Set Up: “Piano Man” bar scene drama
Dilemma/Question/Ask: “Piano Man” Billy Joel
(Lead Singer) - Brad
Knowing a person’s Story - Powerful (Good & Bad)
Jesus - Woman at the well - he knows my entire story and still sees value and me.
It’s nine o’clock on a Saturday
The regular crowd shuffles in…
Regular crowd…
Shot - 1.5 fluid ounces - 80% margin on liquor sales
Seeking connection - Numbing out??, Seeking pleasure??, a place that’s not judgmental, to find acceptance??, diversion?, Escape?
The music, the lights, the energy. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that bars are a popular nightlife option for many people.
According to a 2017 report, 51 percent of Americans age 21 to 26 typically go to a bar at least once per week, followed by 42 percent of all millennials, 24 percent of Generation Xers, and 19 percent of baby boomers. (https://www.bankrate.com/pdfs/pr/20170626-Financial-Vices.pdf)
But what about the crowd at Billy Joel’s gig?
Back to the lyrics…,
There’s an old man sitting next to me
Making love to his tonic and gin
He says, “Son can you play me a memory
I’m not really sure how it goes
But it’s sad and it’s sweet
And I knew it complete
When I wore a younger man’s clothes.”
Thom (old man):Ah, the stories I could tell. In my younger days, I was really something. Always closing the deal, always hustling, traveling the world shaking hands and making friends. Yet, I still made time for the ladies. (Reflecting) There was this one amazing woman, I met her in Paris. Now that’s a story to tell. (Sadder) But, that was a long time ago. Ah sweet Jen. Now. It’s just this; Gin.
(All in the past)
The loneliness of our greatest days behind us.
For some, it’s the glory of their high school days, and apathy about their current life.
Philippians 3:12-14 Brothers and sisters… one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 43:18-19 ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Reflect on what we were able to accomplish from 40 to 60… From 60 to 80 we have exactly the same amount of time.
Back to the lyrics…,
Now John at the bar is a friend of mine
He gets me my drinks for free
And he’s quick with a joke or to light up your smoke
But there’s someplace that he’d rather be
He says, “Bill, I believe this is killing me.”
As a smile ran away from his face
“Well, I’m sure that I could be a movie star
If I could get out of this place.”
Cody (John): Yeah, the tips here are great. I keep the liquor flowing and the laughs coming. Man can I keep them entertained. I should be on the big screen. I’ve thought about auditioning but I haven’t seen the right part yet. They want taller, or thinner, or younger…. but I know it’ll come someday.
Stuck: and afraid to move forward.
To move forward, we have to become uncomfortable. (FAITH)
Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Philippians 4:12-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 1:3-6 I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
We need a place that builds our faith… And then supports us as we walk it out
Back to the lyrics…,
Now Paul is a real estate novelist
Who never had time for a wife
Alex (Paul): Real Estate novelist, never liked that term. I am a novelist who happens to currently write real estate listings. But let me tell you mine are the best. Sure I spend a lot of time at work, you have to if you want the best in life; great car, amazing condo, impressive right? I try to spend time working on my Novel. I’d be working on it now, but the silence at home is just deafening. Here, it’s just easier.
Being single is not a problem… The Apostle Paul actually recommends it.
But lacking connection is not good.
Workaholic: Sabbath observance.
Matthew 16:26 What good will it be for you to gain the whole world, yet forfeit your soul?
(Out of Order)
Yes they’re sharing a drink they call “Loneliness”
But it’s better than drinking alone
Back to the lyrics…,
And he’s talking with Davy, who’s still in the Navy
And probably will be for life
Matt(Davy): Navy just like my father and his father before him. Get to travel the world, great friends, it was really the best option for me. well, the only option really. Can’t imagine what my family would have done if I hadn’t enlisted. I can’t even imagine a different life. (paused and sadder) What could I have even done?
Life of fulfilling others’ expectations???
Fulfilled or Stuck??
Top four responses from the elderly… I would have risked more!
(forgiveness and reconciliation, Not being honest, Not taking care of body)
Starting over is not the worst thing that can happen to any of us… it could be the absolute best.
Back to the lyrics…,
And the waitress is practicing politics
As the businessmen slowly get stoned
Kari(waitress): (Gesturing to Thom)I remind him of a women he once knew, (gesturing to Alex) Yeah, he reads me his listings and I tell him how amazing they are. Davy likes to tell me about all the places he’s been, (to businessmen) These guys? I just laugh at their jokes as they empty their wallets. I am whoever they want me to be. They’re a friendly bunch, but they don’t even know who I am. No one does.
Anyone here ever been a waiter or waitress?
The job can make you feel like a chameleon agreeing with and taking on the perspective of the customer “who’s always right” because there’s a tip involved.
Maybe she’s a Survivor: bad relationships, disappointments, missed opportunities, kids to feed, she’s still trading on her youth, but soon that will be gone also.
Yes they’re sharing a drink they call “Loneliness”
But it’s better than drinking alone
(Shifting to Himself)
Back to the lyrics…,
It’s a pretty good crowd for a Saturday
And the manager gives me a smile
‘Cause he knows that it’s me they’ve been coming to see
To forget about life for a while
David(manager): I love it when Brad plays, He can fill up the seats and keep ‘em happy that’s for sure. I gotta let him know he’s valuable, but not so valuable he learns his worth and tries to go somewhere else. So I’ll keep him happy, keep him playin’ and I’ll keep the cash a flowin’. (empties glass and looks for waitress) Where is that girl. (waitress approaches with filled glass) (Cheers to Brad)
User, and being used:
Everyone has a reason for why they are in the bar.
But it doesn’t appear that anyone thinks this is the best part of their life.
Back to the lyrics…,
And the piano it sounds like a carnival
And the microphone smells like a beer
And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar
And say, “Man, what are you doing here?”
Brad: You know, I’m a pretty good judge of character, but these days looking at myself is getting harder and harder to do. I keep saying I’m looking honestly at myself, but that’s easier said than done. I see the loneliness in others so easily but sometimes when it stares back at me from the mirror it’s a little hard to take.
Reflecting:
Sing us a song you’re the piano man
Sing us a song tonight
Well we’re all in the mood for a melody
And you’ve got us feeling alright
If you were sitting at the bar, what would he have written about you?
Searching for purpose?
True love and acceptance?
John 10:9-10 I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Often people just want enough help to get their nose above the water.
Life change happens when we commit to just “the next step”
Matthew 11:28-30 ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’
Making your way in the world today
Takes everything you’ve got
Taking a break from all your worries
Sure would help a lot
Wouldn’t you like to get away?
Where everybody knows your name
And they’re always glad you came
To be where you can see
Our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows your name
Take Away/Change: Cheers theme song