One Final Serenade: Songs of Billy Joel
Billy performs "Baby Grand" in Moscow in 1987. He sings both his part and the Ray Charles part.
 Download "Baby Grand (Live-Russia)"
They say that no one's gonna play this on the
radio They said the melancholy blues were dead and gone But only songs like these, played in minor keys Keep those memories holding on. "Baby Grand" is a bluesy jazz ballad that is an ode to the piano itself, as well as an homage to Billy's idol, Ray Charles. The song is a duet between the two piano men and was written specifically for this purpose. While it does not feel as heartfelt or authentic as "New York State of Mind" or Charles' own "Georgia on My Mind," it is still a worthy and satisfying composition. The Wikipedia entry for this song is so complete, there is not much else to say. In fact, just listen.
Billy Joel and Ray Charles recording "Baby Grand" (1986). Columbia Records publicity photo.
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Late at night
When it's dark and cold I reach out For someone to hold When I'm blue When I'm lonely She comes through She's the only one who can My baby grand Is all I need In my time I've wandered everywhere Around this world She would always be there Any day Any hour All it takes Is the power in my hands This baby grand's Been good to me I've had friends But they have slipped away I've had fame But it doesn't stay I've made fortunes Spent them fast enough As for women They don't last with just one man But my baby grand Will stand by me They say that no one's gonna play this on the radio They said the melancholy blues were dead and gone But only songs like these Played in minor keys Keep those memories holding on I've come far From the life I've strayed in I've got scars From those dives I've played in Now I'm home And I'm weary In my bones Every dreary one night stand But my baby grand Is coming home with me Ever since this gig began My baby grand's Been good to me |
