Vienna

by

Billy Joel

Album: The Stranger     Released: 1977

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On the fourth album of his greatest hits boxed set, Joel said he was visiting his estranged father in Vienna when he saw an elderly woman sweeping the streets. He commented that is was awful to have an old woman doing that kind of work. His father said something like, "No, it isn't. she's being useful and she's doing a service that benefits everyone. She's not just sitting at home wasting away, and she's got dignity." Joel realized how American culture can push aside the elderly and strip them of their purpose and worth. (thanks, Dana - Atlanta, GA)

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Comments:

"Vienna Waits" was also the title of a fourth season episode of "Taxi" in which Alex and Elaine take a trip to Eurpoe. The song plays throughout the episode.
- Matt , Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Absolutely awesome song, beautiful lyrics and an amazing performer. MY FAVOURITE SONG! When I'm dreaming I imagine this to be on the soundtrack to my life! LOL! :) Thankyou Billy - might go to vienna one day! Peace everyone :)
- Ruthie , Burnley, United Kingdom

also in Breakfast at Tiffany's
- matt , fishers, IN

This is my favorite Billy Joel song and probably in my top ten overall...I've never understood how this song ended up so underrated, even though it was part of "The Stranger" which I would say is Joel's magnum opus.
- Noah , Galesburg, IL

This is one of Billy's two favorite songs he wrote, along with Summer, Highland Falls. He said this during an interview and said because his father was in Vienna and the time they spent together there was great.
- Richard , Somerdale , NJ

This song reminds me of Holden from the novel, "The Catcher in The Rye".
- JepMcFly , NY, NY

I love hearing this song when I'm feeling down and bogged down
- Nishit , Mumbai, India

This song always reminds me of a kid, 16/17, moving so fast in life and missing all of the real important things. Trying to be older and what not. I know i'm taking it extremely literal but thats the image that appears when i listen to this. Amazing song.
- Juliet2893 , New York, NY

My All-time favorite song by anyone ever.
- April , Baltimore, MD

This song is one of my favorites because of the beautiful lyrics. But sadly this song and many other similar ones are underrated while they are more meaningful than the newer hits.
- Victoria , Budapest, Hungary

DEEP LYRICS!!!! GREAT LYRICS!!!!! uses Vienna as a metaphor for the rest of your life. Hate to sound old, but the popular music of today is rather EMPTY......
- J.B. , San Jose, CA

Wow. Thanks Billy.
- Kimmie , Dallas, GA

I lovvvveeee this song. It is a classic. An they say young people don't have good taste in music!
- julie , taylor, TX

When Joel appeared on Inside The Actors Studio, host James Lipton broadly hinted that this was his favorite Billy Joel song. Lipton told the audience of drama students that "Vienna waits for you".
- Ken , Louisville, KY

I love this song so much - it's easily one of my absolute favorite Billy Joel songs. The "12 Gardens Live" version is great too.
- Tracy , Undisclosed, CT

I agree with Kevin and Leyna. There's nothing like this song. It's the saddest song I've ever heard along with Imagine and Golden Slumbers. People are always comparing Billy Joel to Elton John, but sometimes people who listen to modern songs and bands like Van Halen and Experience are too blind to understand this kind of stuff. Billy Joel is one of the greatest composers of all time, and ever since my dad played this for me when I was about eleven it was and still is my favorite song by him. "You got your passion, you got your pride, but don't you know that only fools are satified?"
- ozzy , fresno, CA

This is such a beautiful, totally underrated, and since it was never publicized that much, most people don't know of it.
- Gen , New York, NY

this is like the most underrated Joel song ever!
- George , Salisbury, CT

Did The Fray do a cover of this on their album, "How to Save a Life"?
- Matthew , Milford, MA

Wow. What a great song. I am listening to it right now.
- Kristin , Yaphank, NY

beautiful, one of my favorites
- Jackie , San Diego, CA

One of my favorite Joel songs, if not the best! Incredible lyrics, and catchy music. "Too bad that's the life you lead, You're so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need."
- Mark , Des Moines, IA

Such a nice song. it's very deep and meaningful. you just don't see songs like this anymore
- Caitlin , Upper Township, NJ

Billy Joel performed this song on "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" in 2006.
- Ken , Louisville, KY

One of the better songs. I actually found it by mistake. This and Leningrad are good songs
- Nick , Boston , MA

Beautiful song. Very inspiring.
- Leyna , From the middle of the ocean, OK

This is my favorite Billy Joel song ever. It's so underrated, I'm suprised that more people don't know about it. "Dream on, but don't imagine they'll all come true. When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?"
- Kevin , Grosse Pointe, MI

This song featured in the movie 13 Going on 30
- steven , Liverpool, England

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