Billy Joel: "The Stranger" Trivia Quiz

Answer: a mask

There is a scary looking white mask sitting on the pillow next to Billy.
The song "The Stranger" is about how we act differently in front of people but most of the time it isn't how we really are. So it's almost like we are putting on a mask for other people.

The boxing gloves are on the cover but they are hanging on the wall, not on the pillow.

Answer: bartender

The lyric is: "Sergeant O'Leary's walkin' the beat, at night he becomes a bartender. He works at Mister Cacciatore's down on Sullivan Street, across from the medical center."

Answer: plastic

The lyric states: "Some are satin, some are steel, some are silk and some are leather. They're the faces of the stranger but we love to try them on."

This song is really about how we often don't let people see who we really are. How very true!

Answer: false

As the song states, "Don't go changin', to try and please me. You never let me down before."
This song is about limitless and unconditional love of another person. In a way it is the counterpart to "The Stranger" in that they display completely differing messages.

Answer: Brenda and Eddie

Billy Joel has said that the original name of this song was going to be "The Ballad of Brenda and Eddie". This was because this middle part of the final song was written first. The other parts were added later and transitions (or bridges) were written to move from part to part.

Answer: still so afraid

Billy Joel has said that this song is a metaphor for "the rest of your life". The message is, "Don't try to grow up so fast. The rest of your life will still be there. Why race to get there? Enjoy life." Thus "Vienna waits for you". It's one of my favorites on this album.

Answer: locked you away

This song caused a big controversy in the Catholic church. They wanted it banned from radio stations. Fortunately, people were curious enough to want to find out what the big deal was. It got enough air play and still ended up being a hit for Billy.

Answer: false

"She's Always a Woman" sounds like Billy's commentary on understanding (or not understanding) women. The song seems to say that women are complex and hard to understand- basically saying what a lot of men felt/feel.

Answer: looks don't deceive

The message in this song is one that many of us as adults have faced before. It's the fear of rejection. It's the hope that we say exactly the right thing to the person we want to meet. It's the hope that we don't get hurt again. This song is one that anyone who has tried, successfully or not, to meet someone new, can relate to.

Answer: palaces of sand

This is the last song on the album. It's a nice dreamy one to end with. Overall, this album is one of rebellion ("Movin' Out", "Only the Good Die Young"), love ("Just the Way you Are"), hope("Get it Right the First time"),and identity ("The Stranger"). If you are a new Billy Joel fan, I highly recommend the album "The Stranger".