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You May Be Right - BILLY JOEL
"You May Be Right," the high-energy opener from Billy Joel’s 1980 album Glass Houses, is a rollicking rock anthem that showcases his transition from piano ballads to a grittier, guitar-driven sound. Written by Joel and produced by Phil Ramone, the song’s lyrics playfully confront a lover’s warnings about his reckless lifestyle—“You may be right, I may be crazy”—delivered with Joel’s signature wit and a saxophone solo by Richie Cannata that adds a punchy, New Wave edge.
Inspired by Joel’s admiration for punk and new wave acts like Elvis Costello, it marked a deliberate shift from the soft rock of The Stranger, blending aggressive rhythms with his melodic prowess. As a defiant declaration of independence, "You May Be Right" has endured as a concert staple, its infectious energy and relatable themes of self-acknowledgment making it a fan favorite in Joel’s extensive catalog.
On the Billboard charts, "You May Be Right" was a significant hit, peaking at Number 7 on the Hot 100 on May 3, 1980, and spending 13 weeks on the chart. As the lead single from Glass Houses, which topped the Billboard 200 for six weeks, the song helped solidify Joel’s commercial dominance in the early 1980s. It also reached #6 in Canada but failed to chart in the UK, contrasting with his broader international success.
Compared to Joel’s other top-10 entries like "It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me" (Number 1) or "My Life" (Number 3), "You May Be Right" stood out for its rockier vibe, earning gold certification and contributing to the album’s multi-platinum status, as it captured the era’s blend of pop accessibility and edgier influences. Billy Joel’s performance of "You May Be Right" during his historic Live at Shea Stadium concerts on July 16 and 18, 2008, captured on the 2011 CD/DVD release, was a fiery setlist inclusion that energized the New York crowd.
Featured mid-show, Joel delivered the song with vigorous piano work and robust vocals, backed by his band’s tight instrumentation, including a standout saxophone solo that echoed the studio version’s punch. The Queens venue, facing imminent demolition, added a nostalgic intensity, with the audience’s enthusiastic participation turning it into a communal rock-out. Amid a star-studded event with guests like Paul McCartney on "I Saw Her Standing There," this rendition highlighted Joel’s enduring stage charisma, as seen in high-definition footage that captures the song’s raw drive and the sold-out stadium’s electric atmosphere.
The Live at Shea Stadium performance of "You May Be Right" exemplifies Joel’s ability to infuse classics with live vigor, its placement in a hit-heavy set reinforcing the song’s role as a high-octane highlight. Fan reactions praise the concert’s pristine production and Joel’s passionate delivery, making it a fitting tribute to his New York roots. Despite its Number 7 Hot 100 peak, "You May Be Right" remains a testament to Joel’s versatility, blending rock rebellion with pop appeal, and its Shea rendition cements its legacy as an essential part of his live repertoire.
