Billy Joel

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Ali dances and the audience applauds
Though he's bathed in sweat, he hasn't lost his style
Ali, don't you go downtown
You gave away another round for free, woah

[Pre-Chorus 1]
Me, I'm just another face at Zanzibar
But the waitress always serves a secret smile, woah
She's waiting out in Shantytown
She's gonna pull the curtains down for me
For me

[Chorus]
I've got the old man's car
I've got a jazz guitar
I've got a tab at Zanzibar
Tonight, that's where I'll be
I'll be

[Verse 2]
Rose, he knows he's such a credit to the game
But the Yankees grab the headlines every time
Melodrama's so much fun
In black and white for everyone to see, woah
[Pre-Chorus 2]
Me, I'm trying just to get to second base
And I'd steal it if she only gave the sign, woah
She's gonna give the go ahead
The inning isn't over yet for me
For me

[Chorus]
I've got the old man's car
I've got a jazz guitar
I've got a tab at Zanzibar
Tonight, that's where I'll be, I'll be

[Instrumental]

[Pre-Chorus 1]
Tell the waitress I'll come back to Zanzibar
I'll be hiding in the darkness with my beer, woah
She's waiting out in Shantytown
She's gonna pull the curtains down for me
For me

[Chorus]
I've got the old man's car
I've got a jazz guitar
I've got a tab at Zanzibar
Tonight, that's where I'll be, I'll be
[Instrumental Outro]

Are you ready to dive into the world of Billy Joel's music? Well, get ready to be transported to the jazz-infused realms of his song, "Zanzibar," which featured on his acclaimed album '52nd Street'. Known for its fusion of pop and jazz, this track marked a departure from his previous chart-topping hit, "The Stranger." Set in a fictional sports bar, the lyrics take us on a journey as the protagonist tries to win over the heart of a waitress. But what makes this song truly stand out are the exquisite jazz elements, including a lively walking bass line and a captivating trumpet solo by none other than Freddie Hubbard. Billy Joel's creative process for "Zanzibar" showcases his ability to turn a simple idea into a work of art. Let's explore the depths of this song and discover what makes it a true gem in Joel's discography.

About Zanzibar

"Zanzibar" was born out of Billy Joel's desire to explore the jazz landscape after the massive success of "The Stranger". Released in 1978 as part of his '52nd Street' album, this track perfectly encapsulates Joel's vision of infusing pop music with the soulful sounds of jazz. The song tells the story of a man's pursuit of a romantic connection with a waitress in a fictitious sports bar called Zanzibar.

What sets "Zanzibar" apart is the seamless integration of jazz elements into its musical composition. The bridge of the song stands out with its brisk walking bass line, showcasing an intricate rhythm that provides a solid foundation for the entire track. This element alone combines the complexity of jazz with the catchy melodies that Billy Joel is renowned for.

One of the highlights of "Zanzibar" is the soul-stirring trumpet solo performed by the legendary Freddie Hubbard. Joel's decision to include Hubbard in this track was a stroke of genius, as Hubbard's masterful playing elevates the song to new heights. The trumpet solo adds a layer of emotion and authenticity to the piece, accentuating the jazzy essence Joel aimed to achieve.

Ever wondered how "Zanzibar" got its name? In an interview on his SiriusXM channel in 2016, Billy Joel revealed the origin of the title. Originally, Joel wanted to create a jazzy song with the title "Zanzibar," but he struggled to find the right lyrics to accompany it. It was producer Phil Ramone who ingeniously suggested that Zanzibar could be the name of a bar. Joel instantly embraced the idea, realizing that it perfectly complemented the mood and atmosphere of the track.

"Zanzibar" exemplifies Billy Joel's ability to tap into diverse musical genres and create something wholly unique. It showcases his passion for jazz and his knack for crafting compelling narratives. This song stands as a testament to Joel's versatility as an artist and his desire to push boundaries.

So, the next time you find yourself craving a fusion of pop and jazz, let yourself be swept away by the alluring rhythms of "Zanzibar". Whether you're captivated by the lively bassline, enthralled by Freddie Hubbard's trumpet solo, or drawn into the fictional world of the sports bar, this song will leave an indelible mark on your musical journey. Billy Joel's "Zanzibar" is a testament to the timeless power of storytelling set against a backdrop of soul-stirring jazz.

• Release Date: October 13, 1978
• Artist: Billy Joel