Meaning of Miami 2017 (I’ve Seen the Lights Go Out On Broadway) [Live at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY - 2006] by Billy Joel

The song "Miami 2017 (I've Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)" by Billy Joel is a powerful ballad that paints a vivid picture of a post-apocalyptic New York City. The song is a reflection on a future where the familiar landmarks and vibrant energy of the city have been destroyed, leaving behind a desolate and forgotten landscape. While the title may suggest that the song focuses on Miami in the year 2017, it actually refers to a transformed version of New York City.One of the standout lyrics in the song is, "I've seen the lights go out on Broadway." This line emphasizes the loss of the iconic Broadway theater district, as the lights that once illuminated the stage have vanished. This lyric suggests a theme of the erasure of artistic expression and cultural vibrancy. The metaphor of the lights going out on Broadway symbolizes the extinguishing of creativity and the demise of the city's cultural soul.Another powerful lyric that adds depth to the song's themes is, "They turned our power down and drove us underground, but we went right on with the show." This lyric represents resilience and the indomitable spirit of New Yorkers. Despite facing adversity and being forced into the shadows, the people continue to persevere and find ways to keep their spirit alive. It speaks to the theme of strength in the face of adversity and the determination to carry on despite challenging circumstances.The lyric, "They burned the churches up in Harlem like in that Spanish Civil War," introduces a historical reference that adds a layer of complexity to the song. This lyric suggests a theme of the cyclical nature of human conflict, drawing parallels between the destruction witnessed during the Spanish Civil War and the church burnings happening in Harlem. It implies that history tends to repeat itself, and that even in the face of progress, humans still find ways to engage in destructive behaviors.In the line, "The boats were waiting at the Battery, the union went on strike: they never sailed at all," the theme of labor rights and social unrest is introduced. The mention of the union going on strike and the boats not sailing reflects the power dynamics between the working class and those in positions of authority. This lyric suggests the theme of social inequality and the consequences of neglecting the needs and rights of the labor force.An unexpected theme emerges from the lyric, "Before we all lived here in Florida, before the Mafia took over Mexico." This line alludes to the displacement of people from their homes and the loss of cultural identity. It suggests a theme of forced migration and the impacts of organized crime on society. The mention of Florida, a common retirement destination for many, hints at a mass exodus from New York due to the city's devastation. This theme speaks to the loss of a sense of belonging and the struggle to maintain a cultural heritage in the face of upheaval.In conclusion, "Miami 2017 (I've Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)" is a thought-provoking song that explores various themes within the context of a post-apocalyptic New York City. Through the powerful lyrics, Billy Joel conveys themes of the erasure of artistic expression, resilience in the face of adversity, the cyclical nature of conflict, labor rights and social unrest, and forced migration. Each lyric contributes to the overarching theme of a once vibrant city transformed into a desolate landscape. The song serves as a reminder of the fragility of human civilization and the enduring spirit that resides within us all.