Slow down, you crazy child
You're so ambitious for a juvenile
But then if you're so smart, well, tell me
Why are you still so afraid? Mm
Where's the fire, what's the hurry about?
You'd better cool it off before you burn it out
You've got so much to do
And only so many hours in a day

But you know that when the truth is told
That you can get what you want or you can just get old
You're gonna kick off before you even get halfway through, ooh
When will you realize Vienna waits for you?

Slow down, you're doin' fine
You can't be everything you wanna be before your time
Although it's so romantic on the borderline
Tonight, tonight
Too bad, but it's the life you lead
You're so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need
Though you can see when you're wrong
You know, you can't always see when you're right, you're right

You've got your passion, you've got your pride
But don't you know that only fools are satisfied?
Dream on, but don't imagine they'll all come true, ooh
When will you realize Vienna waits for you?

Slow down, you crazy child
And take the phone off the hook and disappear for awhile
It's alright, you can afford to lose a day or two, ooh
When will you realize Vienna waits for you?

And you know that when the truth is told
That you can get what you want or you can just get old
You're gonna kick off before you even get halfway through, ooh
Why don't you realize Vienna waits for you?
When will you realize Vienna waits for you?


Lyrics submitted by fletch699, edited by JonasK

Vienna Lyrics as written by Billy Joel

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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Vienna song meanings
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  • +6
    General Comment

    This is such a deep and beautiful song, I can listen to it over and over again.

    The narrator is talking about a young person who still sees life as an adventure and is rushing out in the world, but doesn't take time to enjoy life to its fullest, while that is really the most essential thing. I think lots of people can relate to it. If you take one step at a time, you will get where you want as well; just don't rush in case you miss out on something. This person hasn't realized that yet.

    Life is not a destination, it's a journey.

    Ashley765on July 11, 2006   Link

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