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1979 single by Billy Joel From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Big Shot" is a song performed by Billy Joel from his 1978 album 52nd Street as its opening track, released as a single in early 1979. The song would become the second hit single from the album, peaking at #14 in the United States.
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (June 2020) |
| "Big Shot" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Artwork for Dutch vinyl single | ||||
| Single by Billy Joel | ||||
| from the album 52nd Street | ||||
| B-side | "Root Beer Rag", "Half a Mile Away" | |||
| Released | January 1979 | |||
| Recorded | A & R Recording, Inc., New York City, 1978 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 4:03 (Album version) 3:43 (Single version) | |||
| Label | Columbia | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Billy Joel | |||
| Producer(s) | Phil Ramone | |||
| Billy Joel singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
The song is superficially about the protagonist mocking a woman with a severe hangover for her intoxicated escapades around town, making numerous social and verbal faux pas while high on alcohol and drugs ("But now you just don't remember all the things you said / And you're not sure you want to know / I'll give you one hint, honey; you sure did put on a show!"). The song makes reference to late 1970s nouveau riche fads such as Elaine's restaurant and Halston.
During a Q&A session at Florida State University in 1996, Joel stated the song is about someone he was very close to, and also about himself.[1] In an interview in 2006, Joel said, "I read that the song 'Big Shot' is said to be about a date I had with Bianca Jagger. I never had a date with Bianca Jagger."[2] But in an interview with Howard Stern on November 16, 2010, Joel said the song was written after having dinner with Mick and Bianca Jagger. Joel told Stern that while writing the lyrics to "Big Shot," he was thinking of Mick singing the song to Bianca.[3] In the official music video, Joel does appear to be mimicking Mick Jagger during the second verse.
Billboard described "Big Shot" as "an upbeat rocker" with "very contemporary lyrical content," stating that it was driven by "powerfully rhythmic backing."[4] Cash Box said it is "tough-edged and sassy" with "a dramatic arrangement of guitars, piano, horns and drums," a "rich" lyric and "catchy" vocals.[5] Record World said that "Joel's fine sense of sarcasm and his finesse as a story-teller are perfectly blended."[6]
Walter Everett characterized the song's live performances as "swaggering bravado," epitomized by Joel's stage presence through "stage-crossing, piano-hopping, chest-thumping performances."[7]
The single release of the song had an abridged outro compared to the album version.[citation needed]
Live versions were released on the albums Kontsert, 2000 Years: The Millennium Concert, 12 Gardens Live, and My Lives.
The song was made available to download on December 14, 2010 for use in the Rock Band 3 music gaming platform in both Basic rhythm, and PRO mode which allows the use of a real guitar / bass guitar, and MIDI compatible electronic drum kits / keyboards in addition to vocals.[citation needed]
| Chart (1979) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Kent Music Report)[8] | 91 |
| Canadian Singles Chart[9] | 13 |
| New Zealand Singles Chart | 36 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100[10] | 14 |
| U.S. Cash Box Top 100 | 13 |
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA)[11] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
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