Billy Joel – Leningrad

Leningrad

Hey music lovers! Today, I want to introduce you to a timeless classic that will transport you to a different era. The song I’m talking about is “Leningrad” by the legendary Billy Joel.

Released in 1989 as part of his album “Storm Front,” “Leningrad” is a powerful and emotive ballad that showcases Joel’s incredible storytelling abilities. The song takes us on a journey through history, as Joel recounts the life of an old Russian soldier he met during a concert tour in the Soviet Union.

The composition of “Leningrad” is a testament to Joel’s genius. The haunting melody, accompanied by his soulful vocals, creates an atmosphere that is both melancholic and hopeful. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the soldier’s experiences, capturing the hardships and resilience of the people of Leningrad during World War II.

But “Leningrad” is more than just a historical narrative. It carries a deeper meaning, touching on themes of love, friendship, and the power of music to bridge cultural and political divides. It reminds us of the universal human experiences that connect us all, regardless of our backgrounds.

If you’re a fan of Billy Joel, you know that his music has had a profound influence on generations of artists. “Leningrad” is no exception. Its impact can be felt in the works of contemporary musicians who draw inspiration from Joel’s storytelling prowess and ability to create emotional connections through his music.

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend giving “Leningrad” a listen. It’s a song that will transport you to a different time and place, and leave you with a renewed appreciation for the power of music. So, grab your headphones, close your eyes, and let Billy Joel take you on a journey you won’t soon forget.

For more information about Billy Joel and his incredible discography, check out his Google search. And if you want to dive deeper into the story behind “Leningrad” and its impact, be sure to explore the album “Storm Front” here.

Listen to Leningrad Billy Joel

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Video Leningrad – Billy Joel

Leningrad – Billy Joel lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

Victor was born
The spring of ’44
And never saw
His father anymore
The child of sacrifice
Child of war
Another son who never had
A father after Leningrad
Went off to school
And learned to serve his state
Follow the rules
And drank his vodka straight
The only way to live
Was drown the hate
The Russian life was very sad
And such was life in Leningrad

I was born in ’49
A cold war kid in the McCarthy times
Stop ’em at the 38th parallel
Blast those yellow reds to hell
Cold war kids were hard to kill
Under their desks in an air raid drill
Haven’t they heard we won the war
What do they keep on fighting for?

Victor was sent
To some red army town
Served out his time
Become a circus clown
The greatest happiness
He’d ever found
Was making Russian children glad
When children lived in Leningrad.

The children lived in Levittown
Hid in the shelters underground
Til the soviets turned their ships around
Torn the Cuban missiles down
And in that bright October sun
We knew our childhood days were done
I watched my friends go off to war
What do they keep on fighting for?
So my child and I came to this place
To meet him , eye to eye and face to face
He made my daughter laugh
Then we embraced
We never knew what friends we had
Until we came to Leningrad.