I never truly fell in love with music for the first 12 years of my life. That all changed the first time I listened to Billie Joel. Specifically, ‘scenes from an Italian restaurant’. It is not just a song; it’s a story and a memory all in one. Released in 1977, this song has become one of Joel’s best works. But what is it that makes it so special?

The song has a unique structure set in three acts, the song begins with a slow jazzy introduction, which sets the scene. An Italian restaurant, a metaphorical space in your heart for looking back and remembering.

The song tells a story of Brenda and Eddie, ‘popular steadies’ from high school who fell out of touch after divorce and heartbreak. They meet again ‘face to face’ at an Italian restaurant, stirring up memories that feel so foreign to them. From the melody’s operatic nature to the sensual lyrics, it truly feels like you are there experiencing this interaction.

Beyond the specific storyline, through this song Billie Joel explores universally human themes: the joy love brings us, the pain of lost dreams, and bittersweet memories.

Through Joel’s seamless blend of different music styles through the slow jazz intro that morphs into progressive rock, to his narrative melodies, and realistic depiction of life, his music really is a cultural touchstone. No one has come close to replicating his music style. That is what makes it truly special.

So, what is Scenes from an Italian Restaurant really about? It’s about change, the people we were, the paths taken and the memories that have shaped us.

‘I'll meet you anytime you want In our Italian Restaurant’