The song seems to be Billy Joel talking to his young self, as he has gained wisdom through age, telling him to keep that ambition and drive, but to stay level-headed and be patient with it. Sometimes, his ambition leaves him a scattered mess and causes him to overshoot the simple defaults in his life as he is so overwhelmingly focused on his goals ('You're so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need'), and his drive and focus, which is a blessing, is actually something that is causing anxiety to him at the same time. He has outstanding ambition and character and surely understands, as a teenager, the cold reality of how choices and dedication impact one's turnout in life and who they become ('You know that when the truth is told, that you can get what you want or you can just get old.'), but he personalizes this very much and can't relax. He questions himself all too often, and is frantic to prove to himself that he lives up to what he wants out of himself. I think this song refers to both specific names and quotes that symbolize the moral of the song, but I believe the main idea is this: Billy Joel is writing about how as a kid, either he in the past, or someone who inspired him, is struggling to believe that his integrity in chasing his dream is there.

And losing every bit of childish innocents that from the girl I used to be. From what ive seen I just rush around with boys, Not that im a slut, just i forced myself to be manipulative over the years thinking that someday it would pay off. I should have allowed myself to be a child, rather than forced myself to be a druggie, idk what my future holds. I know I should have never tried to be an adult so fast. im still act so sure, that I know what will become. And I wish I had just sat down earlier, and thought it all out instead of rushing head first into life. Im not sure where im going but the way I live is so fast, and this song makes me think about all that.I fear that the crossroads will never allow me my dream. I rushed to grow up with things like sex, and drugs. Its not that I have a job, and car early, its just how I am. The future.Im frightened, im nearly 18, might as well be thirty. Im 17, for me this song recongizes my biggest fears. For me, this song symbolizes growing up far to fast and jumping into things you dont understand yet. Trying to be ahead of where you should be,Its about flying threw life as fast as you can without regarding things that are important. Well, I know this song is about growing up way to fast.

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