know?
 
Church Militant:
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: That’s funny…My wife and I love this song (It’s real title is “Escape”) since it’s about a husband and wife rediscovering their love for each other and all they really have in common. Just like she and I did… Different strokes for different folks I guess. I doubt either of us would know anything else from Rupert Holmes if it came on the radio, LOL.

As for Billy Joel…he’s just s screwball and though he has talent, I don’t think I own any of his stuff and really wouldn’t buy it anyway.

If 'Only the Good…" burns ya up then you’ve never listened to “My life”…it’s the same nobody-can-tell-me-what-to-do bit.
I think his lyrics reflect the kinda guy he is in real life and that just means he’s not my kinda person.
Pax vobiscum,
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What about: “…Him, Him, HIM… What’s she gonna do about HIM…she’s gonna have to do with out HIM, or do without me, me, ME**,** no one gets to get it for free…?” (Arggh! I can’t go on…now it’s sticking in my head!) -another gem from ol’ Rupert.
Billy Joel definitely has issues, but the OTGDY tune is pretty catchy.

Peace!
 
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CanonAlberic:
I can take or leave this song, but I really HATE the Pina Colada Song (or anything by Rupert Holmes!).

Peace.
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I hate that song too,but i dig his three songs, that for some people they are classic rock.I am referring to Terminal,Touch and Go and Him.The first one became no.1 song for weeks in the early 70’s.

Cheers
 
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oldfogey:
Yadda yadda…I think it’s more likely Billy Joel is a CINO who really dislikes the Church because the “bad experiences” he had with it were when the Church’s teachings interfered with his desires…and that is the plain sense of the song, so I think it is what he was thinking.
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I’m 99% sure Billy Joel is Jewish.
 
Actually, the one thing I do like about the song in question is that it portrays Catholics girls as being uncommonly virtuous.

Too bad it’s not the truth.
 
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Fredhn:
Recently, the Billy Joel song “Only the Good Die Young” has been getting regular play on the local radio station whose motto is “family friendly and workplace safe”. I have written to the station stating that I found the song offensive to my Catholic faith due to lyrics such as “Catholic girls start much too late” and scoffing references to Confirmation, Rosary, the cross and statues. The station manager stated that as a Catholic, he is not offended; the song is popular and so he will play it. I would like to hear your opinions on whether you find the song offensive and why. Thanks.
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No, it’s a song.
 
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oldfogey:
Exactly how I feel, and I used to like that song, before I was awakened from a deep spiritual sleep.
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Same here. I remember the first time I heard it after my awakening. I was aghast. :bigyikes:
 
As a child I grew up with oldies and something didn’t sit right, yet I listened to them in preferance to say Eminim, who my brothers found facinating.

When I was 18 I gave up secular music as a submission to God. No one told me to, I just did.

Turning it back on after listening to Christian music I was appaled…although my brother’s music may be blunt about sex and drugs and religion-bashing, the truth was that oldies was even worse.
 
I’ve heard the song but never realized it said that. Yes that is Offensive to me also
 
Since I have become Catholic I’ve noticed that much of what I hear on pop radio seems offensive to some degree. My radio and television habits have changed dramatically since I began my journey into Catholicism. I want less and less to do with what the world seems to think is acceptable or "normal. " Thank you, Lord! 👍
 
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Fredhn:
Recently, the Billy Joel song “Only the Good Die Young” has been getting regular play on the local radio station whose motto is “family friendly and workplace safe”. I have written to the station stating that I found the song offensive to my Catholic faith due to lyrics such as “Catholic girls start much too late” and scoffing references to Confirmation, Rosary, the cross and statues. The station manager stated that as a Catholic, he is not offended; the song is popular and so he will play it. I would like to hear your opinions on whether you find the song offensive and why. Thanks.
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Billy Joel is a CINO (in case that wasn’t obvious). He uses many references to Catholicism in his music, none of them positive.
 
From what I understand, He is from a Jewish family, but was raised in the Catholic church.
 
the better question is how well do you all know Billy Joel? My father grew up next door to the garage that he always practiced in as a teenager. how many can actually say that? he is a really great guy and as for people saying that he is a scumbag i don’t see anyone else complaining about other musicians(and i use that term loosely) who use similar lyrics! That is one song you have taken and made it sound like that is all he sings. So my advice is before you talk trash about the one song and the singer check out the rest of the songs!!!:mad:
 
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