Honesty

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. 


Year:
2010
3:51
51 

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If you search for tenderness
It isn't hard to find
You can have the love you need to live
But if you look for truthfulness
You might just as well be blind
It always seems to be so hard to give

Honesty is such a lonely word
Everyone is so untrue
Honesty is hardly ever heard
And mostly what I need from you

I can always find someone
To say they sympathize
If I wear my heart out on my sleeve
But I don't want some pretty face
To tell me pretty lies
All I want is someone to believe

Honesty is such a lonely word
Everyone is so untrue
Honesty is hardly ever heard
And mostly what I need from you

I can find a lover
I can find a friend
I can have security until the bitter end
Anyone can comfort me
With promises again
I know, I know

When I'm deep inside of me
Don't be too concerned
I won't ask for nothin' while I'm gone
But when I want sincerity
Tell me where else can I turn
'Cause you're the one I depend upon

Honesty is such a lonely word
Everyone is so untrue
Honesty is hardly ever heard
And mostly what I need from you

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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 »

16 fans

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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    Honesty

    51.8M
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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1979

    Billboard #24


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