Billy Joel found recording "And So It Goes" from 1989 extraordinarily challenging due to the overwhelming emotional content inspired by his personal relationships at that time. The song was born from the intense feelings surrounding his recent heartbreak and emerging relationship with Christie Brinkley, making it one of his most personal and artistically significant works.

During the recording session, Joel was so emotionally affected that he struggled to complete the vocal take, admitting he was "choking himself up" whilst singing. He describes how strong romantic emotion drove the composition of both the lyrics and music, with the song's suspended chords designed to evoke a powerful emotional response, and he considers "And So It Goes" one of the greatest songs he has ever written.