Viënna
KITCHEN - Billy Joel Lyrics
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You're so ambitious for a juvenile
But then if you're so smart, well, tell me
Why are you still so afraid? Mm
Where's the fire, what's the hurry about?
You'd better cool it off before you burn it out
You've got so much to do
And only so many hours in a day
But you know that when the truth is told
That you can get what you want or you can just get old
You're gonna kick off before you even get halfway through, ooh
When will you realize Vienna waits for you?
Slow down, you're doin' fine
You can't be everything you wanna be before your time
Although it's so romantic on the borderline
Tonight, tonight
Too bad, but it's the life you lead
You're so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need
Though you can see when you're wrong
You know, you can't always see when you're right, you're right
You've got your passion, you've got your pride
But don't you know that only fools are satisfied?
Dream on, but don't imagine they'll all come true, ooh
When will you realize Vienna waits for you?
Slow down, you crazy child
And take the phone off the hook and disappear for awhile
It's alright, you can afford to lose a day or two, ooh
When will you realize Vienna waits for you?
And you know that when the truth is told
That you can get what you want or you can just get old
You're gonna kick off before you even get halfway through, ooh
Why don't you realize Vienna waits for you?
When will you realize Vienna waits for you?
In the lyrics to "Vienna" by Billy Joel, the singer addresses a young and ambitious individual, urging them to slow down and not rush through life. The opening lines, "Slow down, you crazy child / You're so ambitious for a juvenile," convey a sense of concern for the individual's frenetic pace and high aspirations. Despite being smart and driven, they are still plagued by fear and doubt, as indicated by the question "Why are you still so afraid?"
The lyrics caution against burning out too quickly and emphasize the importance of pacing oneself, reminding the listener that there is only so much one can accomplish in a day. The lines "But you know that when the truth is told / That you can get what you want or you can just get old" highlight the choice between chasing one's dreams and risking premature exhaustion, encouraging the listener to find balance and patience in their pursuits.
The song acknowledges the individual's ambition and passion but warns against being too consumed by them, as satisfaction may remain elusive. The mention of being "so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need" serves as a reminder to not lose sight of one's true desires and priorities amidst the pursuit of lofty goals. The line "But don't you know that only fools are satisfied?" challenges the notion of contentment and pushes the listener to strive for more.
In the final verse, the singer urges the listener to take a break, disconnect from the fast-paced world, and allow themselves the luxury of time to just be. The repeated refrain of "Vienna waits for you" serves as a metaphor for the waiting and patience that life offers, reminding the listener that there is no need to rush and that their dreams will still be there when they are ready to pursue them. Overall, the lyrics of "Vienna" convey a message of self-reflection, balance, and the importance of savoring the journey rather than fixating solely on the destination.
Line by Line Meaning
Slow down, you crazy child
Take a moment to relax and not rush through life's challenges
You're so ambitious for a juvenile
You have big dreams and aspirations for someone so young
But then if you're so smart, well, tell me
Why are you still so afraid? Mm
Despite your intelligence, you still let fear hold you back
Where's the fire, what's the hurry about?
What's the rush? Take your time to avoid burning out
You'd better cool it off before you burn it out
Take a step back and relax before you exhaust yourself
You've got so much to do
And only so many hours in a day
Recognize that there's only so much you can accomplish in a day
But you know that when the truth is told
That you can get what you want or you can just get old
Understand that you have the power to pursue your dreams or settle for mediocrity
You're gonna kick off before you even get halfway through, ooh
Don't let time pass you by without accomplishing your goals
When will you realize Vienna waits for you?
Recognize that opportunities are still waiting for you to seize them
And you know that when the truth is told
That you can get what you want or you can just get old
Acknowledge that it's up to you to choose between pursuing your goals and settling for less
You're gonna kick off before you even get halfway through, ooh
Don't let time slip away before achieving your aspirations
Why don't you realize Vienna waits for you?
Why haven't you understood that opportunities are still available for you to grasp?
When will you realize Vienna waits for you?
When will you finally comprehend that there are still chances waiting for you to act upon them?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Billy Joel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind