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Streetlife Serenader
Billy Joel Lyrics


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Streetlife serenader
Never sang on stages
Needs no orchestration
Melody comes easy

Midnight masquerader
Shoppin' center heroes
Child of Eisenhower
New world celebrator

Streetlife serenaders
Have such understanding
How the words are spoken
How to make the motions

Streetlife serenaders
Have no obligations
Hold no grand illusions
Need no stimulation

Midnight masqueraders
Workin' hard for wages
Need no vast arrangements
To do their harmonizing

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Streetlife Serenader" by Billy Joel speak to the power of music to find meaning and joy in simplicity. The singer of the song is a "streetlife serenader" who never sings on stages and needs no orchestration. Despite the simplistic nature of their music, they possess an innate understanding of how to make the words spoken and the motions that accompany them. They embrace their position in the world as working-class heroes and have no grand illusions or obligations, finding fulfillment in the harmony they create.


The song also speaks to the wealth of experiences of everyday people, referred to as "midnight masqueraders" and "shopping center heroes," who have the ability to celebrate life in the "new world." The song culminates in the chorus celebrating the unique understanding and harmony that is found among the streetlife serenaders, who need no vast arrangements to create beautiful music.


Overall, the song praises the joy and beauty in simple pleasures, reminding listeners to find value in the everyday experiences of life and appreciate the unique perspective of those who inhabit different walks of life.


Line by Line Meaning











































Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BILLY JOEL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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