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Anatomy of a Song : Allentown Trivia Quiz

"Allentown" is my favourite song by Billy Joel, see how much you know about the lyrics and associated facts of this classic tune.

A multiple-choice quiz by Dizart. Estimated time: 2 mins.

Author
Dizart

Time
2 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
333,488

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Easy

Avg Score
8 / 10

Plays
734

Awards
Top 20% Quiz

Last 3 plays: Guest 152 (10/10), CEM9644 (9/10), Guest 174 (9/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. In the first verse, what are they closing down in Allentown? Hint

Factories

Schools

Stores

Sports Centres

NEXT>

Question 2 of 10

2. Also in the first verse, in which nearby city are they "killing time, filling out forms, standing in line?" Hint

Bethlehem

Wilkes-Barre

Scranton

Philadelphia

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Question 3 of 10

3. In the second verse, in which war did "our fathers" fight? Hint

Vietnam War

First World War

Korean War

Second World War

NEXT>

Question 4 of 10

4. When they weren't fighting a war, where did "our fathers" spend their weekends? Hint

Jersey Shore

Catskill Mountains

New York City

Finger Lakes

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. Whilst enjoying their weekends, our fathers met our mothers at the USO. What does USO stand for? Hint

United Service Organisations

Union Station, Oakland

Universal Studios, Orlando

Upper State Observatory

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Question 6 of 10

6. In the third verse, "we're waiting here in Allentown" for which place that "we never found"? Hint

Pennsylvania

World

America

Promised Land

NEXT>

Question 7 of 10

7. In the fourth verse, what items were hanging on the wall that "never really helped us at all"? Hint

Certificates

Medals

Diplomas

Graduations

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Question 8 of 10

8. Joel lists a number of "real" items that they were never taught about. Which of the following was NOT one of these? Hint

Iron

Chromium Steel

Coke

Tin

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Question 9 of 10

9. What did they have thrown in their face? Hint

A Custard Pie

A Beer

A Grievous Insult

An American Flag

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. The song "Allentown" originally appeared on which Billy Joel studio album? Hint

Cold Spring Harbor

The Nylon Curtain

Glass Houses

An Innocent Man

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Most Recent Scores

Apr 17 2024 : Guest 152: 10/10
Mar 05 2024 : CEM9644: 9/10
Mar 02 2024 : Guest 174: 9/10
Feb 26 2024 : Guest 115: 9/10
Feb 22 2024 : Guest 108: 7/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. In the first verse, what are they closing down in Allentown?

Answer: Factories

Allentown is a city in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. The iron industry resulted in the rapid expansion of the city in the 19th century.

2. Also in the first verse, in which nearby city are they "killing time, filling out forms, standing in line?"

Answer: Bethlehem

Like nearby Allentown, Bethlehem found its wealth in heavy industry, before overseas competition after World War Two led to the closure of it's steel mills.

3. In the second verse, in which war did "our fathers" fight?

Answer: Second World War

The Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania was a major supplier of steel and ordnance during World War Two. After the war, when Bethlehem Steel declined and eventually closed down, there was subsequent mass unemployment in the region.

4. When they weren't fighting a war, where did "our fathers" spend their weekends?

Answer: Jersey Shore

The New Jersey shore is handily placed for residents of Eastern Pennsylavania to enjoy resorts such as Atlantic City and Asbury Park.

5. Whilst enjoying their weekends, our fathers met our mothers at the USO. What does USO stand for?

Answer: United Service Organisations

United Service Organizations was founded in 1941 to provide "morale and recreation services" to members of the US military. Whilst many facilities are located in overseas war zones, a large number are to be found on US soil.

6. In the third verse, "we're waiting here in Allentown" for which place that "we never found"?

Answer: Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the original 13 colonies that founded the USA. Allentown, located in the northeast of the state, is it's third largest city, after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

7. In the fourth verse, what items were hanging on the wall that "never really helped us at all"?

Answer: Graduations

"Allentown" was released as a single in 1982, reaching number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. The original title of the song was going to be "Levittown", after Joel's home town on Long Island, New York.

8. Joel lists a number of "real" items that they were never taught about. Which of the following was NOT one of these?

Answer: Tin

Iron, coke and steel are all part of the industrial heritage of the Allentown/Bethlehem area, but there is no history of tin mining in the area.

9. What did they have thrown in their face?

Answer: An American Flag

Joel, having rejected Levittown as the title, was going to call the song "Bethlehem", but decided that people may mistake it for a religious song, so "Allentown" was actually the third choice for the song's title!

10. The song "Allentown" originally appeared on which Billy Joel studio album?

Answer: The Nylon Curtain

"The Nylon Curtain", released in September, 1982, reached number seven on the Billboard album chart. Two other songs from the album were released as singles, "Pressure" and "Goodnight Saigon".

Source: Author Dizart

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ralzzz before going online.
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