Quotes from Billy Joel

When I look at great works of art or listen to inspired music, I sense intimate portraits of the specific times in which they were created.

You look so polished from your hair down to your toes, but still your finger's gonna pick your nose.

Rock and roll cola wars, I can't take it any more.

Where have you been hanging out lately honey? You can't dress trashy 'til you spend a lot of money.

Don't make music for some vast, unseen audience or market or ratings share or even for something as tangible as money. Though it's crucial to make a living, that shouldn't be your inspiration. Do it for yourself.

In an age of incompetence, I've been able to last in this crazy business. I actually know how to play my ax and write a song. That's my job.

Some people stay away from the door for the chance of it opening up.

You may be right I may be crazy but it just may be a lunatic you're looking for.

Like a boxer in a title fight, you have to walk in that ring alone.

You can get what you want or you can just get old.

I've lived long enough to have learned, the closer you get to the fire, the more you get burned.

The graduations hang on the wall, but they never really helped us at all.

No end to sorrow, caused by the same endless fears. Why can't we learn from all we've been through after two thousand years?

I could walk away from anyone I ever knew, but I can't walk away from you.

I'm sure you have some cosmic rationale, but here you are with your faith and your Peter Pan advice.

What will it take for you to believe in me, the way that I believe in you?

I'd rather laugh in bed than do it. If I went to a lady of the night, I'd probably pay her to tell me jokes. Would that be perverted?

I am, as I've said, merely competent. But in an age of incompetence, that makes me extraordinary.