JUST THE WAY YOU ARE (SORRY, BILLY!)

Can’t believe it’s been nearly forty years since Billy Joel composed this song! It’s been one of my all-time favourites ever since I first heard it. And now, with due apologies to the maestro, I’ve tried to give the lyrics a quirky twist by imagining them coming from a couple who’s been married four decades 😉

Don’t go changing, to try and please me
I think it’s a little too late now
Your good points I know, are all too familiar
Although I pick on your bad, and how

I didn’t leave you when you got into trouble
After drinking more than your share
I took the wild times, I’ll take the sulky silence
Left with no choice, I’ll take you the way you are

Don’t go trying some new fashion
Don’t dye or weave your thinning grey hair
You once had my unspoken passion
Now I don’t always really care

I’m beyond clever conversations
Since you never listened to what I said
I just want someone that I can nag and yell at
And sometimes knock over the head

And so I need to know that you will always be
The same old someone whom I’ve come to know
Beer belly, eye bags, lazy and slow
Someone who was handsome, but has let go

We’ve celebrated our fortieth together
The kids have grown up and they’ve flown
My God, how times have passed
And changed, too, as things have shown

I said I’d love you forever and ever
Did I promise? Well, I lied
I think the feeling’s somewhat waned
Although at one point, I tried

So don’t go changing, to try and please me
It’s really a little too late now
So what if you’re an old dog
I know I’m myself a bit of a cow

Now, sit back with a smile and listen to the guy. Some serious talent there, enjoy the song!