In a 1974 performance at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston, Billy mentioned that this song was about “ a bitch.” Written when Billy was 22, this song shows a hint of the honesty that would permeate his songs through the rest of his 40+ year career.
[Verse 1]
Baby all the lights are turned on you
Now you're in the center of the stage
Ev'rything revolves on what you do
Ah, you are in your prime, you've come of age
[Chorus]
You can always have your way somehow
Because everybody loves you now
[Verse 2]
You can walk away from your mistakes
You can turn your back on what you do
Just a little smile is all it takes
And you can have your cake and eat it too
[Chorus]
Loneliness will get to you somehow
But everybody loves you now
[Bridge]
Ah, they all want your white body
And they await your reply
Ah, but between you and me
And the Staten Island ferry
So do I
[Verse 3]
All the people want to know your name
Soon there will be lines outside your door
Feelings do not matter in your game
Because nothing's gonna touch you anymore
[Chorus]
So your life is only living anyhow
And everybody loves you now
[Verse 4]
Close your eyes when you don't want to see
And stay at home when you don't want to go
Only speak to those who will agree
Yeah, and close your mind when you don't want to know
[Chorus]
You have lost your innocence somehow
But everybody loves you now
[Bridge]
Ah, you know that nothing lasts forever
And it's all been done before
Ah, but you ain't got the time
To go to Cold Spring Harbor
No more
[Verse 5]
See how all the people gather around
Hey, isn't it a thrill to see them crawl
Keep your eyes ahead and don't look down
Yeah, and lock yourself inside your sacred wall
[Chorus]
This is what you wanted, ain't you proud
Because everybody loves you now
Everybody Loves You Now was written by Billy Joel.
Everybody Loves You Now was produced by Artie Ripp.
Billy Joel released Everybody Loves You Now on Mon Nov 01 1971.