Billy Joel - Honesty Lyrics (2024)

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Billy Joel

About Honesty

"Honesty" is a song by American singer and songwriter Billy Joel. Columbia Records released the song as the third single from his sixth studio album 52nd Street (1978) in 1979. "Honesty" was solely written by Joel, while production was handled by Phil Ramone. The song was not included on any of Joel's US-released compilation packages; however, it appears on the Dutch and Japanese editions of Greatest Hits Volume 2, replacing "Don't Ask Me Why" (1980). "Honesty" is a piano ballad that talks about the inherent lack of shame. The song received mostly positive reviews from music critics, who generally praised its lyrics and piano instrumentation. It also received comparisons to other songs by Joel. "Honesty" peaked at number twenty-four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the album's third consecutive top forty hit. It went to Number 1 in France and has also been certified gold by Recording Industry Association of Japan for ringtone download sales of over 100,000 units. Joel performed the song live several times with Elton John and later with Bryan Adams. "Honesty" has been covered and sampled by various artists, including by American R&B recording artist, Beyoncé.more »


Year:
1978
3:53
2,284Views
Playlists:
#8

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Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

If you search for tendernessIt isn't hard to findYou can have the love you need to liveBut if you look for truthfulnessYou might just as well be blindIt always seems to be so hard to giveHonesty is such a lonely wordEveryone is so untrueHonesty is hardly ever heardAnd mostly what I need from youI can always find someoneTo say they sympathizeIf I wear my heart out on my sleeveBut I don't want some pretty faceTo tell me pretty liesAll I want is someone to believeHonesty is such a lonely wordEveryone is so untrueHonesty is hardly ever heardAnd mostly what I need from youI can find a loverI can find a friendI can have security until the bitter endAnyone can comfort meWith promises againI know, I knowWhen I'm deep inside of meDon't be too concernedI won't ask for nothin' while I'm goneBut when I want sincerityTell me where else can I turn'Cause you're the one I depend uponHonesty is such a lonely wordEveryone is so untrueHonesty is hardly ever heardAnd mostly what I need from you

Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

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Billy Joel

William Martin "Billy" Joel (born May 9, 1949) is an American pianist, singer-songwriter, and composer. Since releasing his first hit song, "Piano Man," in 1973, Joel has become the sixth best-selling recording artist and the third best-selling solo artist in the United States, according to the RIAA. He also has the third best-selling album in the United States with his Greatest Hits Vol. 1 & 2. more »

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Pop

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Ballad

Sheet Music PDF Playlist

Written by: Billy Joel

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

10 facts about this song

Album Release

"Honesty" is one of the tracks on Billy Joel's sixth studio album, "52nd Street," which was released in 1978.

Song Qualities

The song is well-known for its touching lyrics and vibrant piano melody, which are both typical features of Billy Joel's timeless music.

Chart Pick

The song reached #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1979, demonstrating its popularity at the time.

Song Meaning

'Honesty' talks about the value and rarity of finding honesty in people. Joel wanted to highlight how people often hide their true intentions under attractive facades.

Single Release

It was released as a single in 1979, following the success of "Big Shot" and "My Life."

Music Video

The music video for "Honesty" was one of the first music clips Joel ever released and features him performing the song on a wooden piano.

Other Artist Cover

Beyoncé, an American singer and songwriter, did a cover of the song "Honesty" in 2001 as part of her Destiny's Child days.

Grammy Awards

The album "52nd Street," which includes 'Honesty', won a Grammy in 1980 for "Album of the Year."

Song Inspiration

The song is said to be inspired by Joel's own experiences in dealing with dishonesty within the music industry.

Lyrics Writer

Billy Joel not only performs the song, but he also wrote the lyrics himself, exemplifying his profound songwriting skills.

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Billy Joel - Honesty Lyrics (2024)
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