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The chorus is an adaptation of a passage from the Beethoven sonata "Pathetique." "L. V. Beethoven" is credited in the album notes. (thanks, Jen - Urbana, IL)
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Love the song. Midnight Blue was by Louise Tucker, by the way.
- Brian, Scottsdale, AZ
"Leave it Billy to take a passage from Beethoven and turn it into such a wonderful song."
- Ron, Lakewood, CO
Unfortunately, there have been several uses of Beethoven's sonata "Pathetique" by various musicians throughout the years. Procol Harum in the 60's with the song "A Whiter Shade of Pale"; KISS in the 70's with "Great Expectations"; Racer X used as an intro for the song "Hammer Away" in the early 80's.
- Kenny, NYC, NY
It's a sweet song, very romantic.
- Leyna, SP
I always thought it was funny how Joel credited the songwriting on this, as if it were an actual collaboration between Beethoven and himself. Some people probably thought it was pompous of him, but I always assumed it was a bit of a joke.
Interestingly, this was not the first popular song based on this particular piece of classical music. Someone else (I forget who) released a song called "Midnight Blue" a year or two before this which was a minor hit. I was in music school at the time, and we studied the piece in class. I loved the melody and wanted to write a song using it myself, but dropped the idea when TWO people beat me to it.
- Dennis, Anchorage, AK
Leave it Billy to take a passage from Beethoven and turn it into such a wonderful song.
- Ron, Lakewood, CO
I believe it is one of Billy Joel's most under-rated compositions. It's a very melodic song, and well-written (well, with a little help from Beethoven). Still, it's a great song.
- Justin, Felts Mills, NY
Very popular prom song when it came out.
- Rick, Buffalo, NY