The Meaning Behind The Song: This Is The Time by Billy Joel

The Poignant Message of Billy Joel’s “This Is The Time”

Billy Joel has an acute ability to craft incredible songs that resonate with audiences on many levels. From “Piano Man” to “Uptown Girl,” his timeless hits span decades and continue to inspire people around the world.

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But one song that stands out among the rest in terms of its poignant message is “This Is The Time.” Released in 1986, this powerful pop-rock anthem still holds great significance today, as it imparts valuable life lessons and insight into the unrelenting passage of time. In this article, we’ll examine the meaning behind the song’s lyrics, the societal and cultural significance of its message, and the impact it has had on Billy Joel’s career.

The Lyrics

At its core, “This Is The Time” is a romantic ballad that captures the essence of young love and the hopefulness of the future. The song begins with a nostalgic reminiscence of high school days:

We walked on the beach beside that old hotel
They’re tearing it down now
But it’s just as well
I haven’t shown you everything a man can do
So stay with me baby
I’ve got plans for you

The lyrics evoke the sense of bittersweet nostalgia–a place that we cannot return, yet there is still time for new beginnings and new memories. The chorus highlights this feeling of embracing the present:

This is the time to remember
‘Cause it will not last forever
These are the days to hold onto
‘Cause we won’t, although we’ll want to

The song ends with a poignant verse that concludes the story of a young couple in love:

We took our chance
And rolled the dice
I needed to see you
And you needed to see me
This is the time
But time is gonna change

The message behind the lyrics is clear – to live in the present moment wholeheartedly while embracing its fleeting nature and being mindful of the change that’s going to come one day.

Societal and Cultural Significance

While “This Is The Time” started as a love song, it quickly became culturally significant in a broad sense. The song reflected a pervasive sense of nostalgia during the 1980s, with many people during that era felt a sense of longing for simpler times. The song influenced many people as they grappled with changes in their personal and professional lives while grappling with what the future might hold.

The lyrics of the song also embodied the essence of living in the moment and the need to appreciate it. It envisioned a world where everything was absolutely perfect, and it was the best moment you could ever have, making it an anthem for young people and those who wanted to live life while holding it close.

The Impact on Billy Joel’s Career

Billy Joel remains one of the most popular songwriters and musical performers in history. His career spans more than five decades, and it has been characterized by its constant evolution, from his earliest hits like “Piano Man” to the punk-infused “Pressure” and beyond. The mega-hit “This Is The Time” found itself onto his 1986 album The Bridge, contributing to Billy Joel’s commercial and critical success during that era.

The song marked a significant departure from Joel’s typical sound, with the use of brass instrumentation and a more prominent percussion section creating a unique aural experience. Its popularity also spiked after its use in the 1986 film Ruthless People, exposing it to a wider audience and contributing to its enduring legacy.

Conclusion

Billy Joel’s “This Is The Time” stands as a prime example of how music can transcend the boundaries of time, space, and demographics in delivering its message. From its poignant lyrics to its cultural significance, the song continues to inspire audiences to live in the present and embrace everything life has to offer, leading to an incredible legacy that Billy Joel can be proud of.

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