Billy Joel Reveals His Favorite Bruce Springsteen Song: A Deep Dive into Music, Memories, and Mutual Admiration
.
.
.
Play Video:
Billy Joel, the iconic “Piano Man” and a beloved figure in American music, recently appeared on a talk show hosted by Jimmy Fallon, where he shared personal anecdotes, reminisced about his Brooklyn roots, and revealed his favorite Bruce Springsteen song. In an 800-word exploration inspired by this engaging conversation, we delve into Joel’s connection to Springsteen, the atmospheric allure of his chosen track, and the camaraderie between two rock legends whose careers have shaped generations of music lovers. This discussion not only highlights Joel’s appreciation for Springsteen’s artistry but also offers a glimpse into the personal and professional intersections of their storied careers.
Brooklyn Roots and Long Island Royalty
The conversation with Jimmy Fallon began with a warm welcome for Billy Joel, dubbed the “King of Long Island” to cheers and applause. Fallon playfully extended Joel’s reign to include Brooklyn, noting its geographical connection to Long Island. Joel, with his characteristic humor, acknowledged his ties to the borough, sharing memories of summers spent with his grandparents on Flatbush and Ditmas. “Instead of going out to Long Island like most people do in the city in the summer, we went to Brooklyn,” he recalled, painting a nostalgic picture of walking down Flatbush Avenue and catching “really cheesy movies” at the Low East Kings theater. These personal stories grounded the interview, showcasing Joel’s deep connection to the New York area—a region that has profoundly influenced both his music and identity.
This sense of place is a recurring theme in Joel’s work, much like it is in Bruce Springsteen’s. Both artists have drawn heavily from their surroundings—Joel from the suburban and urban landscapes of Long Island and New York City, and Springsteen from the working-class ethos of New Jersey. Their shared ability to capture the spirit of their hometowns in song has endeared them to fans worldwide, creating a cultural resonance that transcends mere music. As Fallon celebrated Joel’s regional royalty, it set the stage for a discussion about another titan of American rock whose roots run parallel to Joel’s own.
A Missed Moment at Springsteen’s Show
The conversation took an exciting turn when Fallon brought up Joel’s recent attendance at a Bruce Springsteen concert, a show Fallon himself had attended. “You were also last night at Bruce Springsteen, which I was at that show, I didn’t see you there,” Fallon remarked, revealing that rumors had swirled about Joel making a surprise appearance on stage with Springsteen. Fans, including Fallon, had anticipated a climactic duet, perhaps on a classic like “Born to Run,” that would send the crowd into a frenzy. However, Joel quickly dispelled the speculation. “I asked Bruce about that. There’s no special guest appearances,” he clarified, explaining that Springsteen’s show was tightly scripted with no room for impromptu collaborations.
Joel humorously described his vantage point during the concert, seated in what he called the “Abraham Lincoln booth” in the balcony, where he attempted to wave frantically at Fallon and Howard Stern below. “I’m trying to wave frantically. Hey! I’m over here!” he laughed, capturing the lighthearted disappointment of not connecting with fellow attendees. This anecdote underscores the casual, friendly rapport between Joel and Springsteen, as well as the high expectations fans have for such musical giants to share the stage. While the anticipated duet didn’t materialize, Joel’s presence at the concert spoke volumes about his admiration for Springsteen—a respect that became even clearer when Fallon asked about his favorite Springsteen song.
“Meeting Across the River”: An Atmospheric Gem
When prompted by Fallon, Joel didn’t hesitate to name his favorite Bruce Springsteen track: “Probably ‘Meeting Across the River.’” This choice, from Springsteen’s 1975 album Born to Run, surprised some in the audience, as it’s not one of Springsteen’s more mainstream hits like “Thunder Road” or the album’s title track. However, Joel’s selection reflects his deep appreciation for the storytelling and mood in Springsteen’s music. “It’s a very atmospheric Springsteen song,” he noted, even breaking into a brief rendition with lyrics like “Lend me a few bucks, can you give me a ride, I got a meeting on the other side,” accompanied by a nod to the song’s C Major 7 and G Major chords. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, appreciating the intimate glimpse into Joel’s musical taste.
“Meeting Across the River” is a quiet, haunting track that stands out on Born to Run for its understated intensity. Unlike the album’s more anthemic songs, it tells a gritty, cinematic story of a small-time crook preparing for a dangerous deal, backed by a sparse arrangement of piano, bass, and trumpet. Springsteen’s vocals are restrained yet laden with tension, painting a vivid picture of desperation and uncertainty. Joel’s affinity for this song highlights his appreciation for Springsteen’s ability to craft narratives that feel like short films—much like Joel’s own songs often do. Tracks like “Piano Man” or “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” showcase Joel’s knack for storytelling, suggesting a shared artistic sensibility with Springsteen that transcends their differing musical styles.
The Allure of Atmosphere in Music
Joel’s description of “Meeting Across the River” as “atmospheric” speaks to a key element of Springsteen’s appeal: his ability to create a palpable sense of place and emotion through sound. The song’s minimal instrumentation and Springsteen’s evocative lyrics transport listeners to a shadowy, late-night world of risk and longing. This atmospheric quality is something Joel, as a master of mood in his own right, clearly values. His choice reflects a deep listening experience, one that goes beyond chart-topping hits to appreciate the subtler, more introspective corners of Springsteen’s catalog.
This appreciation for atmosphere also ties into Joel’s broader musical philosophy. Throughout his career, he has crafted songs that evoke specific times and places—whether it’s the working-class struggles of “Allentown,” the romantic nostalgia of “Just the Way You Are,” or the urban grit of “New York State of Mind.” In recognizing the atmospheric power of “Meeting Across the River,” Joel acknowledges a parallel strength in Springsteen’s work, where the music serves as a backdrop to deeply human stories. This mutual focus on narrative and emotion is perhaps why the two artists have long admired each other, often speaking highly of one another’s contributions to American music.
A Playful Proposal: Switching Gigs with Springsteen
The conversation took a whimsical turn when Fallon asked Joel if he’d consider doing an intimate show similar to Springsteen’s Broadway residency, Springsteen on Broadway. Joel revealed that he and Springsteen had discussed the idea the previous night. “We talked about it with Bruce last night, why don’t we switch off once in a while? You come do the Garden, I’ll do your gig for a couple of days,” he shared, referring to his long-standing residency at Madison Square Garden. With a chuckle, he added, “I think we’re both making the same amount of money, based on what the ticket price is,” poking fun at the notoriously high cost of tickets to see either artist perform.
This playful exchange highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect between Joel and Springsteen. Both have carved out unique spaces in the music world—Joel with his record-breaking Garden residency and Springsteen with his introspective Broadway show, which blended music with personal storytelling. The idea of swapping venues, while humorous, underscores their versatility as performers and their willingness to step outside their comfort zones. It also speaks to their shared status as cultural icons whose performances, whether in massive arenas or intimate theaters, continue to captivate audiences decades into their careers.
The Enduring Bond of Musical Legends
Billy Joel’s appearance on Fallon’s show offered more than just a glimpse into his favorite Springsteen song; it illuminated the deep bonds that connect artists of their caliber. Their careers, though distinct in style—Joel’s piano-driven pop-rock versus Springsteen’s heartland rock anthems—share common threads of authenticity, storytelling, and a profound connection to their roots. Joel’s admiration for “Meeting Across the River” is a testament to Springsteen’s versatility as a songwriter and performer, capable of crafting both epic crowd-pleasers and quiet, poignant tales.
Moreover, Joel’s stories of Brooklyn summers, failed waves from the balcony, and lighthearted banter about swapping gigs with Springsteen paint a picture of an artist who remains grounded despite his monumental success. His respect for Springsteen mirrors the feelings of countless fans who see both men as voices of their generation, chronicling the American experience with honesty and heart. As Joel sang snippets of “Meeting Across the River,” he not only paid tribute to Springsteen but also reminded us of the power of music to evoke atmosphere, tell stories, and forge connections across time and space.
Celebrating a Shared Legacy
Billy Joel’s revelation of his favorite Bruce Springsteen song on Jimmy Fallon’s show was a moment of genuine appreciation between two musical giants. “Meeting Across the River” may not be Springsteen’s most famous track, but Joel’s choice speaks volumes about his discerning ear and respect for nuanced artistry. Their playful discussions of switching gigs and shared New York-New Jersey sensibilities further highlight a friendship built on mutual admiration and a love for the craft.
As fans, we may not have gotten the on-stage collaboration we hoped for at Springsteen’s recent show, but Joel’s insights offered something equally valuable: a deeper understanding of what makes Springsteen’s music resonate so powerfully, even in its quieter moments. Together, Joel and Springsteen continue to define the soundtrack of American life, their legacies intertwined through songs that capture the struggles, dreams, and atmospheres of the places they call home.
