Music legend Billy Joel has finally lifted the lid on the real story behind his timeless 1983 hit 'Uptown Girl', and it's not quite what fans might have expected.
In a recent interview, the Piano Man himself revealed that while many assumed the song was about his then-wife Christie Brinkley, the truth is more complicated. "It wasn't just about Christie," Joel confessed. "The song was actually inspired by several women I'd known before her."
The Unexpected Inspiration
Joel explained that the iconic track, which spent five weeks at No. 1 in the UK charts, was actually written about "a type of girl" rather than one specific person. "It was about this idea of a girl from a different social background," he said.
The 74-year-old music icon added: "People assumed it was about Christie because she was in the video and we were together at the time. But the truth is, I'd written it before we met."
A Love Song That Stood the Test of Time
Despite the revelation, Joel confirmed that Brinkley did become his real-life 'Uptown Girl' after they married in 1985. The couple, who divorced in 1994, remain close friends today.
The song remains one of Joel's most enduring hits, recently enjoying renewed popularity after featuring in several films and TV shows. Its catchy melody and romantic lyrics continue to captivate new generations of fans.
Joel, who continues to perform to sold-out stadiums worldwide, says he never gets tired of playing the classic track. "It's amazing how a song can take on its own life," he reflected. "The fans have made it mean something beyond what I originally intended."
