Have you ever wondered what exactly Billy Joel meant by the term "real estate novelist" in his iconic song, "Piano Man"? It's a question that has puzzled many since the song's release. Join me as we delve into this intriguing mystery and explore the various interpretations surrounding it.
Unraveling the Enigma
As a seventh-grader, I remember hearing "Piano Man" on the school bus and being captivated by the lyrics. One line that stood out was the mention of a "real estate novelist." It seemed like a peculiar combination of professions, sparking my curiosity about its meaning. Initially, I thought it might be a genre of fiction, akin to John Grisham's legal thrillers, but with real estate professionals as the protagonists.
The Search for Answers
Intrigued by this mystery, I embarked on a quest to find the true definition of a "real estate novelist." Surprisingly, the internet yielded no concrete answers. Reddit threads, Quora discussions, and even a New York Post article by Billy Joel biographer Hank Bordowitz all provided various interpretations, but none with substantial verification.
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A Question of Terminology
One possible explanation is that Billy Joel himself might be unclear about what novels truly encompass. I've noticed a common tendency among adults to refer to any lengthy text as a "novel," a pet peeve of mine. Could it be that Billy Joel mistakenly believes that those who write extensive documents, such as real estate professionals, qualify as "novelists"?
Billy Joel's Knowledge of Novels
To gauge Billy Joel's understanding of novels, we can turn to his song "We Didn't Start the Fire." In it, he mentions several literary works and their respective authors. While he demonstrates awareness of these books, there are no indications that he recognizes them specifically as novels. This suggests that Joel's perception of the term may include any lengthy piece of writing, regardless of its literary genre.
Deconstructing the Lyrics
Now, let's return to the original question: What is a "real estate novelist"? There are three potential explanations:
- Paul writes novels centered around the world of real estate.
- Paul crafts extensive texts as part of his real estate career, prompting Billy Joel's confusion about the term "novelist."
- Paul yearns to be a novelist but instead finds himself working in real estate and spending time at the bar.
While the prevailing wisdom, perpetuated by Wikipedia and the New York Post, leans toward the third explanation, I find reason to entertain the first two possibilities within the song's context.
The Bigger Picture
One crucial line in the song states that Paul "never had time for a wife." It's important to note that this lack of time does not imply dissatisfaction. Billy Joel's presence in a gay bar, unbeknownst to him, has also been pointed out, highlighting his character's obliviousness.
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The Final Verdict
In conclusion, it's apparent that the definition of a "real estate novelist" remains elusive. Furthermore, it seems Billy Joel's understanding of what constitutes a novel may be somewhat blurry. "Piano Man" is a mesmerizing song that encapsulates a lack of self-awareness, making it all the more intriguing.
Remember, this analysis presents my own perspective on the matter. If you're interested in exploring the world of real estate writing, you can check out my counterpoint article, "What Is a Real Estate Novelist? Exploring the Secret World of Real Estate Writing."
So, next time you listen to "Piano Man," let your imagination wander and embrace the enigmatic charm of Billy Joel's masterpiece.
