Not every songwriter seeks the fame that comes with being a star. For many, it’s all about honing their craft until they create the next unforgettable anthem. Billy Joel, the legendary Piano Man, originally began recording his music because no one else would sing his songs.
Yet, even after reaching fame, he admitted he wasn’t always flawless—especially when it came to singing in French on the song “C’était Toi (You Were The One).”
From Struggling Songwriter to Superstar
Before becoming the icon we know today, Joel’s future was anything but certain. Despite the success of “Piano Man,” the follow-up albums Streetlife Serenade and Turnstiles left him on the verge of being a one-hit wonder, potentially banishing him to the same realm as other keyboard geniuses like Leon Russell and Randy Newman—respected, but far from mainstream.
Then came The Stranger, a turning point. With tracks like “Just the Way You Are” and “Only the Good Die Young,” Joel proved he wasn’t just another guy with a piano—he was a masterful songwriter with mainstream appeal. Yet, even with his chart-topping success, Joel was never the typical rock star.
He was a relatable, regular guy, more interested in crafting perfect melodies than embodying the rebellious image of rock ‘n’ roll.
A New Sound, A New Stumble
By the time Glass Houses came around, Joel was ready to push boundaries. After experimenting with jazz influences on 52nd Street, his next album saw him flirt with the new wave sound of the 1980s.
He embraced the change, donning a leather jacket for “It’s Still Rock and Roll To Me,” a rebellious anthem with a fresh edge. However, while Glass Houses had its hits, his attempt to sing in French on “C’était Toi (You Were The One)” proved to be a bit of a misstep.
Joel’s inspiration wasn’t far-fetched. After all, Paul McCartney had nailed the suave vibe of a French-infused English pop song with “Michelle.” But where McCartney succeeded, Joel stumbled. His delivery felt awkward, like someone relying on Google Translate without bothering to capture the nuances of the language.
Lost in Translation—Literally
Joel’s French experiment backfired even more when he performed the song in France.
“The worst thing you can do to the French is massacre their language,” he later admitted.
After the show, when he asked the promoter what went wrong, the response was brutal:
“They thought you were singing in Polish.” Joel’s reaction? “This song really sucks.”
The experience was a humbling one. While Joel was known for his gift with melodies, lyrics were often a challenge for him. He could craft compelling narratives in songs like “Movin’ Out” and “Vienna,” but he never enjoyed writing lyrics. It’s no wonder that after C’était Toi, Joel didn’t venture into singing in foreign languages again.
The Piano Man’s Strengths—and Weaknesses
Despite his misstep with “C’était Toi,” Joel’s passion and musical talent always shone through. His ability to create lasting melodies far outweighed any linguistic blunders. And while We Didn’t Start the Fire might keep a monotonous note, his music’s emotional depth continues to resonate with listeners around the world.
Even when Billy Joel fumbled, he remained the Piano Man, a master of his craft—just not in French.
