In 1985, Billy Joel wrote a heartfelt song about his suicide attempt. Years later, he decided it was too “preachy”
Billy Joel drew on his 1970 suicide attempt when he wrote ‘You’re Only Human (Second Wind)’, released in 1985. The upbeat song encouraged listeners who make mistakes, addressing a difficult period of his life more directly than his earlier hit ‘Piano Man’.
Joel said he wanted to show that people’s mistakes are their own and can help them understand themselves. He later felt parts of the song sounded too preachy, questioning what he could know about other people’s lives. The article also links ‘Piano Man’ to his time as a struggling musician in Los Angeles and the failure of his first solo album, *Cold Spring Harbor*.
In short
- Joel’s 1985 song drew on his suicide attempt.
- He later felt its message could sound preachy.
- He hoped it would encourage listeners who make mistakes.
Explained simply
Billy Joel is an American singer-songwriter whose songs often draw on his own experiences. Before becoming widely successful, he struggled as a musician in Los Angeles, and his first solo album, Cold Spring Harbor, did not find a large audience.
In 1970, Joel attempted suicide and later spoke about that period through his music. Piano Man, one of his best-known songs, came from his earlier years as a working musician, while You’re Only Human (Second Wind) addressed the idea that people can learn from their mistakes.