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Big Shot
Billy Joel
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- Album
- 52nd Street
- Released
- 1978
- Genres
- soft rock
- Length
- 4:04
- Tempo
- 150 BPM
- Label
- Columbia
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About this song
The song was the second of three top 30 hits from the album 52nd Street. It climbed to number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1979 and also reached the top 40 in New Zealand. Joel has said it was inspired by the idea of Mick Jagger singing to Bianca, and that it was largely written about himself.
What it's about
The song has Joel scolding someone who always feels the need to outdo everyone else. It is in the same blame-filled vein as Captain Jack.
Fun facts
- Sampled in 1 other song, like “Hamilton Mashup ('My Shot' vs. EMINƎM and Beastie Boys) by Drew On The Air”.
- Written by Billy Joel.
- Produced by Phil Ramone.
- Recorded at A&R Studios.