Billy Joel “You May Be Right” released

You May Be Right Billy Joel

Writer(s): Billy Joel (see lyrics here) Released: March 7, 1980 First Charted: March 14, 1980 Peak: 7 BB, 8 CB, 2 GR, 7 HR, 2 RR, 48 AC, 2 CL, 6 CN, 28 AU 2 DF (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): 1.0 US Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 30.7 video, -- streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: Billy Joel became a superstar with his 1977 ten-million-selling album The Stranger. He maintained that mega-platinum status on his next two releases, both #1 albums which sold seven million copies. The latter album, 1980’s Glass Houses, also gave Joel his first chart-topping song with “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me.” The lead single from the album, however, was “You May Be Right.” It was Joel’s third top-10 hit and reached platinum status. Cash Box called the song “witty, urbane, and energetic” WK and features hard guitar playing “reminiscent of Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones.” WK Record World said “Joel’s rock energy blends well with his pop melodies on this smashing cut.” WK Joel himself considers it one of his top 5 songs. SF The song is sung from the perspective of a man being told he is reckless. The character “confirms the suspicion, admitting that he is crazy and extolling the virtues of a more carefree, but dangerous existence.” SF The song is marked by the sound of breaking glass at the beginning. It was the first sound heard on the Glass Houses album and corresponded with the album cover depicting Joel about to throw a rock at an all-glass house. It was a statement to his critics that people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. SF Resources: DMDB encyclopedia entry for Billy Joel SF Songfacts WK Wikipedia Related Links: First posted 9/15/2023.