51 years ago, Billy Joel soared to superstardom with the song “Piano Man.” Since that time, Joel has gone on to sell the fourth most albums by a solo artist all time in the United States. Over 22 years (from 1971 to 1993), Joel released 12 albums, had 33 top 40 hits and had 3 go to number one. For the past decade, Billy Joel has played a sellout show every month at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. The man is a modern musical legend.
But, given his success in music, has Joel’s life been only smooth and tranquil? Of course not. In fact, in an interview he conducted recently, Joel said this, “I owe a thousand apologies to thousands of people.” Joel’s life has been dotted with bouts of depression, a suicide attempt, and a string of divorces.
Now 75 years old, Billy Joel has once again recorded a new song (his first in 30 years.) What is the subject of his latest hit? Regret and a longing for forgiveness.
The song is titled “Turn the Lights Back On” and is really deep and moving. As the song moves toward conclusion, these are the lyrics:
“I’m late, but I’m here right now. Is there still time for forgiveness? Won’t you tell me how? I can’t read your mind. But I see you now, as we’re laying’ in the darkness. Did I wait too long, to turn the lights back on?”
Can’t you just feel his ache? He wants forgiveness but will he ever find it? He wants a restoration of relationship, but will it ever come? He is in a waiting room of angst and emotion. He has come to his senses and he wants a change … but is he too late?
Since first hearing this song a couple of months ago, I have had it regularly in the playlist. It is truly deep and contemplative piece. If you haven’t listened to it before (and that is your kind of music) give it a listen. Find it on YouTube at this link.
I have never had the privilege of meeting Billy Joel, but I have met many who have struggled with this kind of regret. Husbands or wives, parents or children, employers or employees, friends or colleagues, who have wounded those around them, want to reconcile and move forward, but wonder if they waited too long to try to “turn the lights back on.” Perhaps you are dealing with this emotion in some relationship in your life? Can you relate to Joel’s plea?
What is particularly striking to me about this new song is that it offers no resolution. The song is simply a question without an answer. To paraphrase the tone of the song, “I’ve screwed up and want to re-engage. Is that even possible?”
As it relates to human relationships, the lack of certainty in Joel’s question is totally understandable. After all, it takes two to tango. One person may realize their failure and want to make amends, but the offended party may not reciprocate the desire to reconcile.
But what about with God? What if our transgression was not just against another person but against God Himself? After all, when we sin against someone created in God’s image, we are sinning against God also. Upon coming to our senses, and repenting from our errant ways can we return to a relationship with Him? Is it too late to turn His Light back on in our lives?
This Sunday at Wildwood Community Church, in part 8 of our “Him Book” series, we will be in Psalm 130 where we will see how to respond when we are drowning in despair, convicted under the weight of our sin, scared in the dark of the unknown, or enslaved and in need of freedom. In all these situations, the Psalmist cries out to the LORD … who hears his cry. Come Sunday, and cry out to the LORD with us, as we will find that with God, it is not too late. His Light can illuminate our darkness today. On this, I am absolutely certain. See you Sunday for worship and sharing the Lord’s supper … and bring all you know who can be encouraged by this great truth!
