My Life

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Straying away from the piano ballad but still infused with New York soul, “My Life” from 1978’s 52nd Street was also a relatively big hit, reaching #2 on the U.S. adult… Read More

Oct. 13, 19781 viewer114.3K views

My Life Lyrics

[Intro]
Mmm, yeah
Alright
Ooh

[Verse 1]
Got a call from an old friend, we used to be real close
Said he couldn't go on the American way
Closed his shop, sold the house, bought a ticket to the west coast
Now he gives them a stand-up routine in L.A.

[Chorus]
I don't need you to worry for me 'cause I'm alright
I don't want you to tell me it's time to come home
I don't care what you say anymore, this is my life
Go ahead with your own life, leave me alone

[Post-Chorus]
I never said you had to offer me a second chance
(I never said you had to...)
I never said I was a victim of circumstance
(I never said...)
I still belong (Still belong)
Don't get me wrong (Get me wrong)
And you can speak your mind
But not on my time

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[Verse 2]
They will tell you you can't sleep alone in a strange place
Then they'll tell you you can't sleep with somebody else
Ah, but sooner or later, you sleep in your own space
Either way, it's okay, you wake up with yourself

[Chorus]
I don't need you to worry for me 'cause I'm alright
I don't want you to tell me it's time to come home
I don't care what you say anymore, this is my life
Go ahead with your own life, leave me alone

[Post-Chorus]
I never said you had to offer me a second chance
(I never said you had to...)
I never said I was a victim of circumstance
(Of circumstance...)
I still belong (Still belong)
Don't get me wrong (Get me wrong)
And you can speak your mind
But not on my time

[Chorus]
I don't care what you say anymore, this is my life
Go ahead with your own life, leave me alone

[Outro]
Keep it to yourself, it's my life
Keep it to yourself, it's my life
Keep it to yourself, it's my life
Keep it to yourself, it's my life

About

Straying away from the piano ballad but still infused with New York soul, “My Life” from 1978’s 52nd Street was also a relatively big hit, reaching #2 on the U.S. adult contemporary chart and #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song’s lyrics describe aimless Americans who go searching for their way in life. One character gives up his storybook “American” life for one of fame and glamour in California. The other character contemplates the pros and cons of bumming around. No matter what people tell them they should do, they follow their own path.

Chicago members Peter Cetera and Donnie Dacus performed the backing vocals and sang along with Billy Joel during the bridge and in the outro.

Fun Fact: “My Life” was used as the song during the opening credits of the TV sitcom Bosom Buddies.