Turn the Lights Back On: A Powerful Collaboration 30 Years in the Making

🔑The song 'Turn the Lights Back On' is a collaboration between Billy Joel and producer Freddy Wexler, who wanted to help Billy write new music after 30 years.

💡The lyrics of the song reflect on past relationships and personal growth, with powerful lines such as 'I forgot somehow, and time can make you blind.'

🎶The song is in the key of C and features a unique time signature of 6/8, giving it a hymn-like feel and reminiscent of Billy Joel's signature style.

🌅The line 'Turn the Lights Back On' is a metaphor for wanting to restart something that has been stagnant or lost, both in relationships and Billy Joel's music career.

❓The song leaves the question open-ended: 'Did I wait too long to turn the lights back on?' This reflects Billy Joel's uncertainty about his comeback and the fear of not being able to regain his former success.

Who is Freddie Wexler and how did he collaborate with Billy Joel?

—Freddy Wexler is a producer and composer who became friends with Billy Joel's doctor. He wanted to help Billy write new music and arranged a meeting between them. They spent a year and a half getting to know each other and collaborating on new songs, including 'Turn the Lights Back On'.

What is the meaning behind the lyrics of 'Turn the Lights Back On'?

—The lyrics reflect on past relationships and personal growth. Billy Joel sings about forgetting important things, feeling blind to certain aspects of life, and questioning if it's too late to make a change. The line 'Turn the Lights Back On' symbolizes a desire to restart something that has been stagnant or lost.

What is the musical style and key of 'Turn the Lights Back On'?

—The song is in the key of C and features a unique time signature of 6/8, giving it a hymn-like feel. It showcases Billy Joel's signature style of storytelling through emotional lyrics and a memorable melody.

Why did Billy Joel take a 30-year break from releasing new music?

—After his last official music release, Billy Joel focused on performing his existing catalog of songs and doing live concerts. He may have also faced personal challenges and creative blocks that deterred him from making new music. The song 'Turn the Lights Back On' marks his return after a long hiatus.

What does the open-ended question in the lyrics mean?

—The question 'Did I wait too long to turn the lights back on?' reflects Billy Joel's uncertainty about his comeback and the fear of not being able to regain his former success. It also invites listeners to reflect on their own missed opportunities and the possibility of making a fresh start.

00:00Billy Joel collaborates with producer Freddy Wexler after 30 years to release 'Turn the Lights Back On.'

06:48The song features a unique time signature of 6/8 and a beautiful melody reminiscent of Billy Joel's style.

09:01The lyrics reflect on past relationships and personal growth, with powerful lines like 'I forgot somehow, and time can make you blind.'

09:59The line 'Turn the Lights Back On' symbolizes a desire to restart something that has been stagnant or lost.

13:31The song leaves an open-ended question: 'Did I wait too long to turn the lights back on?'