Billy Joel released “Turn the Lights Back On” on February 1, 2024, after announcing it on January 22. Columbia Records described it as Joel’s first new single in decades. It arrived digitally and as a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl single, with a lyric video on release day; a separate official music video followed later that month.
When did Billy Joel release “Turn the Lights Back On”?
Joel announced the single on January 22, 2024, and released it on February 1, 2024. The announcement said he had first alluded to the song on TikTok. Columbia Records called it his first new single in decades; that is the label’s description, rather than a more exact claim about the time since his previous release. Joel’s official announcement and the official music page give the announcement and release details.
Who wrote and produced the song?
The credited writers are Billy Joel, Freddy Wexler, Arthur Bacon, and Wayne Hector. Wexler also produced the track. Columbia’s announcement and Joel’s music page list the credits.
Where can you listen, and is there a vinyl release?
The song was released on digital services and as a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl single. Joel’s official music page links to purchase and streaming services. The announcement establishes the format, but not current vinyl stock or pricing.
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- Billy Joel Music Cover design. Part of the Official Billy Joel Merch Collection
- Legal and Official Billy Joel Merchandise in partnership with Epic Rights, a Universal Music Group Company; 2024
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
What videos accompanied the release?
February 1: lyric video
A lyric video accompanied the single’s February 1 release. It is distinct from the later official music video.
February 16: official music video
Columbia announced the official music video on February 16, 2024. Directed by Warren Fu and Wexler, it used technology from Deep Voodoo to depict Joel performing across different decades of his life. These details come from Columbia’s video announcement.
Rank #2
- Billy Joel Music design. Part of the Official Billy Joel Merch Collection
- Legal and Official Billy Joel Merchandise in partnership with Epic Rights, a Universal Music Group Company; 2024
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
What is the song about?
Wexler described the song’s perspective as “raw, honest, real” and said he viewed it as an attempt to recapture a lost essence. In a February 26, 2024 interview with Grammy.com, he connected it with regret and the possibility of forgiveness. That is Wexler’s interpretation, not a definitive statement of Joel’s intent. The official announcement quotes the lyric: “Did I wait too long… to turn the lights back on?”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Did Billy Joel perform the song live?
Joel performed “Turn the Lights Back On” with Laufey at the 2024 Grammy Awards on February 4, 2024, as noted in the Grammy.com interview.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Billy Joel Music Cover design. Part of the Official Billy Joel Merch Collection
- Legal and Official Billy Joel Merchandise in partnership with Epic Rights, a Universal Music Group Company; 2024
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
Rank #4
- Billy Joel Music Cover design. Part of the Official Billy Joel Merch Collection
- Legal and Official Billy Joel Merchandise in partnership with Epic Rights, a Universal Music Group Company; 2024
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
Rank #3
- Features All 9 Songs from the Classic Joel Album
- Arranged for Piano/Vocal/Guitar
- Standard Notation
- Some of the Songs Have New Arrangements Approved by Joel Himself
- 80 Pages
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