Zanzibar is a song from Joel’s ‘'52nd Street’‘ album, and most characterizes the jazz direction Joel wanted to take after releasing the pop smash ’‘The Stranger’‘ a year earlier.
The song lyrically refers to a fictional sports bar where a guy is attempting to score with a waitress.
The song includ...
[Verse 1]
Ali dances and the audience applauds
Though he's bathed in sweat, he hasn't lost his style
Ali, don't you go downtown
You gave away another round for free, woah
[Pre-Chorus 1]
Me, I'm just another face at Zanzibar
But the waitress always serves a secret smile, woah
She's waiting out in Shantytown
She's gonna pull the curtains down for me
For me
[Chorus]
I've got the old man's car
I've got a jazz guitar
I've got a tab at Zanzibar
Tonight, that's where I'll be
I'll be
[Verse 2]
Rose, he knows he's such a credit to the game
But the Yankees grab the headlines every time
Melodrama's so much fun
In black and white for everyone to see, woah
[Pre-Chorus 2]
Me, I'm trying just to get to second base
And I'd steal it if she only gave the sign, woah
She's gonna give the go ahead
The inning isn't over yet for me
For me
[Chorus]
I've got the old man's car
I've got a jazz guitar
I've got a tab at Zanzibar
Tonight, that's where I'll be, I'll be
[Instrumental]
[Pre-Chorus 1]
Tell the waitress I'll come back to Zanzibar
I'll be hiding in the darkness with my beer, woah
She's waiting out in Shantytown
She's gonna pull the curtains down for me
For me
[Chorus]
I've got the old man's car
I've got a jazz guitar
I've got a tab at Zanzibar
Tonight, that's where I'll be, I'll be
[Instrumental Outro]
Zanzibar was written by Billy Joel.
Zanzibar was produced by Phil Ramone.
Billy Joel released Zanzibar on Fri Oct 13 1978.