Billy Joel: You're My Home

One of my favorite lyricists is Billy Joel – he really knows how to turn a phrase to his advantage. Consider the bridge of today’s Friday Flipside, “You’re My Home.”

Home can be the Pennsylvania Turnpike
      Indiana's early morning dew
                High up in the hills of California
                            Home is just another word for you.

It is truly brilliant – as is many of his other songs. “You’re My Home” was the “B” side to Joel’s first single, “Piano Man.” The single was released in November 1973 but did not peak at #25 until April 1974.

“You’re My Home” was written as a Valentine’s Day gift for Joel’s then wife, Elizabeth Weber because he could not afford a gift at the time. It’s a great tune; unfortunately, it does not appear that the pedal steel guitarist was credited on the album. Later live versions featured Tom Whitehorse on steel.

Unfortunately, you never hear this song very often. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Lyrics

When you look into my eyes
And you see the crazy gypsy in my soul
It always comes as a surprise
When I feel my withered roots begin to grow
Well I never had a place that I could call my very own
That's all right, my love, 'cause you're my home

When you touch my weary head
And you tell me everything will be all right
You say, "Use my body for your bed
And my love will keep you warm throughout the night"
Well I'll never be a stranger and I'll never be alone
Whenever we're together, that's my home

Home can be the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Indiana's early morning dew
High up in the hills of California
Home is just another word for you

Well I never had a place that I could call my very own
That's all right, my love, 'cause you're my home

If I travel all my life
And I never get to stop and settle down
Long as I have you by my side
There's a roof above and good walls all around
You're my castle; you're my cabin and my instant pleasure dome
I need you in my house 'cause you're my home.
You're my home.

You're my home.