Lyrics of
Movin Out

Movin Out (Anthonys Song) is a song written and performed by Billy Joel. The song first appeared on Joels 1977 album The Stranger. It critically examines the American dream, discussing the working-class spending their lives making sacrifices to achieve conventional success only to find themselves dissatisfied. The song was inspired by the life experiences of Joels friends and acquaintances in the suburbs of New York.

Anthony works in the grocery store
saving his pennies for someday
Mama Leone left a note on the door
She said, "Sonny, move out to the country"
Ah, but working too hard can give you a heart attack-ack-ack-ack-ack-ack!
You oughta know by now (You oughta know by now)
Who needs a house out in Hackensack?
Is that all you get for your money?
And it seems such a waste of time, if that's what it's all about
Mama, if that's movin' up then I'm movin' out

Sergeant O'Leary is walking the beat
At night he becomes a bartender
He works at Mister Cacciatore's down on Sullivan Street
Across from the medical center
Yeah, and he's trading in his Chevy for a Cadillac-ac-ac-ac-ac-ac!
You oughta know by now (You oughta know by now)
And if he can't drive with a broken back
At least he can polish the fenders
And it seems such a waste of time, if that's what it's all about
Mama, if that's movin' up then I'm movin' out

You should never argue with a crazy mind-mind-mind-mind-mind-mind!
You oughta know by now (You oughta know by now)
You can pay Uncle Sam with the overtime
Is that all you get for your money?
And if that's what you have in mind, yeah, if that's what you're all about
Good luck movin' up cuz I'm movin' out