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As Written and Performed by Billy Joel

Sometimes less really is more.

Billy Joel sitting at a piano singing about this woman that has captivated his heart… no band or orchestra, no bass line or drum kit, no backup vocals or production effects… and it’s perfect.

Joel’s classic, “She’s Got A Way,” is a long-time favorite. And I find it interesting that this artist who has penned so many great lyrics has put a unique slant on this particular expression by owning the fact that there are some things that are hard to understand.

Through the song he explains that there is something about this woman—just the way she brings light and peace and love and encouragement to his life—that he finds absolutely mesmerizing. He goes so far as to say that he doesn’t even need a reason to bask in this love.

I feel that deeply, but, of course, I have countless reasons to celebrate my beloved.

I think, though, that this is the text that really resonates for me when I listen to this song:

She comes to me when I'm feelin' down
Inspires me without a sound
She touches me and I get turned around
She's got a smile that heals me
I don't know why it is
But I have to laugh when she reveals me
She's got a way about her
I don't know what it is
But I know that I can't live without her
Anyway

Yeah… that.

There is something in the way my beloved loves me, encourages me, supports me, believes in me… that really builds me up. I’m convinced I’m a better man because of her and I’m quite confident that most people who know us both would affirm this as truth.

In the book of wisdom we know as Proverbs we find the record of King Lemuel sharing the important things he recalls learning from his mother. Among them we find the familiar passage about finding the right partner:

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

Proverbs 31.10-12

Ancient Hebrew poetry here and late 20^th century popular music seem to be pointing the same direction. If you are one of those who has been blessed with a wife far beyond what you know you deserve, it’s a good time to tell her so. It doesn’t matter if you don’t really have words. You can borrow from an aged songwriter or from an ancient king… or both.