Although it never was released as a single, and remained in obscurity for many years after the release of the album, “Vienna” has become one of Billy Joel’s most well-known and popular songs in modern days.
The song serves as a metaphor for growing older, with Joel telling the listener to slow down and enjoy life before it’s all over. The recent rise in popularity can be attributed to “Vienna” finding new life on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, where the song’s lyrics resonated with many young adults in their late teens and early twenties.
As put by Mirelle Ortega, a writer from Los Angeles, “Our late teens and early 20’s tend to feel like the end of the world sometimes. We all feel a huge pressure to have it all figured out… I think ‘Vienna’ perfectly articulates that that’s not true.” “Vienna” serves as a reminder to its listeners that it’s okay to enjoy life as it passes, a message only amplified by the beautiful build-up style melody that accompanies its meaningful lyrics, allowing everyone who listens to it to appreciate it.
- Billy Joel B-side ‘Vienna’ is now one of his most streamed songs — thanks to young Millennials and Gen Z | CNN (Source for Vienna quote)
- Vienna – Lyrics, Information, and Meaning