Billy Joel - Vienna Lyrics | SongMeanings

Home Messages Artists Add Lyrics

Recent Activity

No recent activity

Following

Billy Joel

Vienna 98 Meanings Add Yours Follow Share Q&A Video

Vienna Lyrics

Edit Lyrics Slow down, you crazy child You're so ambitious for a juvenile But then if you're so smart, then tell me Why are you still so afraid? Where's the fire, what's the hurry about? You'd better cool it off before you burn it out You've got so much to do And only so many hours in a day But you know that when the truth is toldThat you can get what you want or you can just get old You're gonna kick off before you even Get halfway through When will you realize, Vienna waits for youSlow down, you're doing fine You can't be everything you wanna be Before your time Although it's so romantic on the borderline tonight Tonight,Too bad but it's the life you lead You're so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need Though you can see when you're wrong, you know You can't always see when you're right. you're right You've got your passion, you've got your pride But don't you know that only fools are satisfied? Dream on, but don't imagine they'll all come true When will you realize, Vienna waits for you? Slow down, you crazy child And take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while It's all right, you can afford to lose a day or two When will you realize, Vienna waits for you? And you know that when the truth is told That you can get what you want or you can just get old You're gonna kick off before you even get half through Why don't you realize, Vienna waits for you When will you realize, Vienna waits for you? New! Log in to start a snippet Song Info Copyright Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group Writer Billy Joel Duration 3:34 Submitted by fletch699 On Apr 16, 2002 More Billy Joel Piano Man We Didn't Start the Fire Captain Jack She's Always A Woman Only The Good Die Young Slow down, you crazy child You're so ambitious for a juvenile But then if you're so smart, then tell me Why are you still so afraid? Where's the fire, what's the hurry about? You'd better cool it off before you burn it out You've got so much to do And only so many hours in a day But you know that when the truth is told That you can get what you want or you can just get old You're gonna kick off before you even Get halfway through When will you realize, Vienna waits for you Slow down, you're doing fine You can't be everything you wanna be Before your time Although it's so romantic on the borderline tonight Tonight, Too bad but it's the life you lead You're so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need Though you can see when you're wrong, you know You can't always see when you're right. you're right You've got your passion, you've got your pride But don't you know that only fools are satisfied? Dream on, but don't imagine they'll all come true When will you realize, Vienna waits for you? Slow down, you crazy child And take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while It's all right, you can afford to lose a day or two When will you realize, Vienna waits for you? And you know that when the truth is told That you can get what you want or you can just get old You're gonna kick off before you even get half through Why don't you realize, Vienna waits for you When will you realize, Vienna waits for you? Correcting wrong lyrics Fixing missing lines Removing extra lines Updating to official version Switching between clean/explicit (official) Fixing line breaks or spacing Correcting stanza/section order Removing unofficial annotations or brackets Correcting punctuation or capitalization Fixing spelling/typo errors Removing non-lyric content Standardizing formatting Other (explain below) Lyrics saved successfully! Thanks! These lyrics are currently locked and can only be edited by moderators and administrators. You must be logged in to edit lyrics. Unable to save lyrics. Please try again. Lyrics cannot contain links. Lyric edit submitted successfully and is pending approval. Approvals usually take 24 hours. Edit Cancel Editing Tips Keep it true to the song

Fix what’s wrong, but don’t rewrite what the artist wrote. Stick to the official released version — album booklet, label site, verified lyric video, etc. If you’re guessing, pause and double-check.

Respect the structure

Songs have rhythm. Pages do too. Leave line breaks where they belong. Don’t smash things together or add extra empty space just for looks.

Punctuation counts (but vibe-editing doesn’t)

Correct typos? Yes. Re-punctuating a whole verse because it ‘looks better’? Probably not. Keep capitalization and punctuation close to the official source.

Don’t mix versions

If you’re editing the explicit version, keep it explicit. If it’s the clean version, keep it clean. No mashups.

Let the lyrics be lyrics

This isn’t the place for interpretations, memories, stories, or trivia — that’s what comments are for. Keep metadata, translations, and bracketed stage directions out unless they’re officially part of the song.

Edit lightly

If two lines are wrong… fix the two lines. No need to bulldoze the whole page. Think ‘surgical,’ not ‘remix.’

When in doubt, ask the crowd

Not sure what they’re singing in that fuzzy bridge? Drop a question in the comments and let the music nerds swarm. Someone always knows.

Revision History JonasK 2014-02-26 14:13:31 fletch699 Submitter 2002-04-16 01:50:41 98 Meanings

Add your song meanings, interpretations, facts, memories & more to the community.

Add your thoughts... Sort by Highest Rated Most Recent Oldest First All Comment Types General Comment (85) Memory (2) My Interpretation (4) Song Meaning (3) My Opinion (3) Song Comparison (1) All

Comment Reposted to your Profile Page.

View Profile Dismiss by Ashley765 20y ago

This is such a deep and beautiful song, I can listen to it over and over again.

The narrator is talking about a young person who still sees life as an adventure and is rushing out in the world, but doesn't take time to enjoy life to its fullest, while that is really the most essential thing. I think lots of people can relate to it. If you take one step at a time, you will get where you want as well; just don't rush in case you miss out on something. This person hasn't realized that yet.

Life is not a destination, it's a journey.

This is such a deep and beautiful song, I can listen to it over and over again. The narrator is talking about a young person who still sees life as an adventure and is rushing out in the world, but doesn't take time to enjoy life to its fullest, while that is really the most essential thing. I think lots of people can relate to it. If you take one step at a time, you will get where you want as well; just don't rush in case you miss out on something. This person hasn't realized that yet. Life is not a destination, it's a journey. Reason: Edit Cancel ❤️ 💯 😂 🔥 😢 🤯 ❗ 🤔 +7 Users: Reply · 1 Share by lovesvienna 16y ago

that makes so much sense, lifes not a destination its a journey.....

that makes so much sense, lifes not a destination its a journey.....

I love it!

I love it!

that makes so much sense, lifes not a destination its a journey..... I love it! Reason: Edit Cancel by Sioux 18y ago

This song means alot to me personally, as it does to many.

A year ago I found myself crying listening to this as I realized I was yet another child he was saying this too. Since than I've slowed down and take life one day at a time, enjoying it as much as I can. To my horror, I am now 19 and missed out on my child hood but I'll be damned if I miss my 20s.

I love this song.

This song means alot to me personally, as it does to many. A year ago I found myself crying listening to this as I realized I was yet another child he was saying this too. Since than I've slowed down and take life one day at a time, enjoying it as much as I can. To my horror, I am now 19 and missed out on my child hood but I'll be damned if I miss my 20s. I love this song. Reason: Edit Cancel ❤️ 💯 😂 🔥 😢 🤯 ❗ 🤔 +5 Users: Reply · 2 Share by robdebob 12y ago

Holy shit. When I read this, I immediately burst into tears. That is the story of my life.

Holy shit. When I read this, I immediately burst into tears. That is the story of my life.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Holy shit. When I read this, I immediately burst into tears. That is the story of my life. Thank you. Reason: Edit Cancel by supermenz 8y ago

@Sioux I've been using this website for years but I was compelled to make an account just to talk with you. I'm 19 now while I'm reading this and your comment resonated with me. It's crazy to think that you were 19 when you wrote this comment but looking at the time stamp saying 2007, it feels as if we've gone through a wormhole and now you're 29. You said you'd be damned if you missed your 20s. How was it? Did you get what you wanted? I'm in the same position as you and I would be curious to hear...

@Sioux I've been using this website for years but I was compelled to make an account just to talk with you. I'm 19 now while I'm reading this and your comment resonated with me. It's crazy to think that you were 19 when you wrote this comment but looking at the time stamp saying 2007, it feels as if we've gone through a wormhole and now you're 29. You said you'd be damned if you missed your 20s. How was it? Did you get what you wanted? I'm in the same position as you and I would be curious to hear how your mindset shift worked out in your situation:)

Read more... @[Sioux:23300] I've been using this website for years but I was compelled to make an account just to talk with you. I'm 19 now while I'm reading this and your comment resonated with me. It's crazy to think that you were 19 when you wrote this comment but looking at the time stamp saying 2007, it feels as if we've gone through a wormhole and now you're 29. You said you'd be damned if you missed your 20s. How was it? Did you get what you wanted? I'm in the same position as you and I would be curious to hear how your mindset shift worked out in your situation:) Reason: Edit Cancel by thegirlin14g 18y ago

I love this song. I've always had a place in my heart for it, but this past year was my freshman year at college, and especially my first semester I started changing myself - to impress a boy, to impress the upperclassmen - changing myself to what I thought would help me get what I want. I was upset and alone in my dorm one day and this song came on the playlist and I cried and cried.

To me, this song is about a child who wants so much, and is rushing and trying to change everything to get everything she wants. She has big dreams, and she wants them all realzed now. The narrorator is reminding her that she can't make these things happen.. her dreams, her Vienna, waits for her.

It may sound silly but this song has leveled me out on many occasions when I probably was about to do something stupid. Or even whenever I'm frustrated with living in a small town or not being able or old enough to do something - it reminds me that I'm 19 and that I have a lot of time to get to my Vienna.

I love this song. I've always had a place in my heart for it, but this past year was my freshman year at college, and especially my first semester I started changing myself - to impress a boy, to impress the upperclassmen - changing myself to what I thought would help me get what I want. I was upset and alone in my dorm one day and this song came on the playlist and I cried and cried. To me, this song is about a child who wants so much, and is rushing and trying to change everything to get everything she wants. She has big dreams, and she wants them all realzed now. The narrorator is reminding her that she can't make these things happen.. her dreams, her Vienna, waits for her. It may sound silly but this song has leveled me out on many occasions when I probably was about to do something stupid. Or even whenever I'm frustrated with living in a small town or not being able or old enough to do something - it reminds me that I'm 19 and that I have a lot of time to get to my Vienna. Reason: Edit Cancel ❤️ 💯 😂 🔥 😢 🤯 ❗ 🤔 +5 Users: Reply · 2 Share by cdrcodi 7y ago

@thegirlin14g I know this comment is like 10 years old but thank you for posting this, I’m in the exact same boat as you (lonely college freshman with no direction trying too hard to impress a boy who isn’t worth it). I definitely just had a very cathartic cry while listening to the song after reading your comment. I hope you’re doing well

@thegirlin14g I know this comment is like 10 years old but thank you for posting this, I’m in the exact same boat as you (lonely college freshman with no direction trying too hard to impress a boy who isn’t worth it). I definitely just had a very cathartic cry while listening to the song after reading your comment. I hope you’re doing well

@[thegirlin14g:29403] I know this comment is like 10 years old but thank you for posting this, I’m in the exact same boat as you (lonely college freshman with no direction trying too hard to impress a boy who isn’t worth it). I definitely just had a very cathartic cry while listening to the song after reading your comment. I hope you’re doing well Reason: Edit Cancel by child of10 4y ago

@thegirlin14g

@thegirlin14g

Hey, I was so ready to cry when I saw when you wrote this comment! For I am 19 too but in 2022 and when reading your comment I felt it completely! I wonder if you will ever read my answer and if you already found your Vienna? I am still to wait for my Vienna. I wish you all love and blessings from above, Johanna

Hey, I was so ready to cry when I saw when you wrote this comment! For I am 19 too but in 2022 and when reading your comment I felt it completely! I wonder if you will ever read my answer and if you already found your Vienna? I am still to wait for my Vienna. I wish you all love and blessings from above, Johanna

@[thegirlin14g:43664] Hey, I was so ready to cry when I saw when you wrote this comment! For I am 19 too but in 2022 and when reading your comment I felt it completely! I wonder if you will ever read my answer and if you already found your Vienna? I am still to wait for my Vienna. I wish you all love and blessings from above, Johanna Reason: Edit Cancel by tjthedjdrummer 14y ago

For me the song is about making sure you achieve your dreams but not to worry if something doesn't go to plan. Life will never turn out the way you expect it and therefore you just gotta go at it. So enjoy while your young and remember that adulthood will still be there waiting for you and you won't miss out.

My Opinion For me the song is about making sure you achieve your dreams but not to worry if something doesn't go to plan. Life will never turn out the way you expect it and therefore you just gotta go at it. So enjoy while your young and remember that adulthood will still be there waiting for you and you won't miss out. Reason: Edit Cancel ❤️ 💯 😂 🔥 😢 🤯 ❗ 🤔 +4 Users: Reply · 0 Share by cupcake12 13y ago

I love this song, every time I hear it it reminds me of myself. I'm in college pre-dental & I want so badly to take all the classes I can and finish as soon as possible... that sometimes I have sleepless nights but I never slow down. When I hear this I just think to myself slow down school is not going anywhere, just take your time... :-) idk lol i'm such a dork lol

My Interpretation I love this song, every time I hear it it reminds me of myself. I'm in college pre-dental & I want so badly to take all the classes I can and finish as soon as possible... that sometimes I have sleepless nights but I never slow down. When I hear this I just think to myself slow down school is not going anywhere, just take your time... :-) idk lol i'm such a dork lol Reason: Edit Cancel ❤️ 💯 😂 🔥 😢 🤯 ❗ 🤔 +4 Users: Reply · 0 Share by LittleBriddie 23y ago

I love this song. I can't believe nobody has posted on this one yet. I heard it for the first time on a rerun of Taxi when I was probably 10 years old. I searched all over the Internet last year until I found it, and then I bought The Stranger album. Anyway, to me, this song is pretty self-explanatory. The narrator is just telling this "crazy child" to enjoy life more. Maybe he's a college student who is freaking out about having to go into the real world soon ("if you're so smart tell me why are you still so afraid?"). He's telling the kid to calm down because there is plenty of time to get life in order. He's encouraging him to keep looking forward to the future ("dream on/But don't imagine they'll all come true") without committing himself to it yet ("you can't be everything you want to be before your time"). Vienna symbolizes some kind of future happiness. It isn't going to pass him by because "Vienna waits for you". This is a really hopeful song. The overall message reminds me of John Lennon's "Instant Karma" - "we all shine on/like the moon and the stars and the sun." Basically, everything is going to be alright.

I love this song. I can't believe nobody has posted on this one yet. I heard it for the first time on a rerun of Taxi when I was probably 10 years old. I searched all over the Internet last year until I found it, and then I bought The Stranger album. Anyway, to me, this song is pretty self-explanatory. The narrator is just telling this "crazy child" to enjoy life more. Maybe he's a college student who is freaking out about having to go into the real world soon ("if you're so smart tell me why are you still so afraid?"). He's telling the kid to calm down because there is plenty of time to get life in order. He's encouraging him to keep looking forward to the future ("dream on/But don't imagine they'll all come true") without committing himself to it yet ("you can't be everything you want to be before your time"). Vienna symbolizes some kind of future happiness. It isn't going to pass him by because "Vienna waits for you". This is a really hopeful song. The overall message reminds me of John Lennon's "Instant Karma" - "we all shine on/like the moon and the stars and the sun." Basically, everything is going to be alright. Reason: Edit Cancel ❤️ 💯 😂 🔥 😢 🤯 ❗ 🤔 +3 Users: Reply · 1 Share by wayla1234 17y ago

I heard this song off of a movie too! I was watching 13 going on 30, when I heard it. I love it. I, like you, searched the internet until I found it!!

I heard this song off of a movie too! I was watching 13 going on 30, when I heard it. I love it. I, like you, searched the internet until I found it!!

I heard this song off of a movie too! I was watching 13 going on 30, when I heard it. I love it. I, like you, searched the internet until I found it!! Reason: Edit Cancel by lyss222 21y ago

i read somewhere that billy wrote this song while visiting vienna, after watching an elderly woman proudly sweeping the sidewalk in front of her home. apparently he was inspired by how much old age and wisdom were appreciated there. i think "vienna waits for you" is saying don't be in such a hurry to move life along. everything, including your "vienna," will come in due time.

i read somewhere that billy wrote this song while visiting vienna, after watching an elderly woman proudly sweeping the sidewalk in front of her home. apparently he was inspired by how much old age and wisdom were appreciated there. i think "vienna waits for you" is saying don't be in such a hurry to move life along. everything, including *your* "vienna," will come in due time. Reason: Edit Cancel ❤️ 💯 😂 🔥 😢 🤯 ❗ 🤔 +3 Users: Reply · 1 Share by blah52 15y ago

Yes that is true. Billy explained it on a live album

Yes that is true. Billy explained it on a live album

Yes that is true. Billy explained it on a live album Reason: Edit Cancel by Sinani201 16y ago

"Vienna" is a metaphor for the rest of your life. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna_(Billy_Joel_song)

Song Meaning "Vienna" is a metaphor for the rest of your life. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna_(Billy_Joel_song) Reason: Edit Cancel ❤️ 💯 😂 🔥 😢 🤯 ❗ 🤔 +3 Users: Reply · 0 Share by benjyedwards 21y ago

I just rediscovered this song. Used to listen to the Stranger all the time in high school. I always presumed Billy was lecturing himself in this song.

I just rediscovered this song. Used to listen to the Stranger all the time in high school. I always presumed Billy was lecturing himself in this song. Reason: Edit Cancel ❤️ 💯 😂 🔥 😢 🤯 ❗ 🤔 +2 Users: Reply · 0 Share by dmhale 17y ago

Billy Joel talked about this one on storytellers, his father, whom he didn't met until he was an adult, was living in vienna. When Billy went ot visit him, he saw an old woman sweeping the street, and thought that was horrible. His father said he was wrong, the old ladies life stilled served a purpose, she had something to contribute to the community, not put out pasture. It was a revelation for Billy, that he didn't have to do it all while he was still young, he could slow down and enjoy things a little. The Musical style is influenced by the score of "The Third Man", a fine Orson Welles film. The Crazy child juvenile is Billy Joel.

Billy Joel talked about this one on storytellers, his father, whom he didn't met until he was an adult, was living in vienna. When Billy went ot visit him, he saw an old woman sweeping the street, and thought that was horrible. His father said he was wrong, the old ladies life stilled served a purpose, she had something to contribute to the community, not put out pasture. It was a revelation for Billy, that he didn't have to do it all while he was still young, he could slow down and enjoy things a little. The Musical style is influenced by the score of "The Third Man", a fine Orson Welles film. The Crazy child juvenile is Billy Joel. Reason: Edit Cancel ❤️ 💯 😂 🔥 😢 🤯 ❗ 🤔 +2 Users: Reply · 0 Share 123...910Next »

• B
• Billy Joel
• Vienna

Video alert close