Billy "Piano Man" Joel has had so many hit songs over the years. His fans clamor for them at his concerts and people love to listen to them wherever they are. But he feels that one of them has not stood the test of time well. Per faroutmagazine.co.uk, "...{H]e's comfortable admitting his best work is behind him, and a new body of work could deplete his immaculate legacy." Sometimes artists look back at what they have done and wince a little at some of their output. What may have seemed great at the time may be less palatable today for whatever reason. One song that Joel admits he is no longer thrilled with is "Captain Jack." It was on his Piano Man album from 1973.
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Billy Joel's Song, 'Captain Jack,' Doesn't Sit Too Well With Him Anymore
Some of the lyrics could be construed as "insensitive as well as homophobic," per the outlet. But it seems like it's not just the details of the song that rankle him, it's the whole premise. It sounds like he finds it tedious. According to the outlet via the Los Angeles Times, Joel said, "My mind starts to wander during the song, so I don't do it even though people want to hear it."
He explained his feelings about the song in greater detail per the outlet via Rolling Stone. "He didn't age well. Captain Jack's been demoted to Private Jack. In the verses, there's only two chords, and it goes on and on, and it's kind of a dreary song if you think of the lyrics...His father's dead in the swimming pool. He lives this dull suburban existence until he gets high."
Joel added, "One of the last times I was singing the song, I said, 'This is really depressing.' The only relief you get is when the chorus kicks in. When I'm doing the song, I feel kinda dreary and I don't like doing the song anymore, although we'll probably do it again."
He Has Tons Of Marvelous Tunes To Perform For His Fans Other Than That One
Just think of all the great songs Billy Joel, who is now 75, has given us. "Uptown Girl," "The Longest Time," "We Didn't Start the Fire," "Honesty," and "Only the Good Die Young" are just a few. Even if he doesn't sing "Captain Jack" often anymore, he still has loads of superb material to choose from.
