Released in 1977 on the album 'The Stranger', 'Vienna' is one of Billy Joel's most iconic tracks. The song reflects themes of patience and the pressures of youth, appealing to listeners for its relatable message. Written by Joel himself, this rock ballad captures the listener's attention with its poignant lyrics and timeless melody. It remains culturally relevant as it speaks to the importance of taking one's time in life, making it a valuable tool for English learners.
Lyrics
Vienna — Billy Joel
English
Slow down, you crazy child
You're so ambitious for a juvenile
But then if you're so smart
Tell me why are you still so afraid?
Where's the fire?
What's the hurry about?
You better cool it off before you burn it out
You got so much to do and only so many hours in a day
But you know that when the truth is told
That you can get what you want or you can just get old
You're gonna kick off before you even get halfway through
When will you realize
Vienna waits for you?
Slow down, you're doing fine
You can't be everything you wanna be before your time
Although it's so romantic on the borderline tonight
Tonight
Too bad, but it's the life you lead
You're so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need
Though you can see when you're wrong
You know, you can't always see when you're right
You're right
You've got your passion, you've got your pride
But don't you know that only fools are satisfied?
Dream on, but don't imagine they'll all come true
When will you realize
Vienna waits for you?
Slow down, you crazy child
And take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while
It's all right, you can afford to lose a day or two
When will you realize
Vienna waits for you?
You know that when the truth is told
That you can get what you want or you can just get old
You're gonna kick off before you even get halfway through
Why don't you realize
[…]
Joel, valeu por acreditar no Fill the Song. A tua música favorita também é parte da nossa história. Quando alguém jogar com ela, vai ter um pedacinho seu no ar.
Grammar
What you learn from this song
Modals (Modais)
"You better cool it off before you burn it out" — This line uses 'better,' a modal that suggests an advisable action.
"You've got your passion, you've got your pride" — Here, 'got' serves as a semi-modal indicating possession.
"You can afford to lose a day or two" — In this context, 'can' expresses ability or possibility.
Simple Present (Presente Simples)
"Slow down, you crazy child" — This is an imperative form of the simple present, advising someone to take things easy.
"Vienna waits for you" — 'Waits' is in the simple present, indicating an ongoing state.
"It's all right, you can afford to lose a day or two" — 'Is' denotes a present condition, showing stability.
Fun facts
Did you know?
Billy Joel wrote 'Vienna' after being inspired by a visit to the city, which he considers a metaphor for taking life at a slower pace.
The song achieved moderate commercial success, reaching number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
'Vienna' has been covered by various artists, including the band 'The Piano Guys', showcasing its enduring appeal across generations.
This track is notable for its intricate piano arrangements, which reflect Joel's classical music training and influence in his songwriting.
The song has gained renewed popularity over the years, often featured in films and TV shows, cementing its place in American pop culture.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
Learning with 'Vienna' is beneficial due to its approachable vocabulary and clear pronunciation, making it easier for learners at a medium level to follow along. The repetition of key phrases helps reinforce understanding and memory retention. The song's themes also offer rich opportunities for discussions about life and personal growth, enhancing the learning experience.
Ready to practice?
Listen to “Vienna ”, fill in the missing words and earn points. Free.
Play with this song