I was drawn to boxing because I got beat up as a kid. I was the kid with the piano books in a New York neighbourhood

I was drawn to boxing because I got beat up as a kid. I was the kid with the piano books in a New York neighbourhood

Billy Joel, the iconic singer-songwriter from New York, has always been known for his raw and emotional lyrics that often draw from his own personal experiences. One of the most powerful themes in Joel's music is the idea of overcoming adversity and finding strength in the face of challenges. This is perhaps best exemplified in his song "Piano Man," which tells the story of a struggling musician who finds solace in his music despite the hardships he faces.

It is no secret that Billy Joel had a difficult childhood growing up in the tough neighborhoods of New York City. He has spoken openly about the bullying and violence he experienced as a young boy, and how these experiences shaped him as a person and as an artist. In interviews, Joel has revealed that he was drawn to boxing as a way to defend himself against the bullies who targeted him because he was different. He was the kid with the piano books in a neighborhood where toughness and aggression were valued above all else.

For Joel, boxing became a way to channel his anger and frustration into something productive. It was a way for him to prove to himself and to others that he was not weak or helpless, but strong and capable. In the ring, Joel found a sense of empowerment and control that he had never experienced before. He learned to stand up for himself and to fight back against those who sought to tear him down.