"Don't make music for some vast, unseen audience or market or ratings share or even for something as tangible as money. Though it's crucial to make a living, that shouldn't be your inspiration. Do it for yourself."

Money

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Insight & Reflection

This reflection on money by Billy Joel resonates across generations. It highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: our continuous search for meaning in money is what ultimately defines our character and our path forward.

About Billy Joel

William Martin Joel is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Nicknamed the Piano Man, after his 1973 signature song of the same name, he has had a successful career as a solo artist since the 1970s. From 1971 to 1993, Joel released 12 entirely self-written studio albums spanning the genres of pop and rock, and in 2001 released a one-off studio album of classical compositions. With over 160 million records sold worldwide, Joel is one of the world's best-selling music artists and is the fourth-best-selling solo artist in the United States. His 1985 compilation album, Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II, is one of the best-selling albums in the U.S.

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Editorial Note: This quote is curated and fact-checked by the Quotes Archive Editorial Team. Verified Literature Specialist.

More by Billy Joel

"For whatever reason, not all people are born with the particular gift of being able to express ourselves through music. And, believe me, it is a gift."

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"I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music."

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"I'm probably writing music now for the same reason as I started writing songs when I was 14 - to meet women."

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More about Money

"People spending more of their own money on routine health care would make the system more competitive and transparent and restore the confidence between the patients and the doctors without government rationing."

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"The good news is that, according to the Obama administration, the rich will pay for everything. The bad news is that, according to the Obama administration, you're rich."

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