Close To The Borderline

Billy Joel's song 'Close To The Borderline' paints a vivid picture of urban chaos and personal struggle. The lyrics open with stark imagery of a city in turmoil, mentioning a blackout, heatwave, and a .44 caliber homicide. These elements set the stage for a narrative that delves into the harsh realities of life in a bustling metropolis. The mention of a young girl contemplating suicide and the millionaires hiding in Beekman Place highlights the stark contrast between the wealthy and the desperate, emphasizing the social and economic divides that plague the city.

The song continues to explore the frustrations of everyday life, from the high cost of living to the inability to escape the noise and chaos of the streets. Joel's lyrics touch on the disillusionment with the American Dream, as he describes the struggle to make ends meet and the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of survival. The line 'I got remote control and a color T.V. / I don't change channels so they must change me' reflects a sense of passivity and resignation, as if the protagonist is being shaped by the very environment he feels powerless to change.

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of being 'close to the borderline,' a metaphor for reaching the breaking point. Joel's protagonist is constantly on the edge, battling pressures from all sides—financial, emotional, and societal. The need for a doctor, lawyer, banker, and security underscores the overwhelming demands of modern life. Despite the struggle, there is a sense of resilience and determination to keep fighting, even as the protagonist acknowledges the inevitability of breaking down. 'Close To The Borderline' is a powerful commentary on the pressures of urban life and the thin line between holding it together and falling apart.