Home | Songs By Year | Songs from 1978
Big Shot (song)
Buy Big Shot (song) now from AmazonFirst, read the Wikipedia article. Then, scroll down to see what other TopShelfReviews readers thought about the song. And once you've experienced the song, tell everyone what you thought about it.
Wikipedia article
"'Big Shot'" was the second hit single from Billy Joel's 1978 album '52nd Street'. The song was released in early 1979, just as his other hit single from that same album, "My Life", was peaking at #3. It would soon become his second top-twenty hit of 1979, peaking at #14.
Lyrics and music
The song is superficially about the protagonist mocking a woman with a severe hangover for her intoxicated escapades around town, making numerous social and verbal 'faux pas' while high on alcohol and drugs ("But now you just don't remember all the things you said / And you're not sure you want to know / I'll give you one hint, honey; you sure did put on a show!"). The song makes reference to late 1970s 'nouveau riche' fads such as Elaine's restaurant and Halston.
During a Q&A session at Florida State University in 1996, Joel stated the song is about someone he was very close to, and also about himself.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL25RnHqnGo Billy Joel Q&A: What Inspired the Song "Big Shot"?] In an interview in 2006, Joel said, "I read that the song 'Big Shot' is said to be about a date I had with Bianca Jagger. I never had a date with Bianca Jagger." But in an interview with Howard Stern on November 16, 2010, Joel said the song was written after having dinner with Mick and Bianca Jagger. Joel told Stern that while writing the lyrics to "Big Shot," he was thinking of Mick singing the song to Bianca.
Reception
'Billboard' described "Big Shot" as "an upbeat rocker" with "very contemporary lyrical content," stating that it was driven by "powerfully rhythmic backing." 'Cash Box' said it is "tough-edged and sassy" with "a dramatic arrangement of guitars, piano, horns and drums," a "rich" lyric and "catchy" vocals.
Release
The single release of the song had an abridged outro compared to the album version.
'Rock Band 3'
The song was made available to download on December 14, 2010 for use in the 'Rock Band 3' music gaming platform in both Basic rhythm, and PRO mode which allows the use of a real guitar / bass guitar, and MIDI compatible electronic drum kits / keyboards in addition to vocals.Charts
Certifications
References
Category:1978 songs
Category:1979 singles
Category:Billy Joel songs
Category:Songs written by Billy Joel
Category:Song recordings produced by Phil Ramone
Category:Columbia Records singles
Buy Big Shot (song) now from Amazon
<-- Return to songs from 1978