Meaning of Close to the Borderline by Billy Joel

In Billy Joel's song, "Close to the Borderline," the overall theme seems to revolve around the struggles and challenges of living in a harsh and unforgiving urban environment. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world plagued by crime, poverty, and the constant threat of violence. Yet, amidst the chaos and despair, there is also a glimmer of resilience and survival. Each standout lyric within the song helps develop different themes, adding depth and complexity to the overarching theme of urban survival.One standout lyric that immediately captures attention is, "Blackout, heatwave, .44 caliber homicide, The bums drop dead and dogs go mad." This lyric sets a tone of danger and desperation, illustrating the harshness and brutality of the urban setting. It represents the bleak reality of a city plagued by crime and violence, where lives are lost and chaos reigns. It contributes to the theme of the crumbling urban landscape and the struggle to survive amidst such a hostile environment.Another important lyric, "I get attacked by a kid with stereo sound, I don't want to hear it but he won't turn it down," highlights the theme of noise pollution and the lack of consideration in an overcrowded city. In this context, the lyrics symbolize the constant intrusion and irritations of living in close proximity to others, where one's personal space is constantly infringed upon. It speaks to the struggle of finding peace and solace amidst the chaos of the urban jungle.The lyric, "A buck three eighty won't buy you much lately on the street these days, And when you can get gas, You know you can't drive fast anymore on the parkways," tackles the theme of economic disparity and the eroding quality of life for those on the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum. It highlights the struggle to make ends meet in a world where prices rise, but wages stagnate. It also emphasizes the limitations and restrictions imposed on individuals who cannot afford the luxuries or freedoms that wealthier individuals enjoy."The no nuke yell, we're gonna all go to hell with the next big meltdown," offers an unexpected theme: the fear and anxiety surrounding catastrophic events and the existential threat of nuclear disaster. This lyric symbolizes the existential concerns that people living in uncertain times often face. It becomes a metaphor for the constant fear of impending doom or disaster that hovers over individuals in a unstable world. It emphasizes the fragility of existence and the capacity for destruction lurking just below the surface.In a lighter vein, the lyric, "I got remote control and a color T.V, I don't change channels so they must change me," touches on the theme of societal influence and the impact of media on individual perspectives. It suggests a lack of agency and personal autonomy, where individuals are easily manipulated and shaped by external influences. It raises the question of who is truly in control - the individual or the media? This lyric adds another layer to the complexities of urban life, where distractions and influences can cloud one's judgment and perpetuate a cycle of conformity.Overall, "Close to the Borderline" encapsulates the myriad challenges faced by individuals navigating the trials and tribulations of urban living. The standout lyrics within the song offer unexpected themes that deepen the exploration of those challenges, touching upon issues of violence, noise pollution, economic disparity, existential concerns, and societal influences. By delving into these themes, the song serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience needed to survive and thrive on the precipice of an urban precipice - where life often teeters close to the borderline.