Billy Joel's 1997 recording of "Hey Girl" was a new addition to his album Greatest Hits, Volume III and was a cover of the song originally written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King.

Joel explained that he recorded the song during a time of personal sadness, after splitting from Christie Brinkley, and was singing it to his daughter.

The song first became a hit in 1963 for Freddie Scott, and Billy Joel's cover featured a sax performance by Everette Harp.