"You May Be Right" is a song written and performed by rock singer Billy Joel, released as a single and the opening track from his 1980 album Glass Houses. The single reached No. 7 on the US charts and No. 6 in Canada. It failed to chart, however, in the UK, unlike his preceding and succeeding singles "All for Leyna" (UK #40) and "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" (UK #14). The Japanese single features "Close to the Borderline" as a B-side.
The song is the first track off the album and begins with the sound of broken glass, which is included to metaphorically signify the smashing of the glass house from which the album is named. "You May Be Right" is also on Billy Joel's Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II (on disc 2) and the live albums 2000 Years: The Millennium Concert, 12 Gardens Live, and Live at Shea Stadium: The Concert. A live duet with Elton John appears on the box set My Lives.
Reception Cash Box said that the song is "witty, urbane and energetic," and that the "hard guitar" playing is "reminiscent of Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones." Record World said that "Joel's rock energy blends well with his pop melodies on this smashing cut."
Music video The video version differs from the album version. The most notable difference is the intro, where the sound of broken glass is replaced with "one, two, one, two, three, four".
Personnel Billy Joel – vocals, acoustic piano, harmonica Dave Brown – electric guitar Russell Javors – electric guitar Doug Stegmeyer – bass guitar Liberty DeVitto – drums, percussion Richie Cannata – saxophone solo
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1980–81)PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)28Israel (IBA) Search "Billy Joel" for Israeli chart history.1Japan Oricon Singles Chart60New Zealand Singles Chart23South African Singles Chart14UK Airplay (Record Business) 64
Year-end charts Chart (1980)RankCanada40U.S. Billboard Hot 10075
Certifications
References