Meaning of "Surprises" by Billy Joel

"Surprises" by Billy Joel delves into the idea of personal evolution and the acceptance of change and mistakes in life. The lyrics convey a sense of resignation to the fact that change is constant and inevitable, and that one should not be surprised by the outcomes of their actions. The song reflects on the idea that growing older and gaining experience often leads to a shift in one's perspective, as seen in the lines "Don't look now but you have changed / Your best friends wouldn't tell you." The reference to sins of the father being sins of the sons highlights the idea that patterns and mistakes can be passed down through generations, but ultimately, it is up to each individual to learn from them. Overall, "Surprises" encourages introspection and self-awareness, emphasizing the need to acknowledge and learn from past mistakes and experiences in order to continue growing and evolving as a person.