englishDoo-Wop

An Innocent Man Lyrics

by Billy Joel

22 views • Published on Oct 3, 2026

An Innocent Man Lyrics

Some people stay far away from the door If there's a chance of it opening up They hear a voice in the hall outside And hope that it just passes by Some people live with the fear of a touch And the anger of having been a fool They will not listen to anyone So nobody tells them a lie I know you're only protecting yourself I know you're thinking of somebody else Someone who hurt you But I'm not above Making up for the love You've been denying you could ever feel I'm not above doing anything To restore your faith if I can Some people see through the eyes of the old Before they ever get look at the young I'm only willing to hear you cry Because I am an innocent man Oh yes I am Some people say they will never believe Another promise they hear in the dark Because they only remember too well They heard somebody tell them before Some people sleep all alone every night Instead of taking a lover to bed Some people find that's it's easier to hate Than to wait anymore I know you don't want to hear what I say I know you're gonna keep turning away But I've been there and if I can survive I can keep you alive I'm not above going through it again I'm not above being cool for a while If you're cruel to me I'll understand Some people run from a possible fight Some people figure they can never win And although this is a fight I can lose The accused is an innocent man Oh yes I am An innocent man You know you only hurt yourself out of spite I guess you'd rather be a martyr tonight That's your decision But I'm not below Anybody I know If there's a chance of resurrecting a love I'm not above going back to the start To find out where the heartache began Some people hope for a miracle cure Some people just accept the world as it is But I'm not willing to lay down and die Because I am an innocent man I am an innocent man Oh yes I am An innocent man

Meaning of An Innocent Man

“An Innocent Man” explores the profound pain of isolation and mistrust stemming from past hurts, delivered with Billy Joel’s signature empathetic storytelling. The song depicts individuals trapped by fear – afraid of intimacy, promises, or connection – building walls around themselves fueled by resentment and a reluctance to believe in redemption. The narrator, presenting himself as an “innocent man,” offers unwavering support and understanding, acknowledging the listener’s defensive posture and past wounds. He recognizes the cycle of hurt and self-sabotage, stating he's willing to endure hardship again if it means restoring faith and preventing further suffering. Ultimately, Joel conveys a message of hope and vulnerability, suggesting that genuine connection requires courage, forgiveness, and an openness to believe in the possibility of a second chance, even for someone perceived as “innocent.”

Tags:

an innocent man lyricsbilly joel lyricsan innocent man billy joel lyricsbilly joel songs

Related Lyrics