Learning to Sing “And So It Goes” by Billy Joel

“And So It Goes” is a beautiful ballad by the legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel. Known for its heartfelt lyrics and emotive melody, this song provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase your vocal skills and express your emotions through singing. In this article, we will guide you through the process of learning and perfecting this iconic song.

Understanding the Vocals

One of the key features of “And So It Goes” is its use of a gentle and intimate vocal technique. Billy Joel’s performance in this song relies heavily on soft dynamics and delicate phrasing. It’s crucial to embrace this subtle approach to truly capture the essence of the song.

To highlight this unique vocal technique further, it’s worth mentioning that artists like Sara Bareilles, A Great Big World, and Boyce Avenue have incorporated similar styles in their performances. By exploring their renditions, you can gain inspiration and ideas on how to interpret “And So It Goes” in your own unique way.

Practical Tips

Here are some practical tips that will help you learn and master “And So It Goes”:

1. Warm-up:
   Start with some vocal warm-up exercises to prepare your voice. Singing exercises like the Three-Minute Warm-Up or the Sustain Vocal exercise will help you relax your vocal muscles and establish control over your breath.
2. Listen and Analyze:
   Spend time listening to Billy Joel’s original recording of “And So It Goes.” Analyze the way he phrases the lyrics, his use of dynamics, and the vocal nuances he incorporates. Pay attention to the emotions he conveys through his singing and try to replicate them in your own performance.
3. Work on Breath Control:
   Since “And So It Goes” requires gentle and controlled singing, focus on improving your breath support and control. The Breath Support article on Singing Carrots provides valuable insights and exercises to help you develop a solid foundation in this area.
4. Practice Articulation:
   Clear and precise articulation is essential when delivering the heartfelt lyrics of this song. Check out the Finger Bite exercise to improve your articulation skills and enunciate each word with clarity.
5. Embrace Emotion:
   “And So It Goes” is a deeply emotional song, and your interpretation should reflect that. Take time to connect with the lyrics and find your personal connection to the song. The Relaxing Breath exercise can help you tap into your emotions and express them authentically while performing.

Utilizing Singing Carrots Resources

Singing Carrots provides a range of resources that can complement your journey of learning and mastering “And So It Goes.” Here are some recommended tools and articles:

• Vocal Range Test: Assess your vocal range to better understand your strengths and limitations as a singer.
• Pitch Accuracy Test: Improve your pitch accuracy through targeted exercises and assessments.
• Vocal Pitch Monitor: Utilize the virtual piano to visualize and correct your sung notes.