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Modern Woman
The Bridge (1986) |
She's got style and she's got her own money
So she's not another honey you can quickly disarm She's got the eyes that make you realize She won't be hypnotized by your usual charm "Modern Woman" was a top ten hit, but is not one of Billy's best. It sounds dated today with its intermittent synthesizers and pseudo-funk beat, and even back in 1986 it sounded awkward. It was the main song to the movie Ruthless People starring Bette Midler and Danny Devitto, which received favorable reviews, particularly for Miller’s and Devitto’s performances, but was not a favorite of mine.
The song actually reached #10 on the Billboard charts, but Billy has said he does not really care for the song, and it is not found on any later compilation albums or live albums except for My Lives in 2005. Good move. How can both "Modern Woman" and "Air: Dublinesque" come from the same musical mind? Still, there is something catchy about it. I believe there is an official music video for the song which featured clips from the movie, but I cannot find it on YouTube or Vevo. But here is an interesting jazz cover. The last verse of the song is missing from many lyrics sites, but is included here. * * * * * *
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"Modern Woman" was the first single from The Bridge and peaked at #10 on the Billboard charts. It was released earlier than usual to promote the movie Ruthless People which came out in June 1986.
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Words and Music by Billy Joel
You see her sitting with her coffee and her paper With her high top sneakers of Italian design With a long cool stare she aggravates the tension Makes up her face while she makes up her mind Now you're in trouble, maybe she's an intellectual What if she figures out you're not very smart Or maybe she's the quiet type who's into heavy metal Boy, you got to get it settled Cause she's breaking your heart Don't try to put on an act You can't do that to a modern woman And you're an old fashioned man She understands the things you're doin' She's a modern woman She looks sleek and she seems so professional She's got a lot of confidence, it's easy to see You want to make a move But you feel so inferior Cause under that exterior Is someone who's free She's got style and she's got her own money So she's not another honey you can quickly disarm She's got the eyes that make you realize She won't be hypnotized by your usual charm You've got your plan of attack That won't attract the modern woman When you're an old fashioned man She understands the things you're doin' She's a modern woman Time goes by and you're sharing an apartment She says she loves you but she doesn't know why In the morning she leaves you with your coffee and your paper It's a strange situation for an old fashioned guy But times have changed Things are not the same, baby You overcame such a bad attitude Rock and roll just used to be for kicks And nowadays it's politics And after 1986 what else could be new You got to learn to relax And face the facts of modern woman And you're an old fashioned man She understands the things you're doin' She's a modern woman You got the casual hip That don't mean zip to the modern woman She's out making the rent Don't be senti(mental), modern woman She's a modern woman She's a modern woman |
Billy Joel in the studio. Credit: Larry Buccasa. Columbia publicity photo (1986).
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Billy and Bette Midler were in another movie together too, Disney's animated Oliver in 1988. Billy was the voice of Dodger the streetwise mutt, and Bette was the voice of Georgette the vain poodle. Also, years earlier in 1977 Midler recorded a cover version of Billy's "Say Goodbye to Hollywood." It was on Midler's album Broken Blossom. Back then Midler was more well known for her singing than acting.
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Billy briefly discusses "Modern Woman" on SiriusXM.
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Videos
Fan video for "Modern Woman" featuring clips from the short documentary "Building The Bridge." Video by Tony Walker.
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Billy discusses "Modern Woman," from the 1986 documentary "Building The Bridge."
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Fan video for "Modern Woman" with still photos from the movie.
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