Tomorrow Is Today (song)
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| "Tomorrow Is Today" | |
|---|---|
| Single by Billy Joel | |
| from the album Cold Spring Harbor | |
| Written | 1970 |
| Released | November 1, 1971 |
| Studio | Ultrasonic Recording (Hempstead, New York) |
| Genre | soft rock |
| Label | Family Productions |
| Songwriter(s) | Billy Joel |
| Producer(s) | Artie Ripp |
"Tomorrow Is Today" is a song written by Billy Joel, released on his first studio album, Cold Spring Harbor (1971). It was originally released as Joel's first single in the United States, backed by the track "Everybody Loves You Now" in 1972.[1]
Lyrics and context
[edit]In 1970 after the breakup of Joel's duo Attila and a failed relationship, Joel attempted to commit suicide by drinking furniture polish alone in his bedroom.[2] The song analyzes Joel's thoughts as he attempted to commit suicide. The lyrics state that 'Nothing comes to change my life, so tomorrow is today,' meaning he doesn't believe his life could improve.[3]
The overall theme is the feeling of being completely fed up with the circumstances his life has come to. The narrator feels that life is monotonous and he feels that every day is the same as the previous one. This is best represented by the line 'What's the use of always dreaming if tomorrow is today.' He has to intention of dreaming of something better.[3] Joel has often referred to this song as a "suicide note" rather than a true composition.[4]
Musical composition
[edit]The time signature of the song is 4/4 and is in C major. This is a similar structure to many of the songs on Billy Joel's first album "Cold Spring Harbor". The song tracks at 85bpm and has a slow and methotical pace.[5] The songs also modulates to A minor during the bridge section of the chorus.
Critical reception and charts
[edit]The single was released under Family Productions records in 1972. The single failed to chart in the United States, as Joel's first album suffered from poor mastering and failed advertising.[citation needed]
The critical reception of the song is generally favorable.[6] The lyrical composition is often praised for its general relatability and sensitivity. The chordal compistion of the song is noted as a generally intricute chordal progression with a strong melody. The song is noted as being "beatifully depressing" by OneFinalSerenade.[1]
Live performances
[edit]One performance was in 1972 at Sigma Sound Studios during a live WMMR radio broadcast concert. This live performance would later be released on the legacy edition of Piano Man.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Tomorrow Is Today". One Final Serenade: The Songs of Billy Joel (Billy Joel Fan Site). Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ updated, The Week Staff last (2008-08-08). "Billy Joel's miserable youth". theweek. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ a b "Tomorrow Is Today". billyjoelmusc.weebly.com. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ ""Piano Man" by Billy Joel: Everything You Didn't Know - Too Much Information". iHeart. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ "BPM and key for Tomorrow Is Today by Billy Joel | Tempo for Tomorrow Is Today | SongBPM | songbpm.com". SongBPM. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ lovelovepeacepeaceuk (2019-10-08). "In Defence Of…Cold Spring Harbor by Billy Joel". Love Love Peace Peace. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ Fiorillo, Victor (2015-08-09). "How Philadelphia Created Billy Joel". Philadelphia Magazine. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
