"My Life" is a song by Billy Joel that first appeared on his 1978 album 52nd Street. A single version was released in the fall of 1978 and reached No. 2 on the U.S. adult contemporary chart. Early the next year, it peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Musical structure The song begins with drums, bass guitar, and a left-hand piano part, followed by a keyboard riff in the right hand. The riff is also used as a fill between verse and chorus sections and is also played at the end. The section order is intro-verse-fill-chorus-bridge-v-f-c-b-solo-c-outro.
Chicago members Peter Cetera and Donnie Dacus perform the backing vocals and sing along with Joel during the bridge and in the outro ("Keep it to yourself, it's my life").
Reception Billboard described "My Life" as "an infectious uptempo tune guaranteeing a good mood for the listener". Cash Box said that the "jumpy, upfront beat, keyboards, and acoustic guitar lines back Joel's strong singing" and praised the "musical and lyrical hooks". Record World called it a "Top 40 & adult [oriented rock] natural".
Television theme A recording of this song by Gary Bennett was used as the theme song for the situation comedy TV series, Bosom Buddies.
Music video The music video begins with outdoor shots of New York City, along with Joel and his band walking to a recording studio. The video also features a performance at A&R Recording Studios, which was directed by Steve Cohen.
Personnel Billy Joel – lead and backing vocals, acoustic piano (layered with a Yamaha CP-70 electric grand piano), synthesizers David Brown – electric guitar Russell Javors – acoustic guitar Doug Stegmeyer – bass Liberty DeVitto – drums Richie Cannata – clarinet Peter Cetera – backing vocals Donnie Dacus – backing vocals
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1978–1979)PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report) 6Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM) 2Irish Singles Chart 3Israel (IBA) Search "Billy Joel" for Israeli chart history.1Japan (Oricon) 37Rhodesia (Lyons Maid)Kimberley, C. Zimbabwe: Singles Chart Book. Harare: C. Kimberley, 20001South Africa (RISA) 2UK Airplay (Record Business) 3US Cash Box Top 1003
Year-end charts Chart (1978)PositionCanada Top Singles (RPM) 109 Chart (1979)PositionAustralia (Kent Music Report) 65Brazil (Crowley) 65Canada Top Singles (RPM) 26South Africa (RISA) 10US Billboard Hot 100 28
Certifications
References
External links