Billy Joel - Ballad of Billy the Kid Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is 'The Ballad of Billy the Kid' historically accurate?

   No, Billy Joel himself admitted in a 1975 interview that the song is historically inaccurate. It was meant to be an impressionist type of lyric, not a factual recounting of Billy the Kid's life.

2. Where did Billy Joel claim Billy the Kid was from in the song?

   In the song, Billy Joel claimed that Billy the Kid was from Wheeling, West Virginia. However, there are no historical records to support this claim.

3. Did Billy the Kid really rob banks as mentioned in the song?

   No, the real Billy the Kid did not rob banks. This detail, like other elements in the song, was fictionalized by Billy Joel.

4. How did Billy the Kid die according to the song versus reality?

   In the song, Billy the Kid is captured and hanged. In reality, he was shot and killed by Pat Garrett.

5. Who is the 'Billy' mentioned in the last verse of the song?

   The 'Billy' in the last verse is a bartender named Billy Nastri from Oyster Bay, Long Island, not Billy Joel himself.

6. What inspired Billy Joel to write 'The Ballad of Billy the Kid'?

   Billy Joel was inspired to write the song as an experiment with impressionist lyrics and as commentary on rock-star hype. He also aimed to create an Old West vibe akin to the soundtrack for 'The Magnificent Seven.'