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The 1984 song Billy Joel always identified with: “It really moved me”
Billy Joel said he strongly identified with Don Henley’s 1984 song ‘A Month of Sundays’, describing its portrayal of an isolated farmer as deeply affecting. The article argues that the song’s empathy for ordinary working people aligns with themes Joel also explored in his own music.
The track appears on Henley’s 1984 album *Building the Perfect Beast*, which also produced the better-known hit ‘The Boys of Summer’. Joel praised the song’s character and lyrics, and recommended the album; the article compares its focus on everyday hardship with Joel songs including ‘Allentown’ and ‘The Downeaster Alexa’.
In short
- Billy Joel admired Don Henley’s ‘A Month of Sundays’.
- He related to its portrait of a lonely farmer.
- The song appeared on Henley’s 1984 album.
Explained simply
Billy Joel has discussed how deeply he connected with a 1984 song by Don Henley. The track, "A Month of Sundays", tells the story of an isolated farmer facing hardship. Joel has said the portrayal resonated with him and captures something true about ordinary people's struggles.
Don Henley released the song on his 1984 album Building the Perfect Beast, which also produced the better-known hit "The Boys of Summer". Though less famous than that track, "A Month of Sundays" stayed with Joel, who praised its character study and storytelling. Joel has noted that the album's focus on working people aligns with themes in his own music.
Both musicians have focused their songwriting on ordinary people's lives and challenges. Joel's songs such as "Allentown" and "The Downeaster Alexa" explore working people's experiences. This shared artistic concern explains why Joel would find Henley's portrait of a struggling farmer particularly meaningful.