And So It Goes

I was asked the other night why I like Billy Joel so much. There is something about him and his songs with which I connect. He often writes what I think and feel. Just some of those songs include "I Go to Extremes," "Honesty," "James," "And So It Goes," and "You're Only Human," which came out at a critical time in my life.

Joel seems like a tormented genius to me. He has struggled with alcoholism. When he was younger he attempted suicide by drinking furniture polish because of his affair with the wife of his drummer.

I find him to be a lyrical and musical genius. The depth of his songs is amazing. Here is an example:


Here are the lyrics:

In every heart there is a room
A sanctuary safe and strong
To heal the wounds from lovers past
Until a new one comes along

I spoke to you in cautious tones
You answered me with no pretense
And still I feel I said too much
My silence is my self defense

And every time I've held a rose
It seems I only felt the thorns
And so it goes, and so it goes
And so will you soon I suppose

But if my silence made you leave
Then that would be my worst mistake
So I will share this room with you
And you can have this heart to break

And this is why my eyes are closed
It's just as well for all I've seen
And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows

So I would choose to be with you
That's if the choice were mine to make
But you can make decisions too
And you can have this heart to break

And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows.