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Anatomy of a Song : Allentown Trivia Quiz

"Allentown" is my favourite song by Billy Joel, see how much you know about the lyrics and associated facts of this classic tune.

A multiple-choice quiz by Dizart. Estimated time: 2 mins.

Author
Dizart

Time
2 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
333,488

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Easy

Avg Score
8 / 10

Plays
751

Awards
Top 20% Quiz

Last 3 plays: discmann262 (9/10), DAU60 (10/10), Guest 174 (6/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. In the first verse, what are they closing down in Allentown? Hint

Stores

Sports Centres

Schools

Factories

NEXT>

Question 2 of 10

2. Also in the first verse, in which nearby city are they "killing time, filling out forms, standing in line?" Hint

Bethlehem

Wilkes-Barre

Scranton

Philadelphia

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Question 3 of 10

3. In the second verse, in which war did "our fathers" fight? Hint

Second World War

Korean War

Vietnam War

First World War

NEXT>

Question 4 of 10

4. When they weren't fighting a war, where did "our fathers" spend their weekends? Hint

Finger Lakes

New York City

Jersey Shore

Catskill Mountains

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. Whilst enjoying their weekends, our fathers met our mothers at the USO. What does USO stand for? Hint

Upper State Observatory

Universal Studios, Orlando

United Service Organisations

Union Station, Oakland

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Question 6 of 10

6. In the third verse, "we're waiting here in Allentown" for which place that "we never found"? Hint

Promised Land

America

Pennsylvania

World

NEXT>

Question 7 of 10

7. In the fourth verse, what items were hanging on the wall that "never really helped us at all"? Hint

Certificates

Graduations

Diplomas

Medals

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Question 8 of 10

8. Joel lists a number of "real" items that they were never taught about. Which of the following was NOT one of these? Hint

Iron

Tin

Coke

Chromium Steel

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Question 9 of 10

9. What did they have thrown in their face? Hint

An American Flag

A Grievous Insult

A Custard Pie

A Beer

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. The song "Allentown" originally appeared on which Billy Joel studio album? Hint

Cold Spring Harbor

An Innocent Man

Glass Houses

The Nylon Curtain

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Most Recent Scores

Oct 17 2024 : discmann262: 9/10
Oct 04 2024 : DAU60: 10/10
Sep 25 2024 : Guest 174: 6/10
Sep 21 2024 : Guest 24: 9/10
Sep 20 2024 : Iva9Brain: 10/10
Sep 06 2024 : Guest 174: 10/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. In the first verse, what are they closing down in Allentown?

Answer: Factories

Allentown is a city in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. The iron industry resulted in the rapid expansion of the city in the 19th century.

2. Also in the first verse, in which nearby city are they "killing time, filling out forms, standing in line?"

Answer: Bethlehem

Like nearby Allentown, Bethlehem found its wealth in heavy industry, before overseas competition after World War Two led to the closure of it's steel mills.

3. In the second verse, in which war did "our fathers" fight?

Answer: Second World War

The Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania was a major supplier of steel and ordnance during World War Two. After the war, when Bethlehem Steel declined and eventually closed down, there was subsequent mass unemployment in the region.

4. When they weren't fighting a war, where did "our fathers" spend their weekends?

Answer: Jersey Shore

The New Jersey shore is handily placed for residents of Eastern Pennsylavania to enjoy resorts such as Atlantic City and Asbury Park.

5. Whilst enjoying their weekends, our fathers met our mothers at the USO. What does USO stand for?

Answer: United Service Organisations

United Service Organizations was founded in 1941 to provide "morale and recreation services" to members of the US military. Whilst many facilities are located in overseas war zones, a large number are to be found on US soil.

6. In the third verse, "we're waiting here in Allentown" for which place that "we never found"?

Answer: Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the original 13 colonies that founded the USA. Allentown, located in the northeast of the state, is it's third largest city, after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

7. In the fourth verse, what items were hanging on the wall that "never really helped us at all"?

Answer: Graduations

"Allentown" was released as a single in 1982, reaching number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. The original title of the song was going to be "Levittown", after Joel's home town on Long Island, New York.

8. Joel lists a number of "real" items that they were never taught about. Which of the following was NOT one of these?

Answer: Tin

Iron, coke and steel are all part of the industrial heritage of the Allentown/Bethlehem area, but there is no history of tin mining in the area.

9. What did they have thrown in their face?

Answer: An American Flag

Joel, having rejected Levittown as the title, was going to call the song "Bethlehem", but decided that people may mistake it for a religious song, so "Allentown" was actually the third choice for the song's title!

10. The song "Allentown" originally appeared on which Billy Joel studio album?

Answer: The Nylon Curtain

"The Nylon Curtain", released in September, 1982, reached number seven on the Billboard album chart. Two other songs from the album were released as singles, "Pressure" and "Goodnight Saigon".

Source: Author Dizart

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ralzzz before going online.
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