Allentown is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, released in 1982 as part of his album The Nylon Curtain. The song reflects on the economic struggles faced by the working-class residents of Allentown, Pennsylvania, particularly in the decline of the steel industry. Joel wrote the song to capture the feelings of disillusionment and uncertainty prevalent during that time, addressing themes of economic hardship, unemployment, and the loss of industrial jobs. It became one of Joel’s signature songs and remains a poignant anthem for communities affected by deindustrialization. The song’s melody is catchy, but its lyrics delve into deeper themes, making it a standout track in Joel’s discography. It’s a powerful reminder of the human impact behind economic shifts and industrial changes.

Billy Joel – Allentown Lyrics

Well we’re living here in Allentown
And they’re closing all the factories down
Out in Bethlehem they’re killing time
Filling out forms
Standing in line
Well our fathers fought the Second World War
Spent their weekends on the Jersey Shore
Met our mothers in the USO
Asked them to dance
Danced with them slow
And we’re living here in Allentown

But the restlessness was handed down
And it’s getting very hard to stay

Well we’re waiting here in Allentown
For the Pennsylvania we never found
For the promises our teachers gave
If we worked hard
If we behaved
So the graduations hang on the wall
But they never really helped us at all
No they never taught us what was real
Iron and coke
And chromium steel
And we’re waiting here in Allentown

But they’ve taken all the coal from the ground
And the union people crawled away

Every child had a pretty good shot
To get at least as far as their old man got
But something happened on the way to that place
They threw an American flag in our face

Well I’m living here in Allentown
And it’s hard to keep a good man down
But I won’t be getting up today

And it’s getting very hard to stay
And we’re living here in Allentown