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RSwordsman t1_ir6plcp wrote

Sorry if it has been commented already but I'm a big enough Billy fan to know the story behind the song "Vienna." He was (oddly enough) sitting at a café in Vienna when he noticed an old woman sweeping outside of a storefront, smiling and seeming as happy as can be. He must have gotten to thinking about the struggles she had in life before getting to this point, and evidently it all worked out alright for her. So the message of the song is that everything will eventually be okay.

It is one of his very best songs so I'm glad you have put so much thought into it. :D

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TreatThompson OP t1_ir74hxq wrote

Yeah I read up on the history about the song—you’re spot on!

I believe he said to his dad “isn’t it sad that she has to work that type of job at her age”

His dad replied saying no it’s amazing she’s doing that. She’s doing her part in contributing to the community. It’s giving her meaning and a sense of belonging.

Which got Bill thinking, we really push elderly to the side and expect them to just sit back and not do anything, when it still counts as time on Earth

Thanks for sharing that!! The back story is amazing, and the meaning of the song is amazing! 🙌

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ah-tow-wah t1_ir8fpt2 wrote

I'm also a huge Billy Joel fan and hearing him describe the part where she was contributing to her community at an elevated age literally changed my view on life and how I go about my life.

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