Prelude / Angry Young Man
Prelude / Angry Young Man

Billy Joel - Prelude / Angry Young Man Lyrics

Pop
Oct 19, 1998
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Prelude / Angry Young Man Music Video

Prelude / Angry Young Man Lyrics

There's a place in the world for the angry young man
With his working class ties and his radical plans
He refuses to bend
He refuses to crawl
He's always at home with his back to the wall
And he's proud of his scars and the battles he's lost
And he struggles and bleeds as he hangs on the cross
And he likes to be known as the angry young man

Give a moment or two to the angry young man
With his foot in his mouth and his heart in his hand
He's been stabbed in the back
He's been misunderstood
It's a comfort to know his intentions are good
And he sits in a room with a lock on the door
With his maps and his medals laid out on the floor
And he likes to be known as the angry young man

I believe I've passed the age of consciousness
And righteous rage
I found that just surviving was a noble fight
I once believed in causes too
I had my pointless point of view
And life went on no matter who was wrong or right

And there's always a place for the angry young man
With his fist in the air and his head in the sand
And he's never been able to learn from mistakes
So he can't understand why his heart always breaks
But his honor is pure and his courage as well
And he's fair and he's true and he's boring as hell
And he'll go to the grave as an angry old man

There's a place in the world for the angry young man
With his working class ties and his radical plans
He refuses to bend
He refuses to crawl
He's always at home with his back to the wall
And he's proud of his scars
And the battles he's lost
And he struggles and bleeds as he hangs on the cross
And he likes to be known as the angry young man

Writer(s): Billy Joel
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What album is 'Prelude/Angry Young Man' featured on?

    'Prelude/Angry Young Man' is featured on Billy Joel's 1976 album 'Turnstiles' as the sixth track. Despite not being released as a single, it has become a popular song among fans and a staple of Billy Joel's live shows.

  2. Who inspired the 'Angry Young Man' in the song?

    The 'Angry Young Man' in the song is inspired by Billy Joel's real-life road manager. Joel explained that his road manager had difficulties adjusting to civilian life after Vietnam, which led to problematic interactions, ultimately inspiring the character depicted in the song.

  3. What is the 'Prelude' section based on?

    The 'Prelude' section of the song features a rapid-fire hammered piano riff inspired by the drum part in the surf-rock classic 'Wipe Out' by The Surfaris. Billy Joel was influenced by the percussive style and transposed the drum rhythm to piano for an energetic and impactful musical introduction.

  4. How is the song 'Prelude/Angry Young Man' typically used in Billy Joel's concerts?

    The song is often used as an opening piece for Billy Joel's concerts due to its high energy and engaging 'Prelude' section. This choice helps to set the tone and adjust the sound mix before the vocals begin. It's a concert favorite despite never being released as a single.

  5. Has 'Prelude/Angry Young Man' been used in any other media?

    Yes, 'Prelude/Angry Young Man' has been used as the theme for the German talk show 'Live' and the Grampian Television's programme 'Summer at Six.' Additionally, the instrumental 'Prelude' is commonly played at New York Knicks games during stoppages at Madison Square Garden.

  6. Is there a notable live recording of 'Prelude/Angry Young Man'?

    Yes, live versions of 'Prelude/Angry Young Man' have been included on several of Billy Joel's live albums such as 'КОНЦЕРТ,' '12 Gardens Live,' and 'Live at Shea Stadium: The Concert.' These recordings capture the energy and popularity of the song during his live performances.

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