Billy Joel Discusses Fan Theory That “Piano Man” Takes Place in a Gay Bar

Billy Joel has recently discovered the fan theory that his defining song “Piano Man” is about a clueless straight man performing in a gay bar (We covered that theory extensively, but it’s not known if Joel saw our coverage). Either way, he’s now privy to it, and he shared that he actually understands why fans came up with the theory.

Speaking with Today recently, Joel admitted that the theory makes quite a bit of sense. “There’s this new theory out there now that it’s actually about a gay bar,” he began. “I [thought], ‘Oh I see how that could be.’ Paul’s talking to Davy who’s in the navy; he doesn’t have time for a wife.”

While Billy Joel admitted that Paul the real estate novelist doesn’t have time for a wife because he’s too busy writing the next Great American Novel, he gave the theory some love as well.

“It’s a whole theory – it’s very funny, actually!” he said. He also joked that the song is pretty long, and when he performs it live he follows the lyrics from the audience. “I’ve watched people in the crowd,” he said, adding, “They know the lyrics so I’m following them! When the audience takes it over, I like that. I get to take a little break!”

[RELATED: 3 Eternal Billy Joel Songs that Will Have You Singing into the Night]

So What’s Behind This Theory? Explaining How Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” Could Take Place in a Gay Bar

The theory originated in an old Tumblr post, but was posted to a Reddit thread around 2021. It posits that the line “Man, what are you doing here?” is an indicator that the naïve and hopelessly straight piano man is somewhere he usually wouldn’t be, i.e. in a gay bar. The inclusion of characters with wild life stories and ambiguous details further build out the theory.

In reality, the bar patrons probably just think the piano man is too good to be simply playing in a drinking establishment. He should be selling out Madison Square Garden for the 100th time, in their opinion. They cajole him, “put bread in my jar,” and express disbelief that he’s performing for them.

While it’s fun to know that Billy Joel is aware of the fan theory, it’s even more fun to know that he thinks somewhat highly of it. The fact that he considers it “very funny” is a point scored for fans.

Featured Image by Jaime Schultz/Shutterstock