Longest Time

Billy Joel

About Longest Time

"The Longest Time" is a doo-wop single by Billy Joel. The song was released as a single in 1984 as the fourth single from the 1983 album An Innocent Man. Following the theme of the album in paying tribute to Joel's musical influences, the song is presented in the style of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers. It reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart. In the United Kingdom the song reached number 25 on the UK Singles Chart. The song features Joel on lead vocals and all backing vocals. Two musical instruments are present in the song: a bass guitar and a snare drum being played with brushes. When the song is covered by vocal groups, the bass part is typically sung. All other sounds in the song are Joel's vocals, along with percussive sounds such as finger snaps and hand claps. Phil Ramone and Joel had intended to feature a vocal group but Joel recorded each of the parts himself. 


Year:
2007
150 
#1

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Oh, oh, oh
For the longest time
Oh, oh, oh
For the longest time
If you said goodbye to me tonight
There would still be music left to write
What else could I do
I'm so inspired by you
That hasn't happened for the longest time

Once I thought my innocence was gone
Now I know that happiness goes on
That's where you found me
When you put your arms around me
I haven't been there for the longest time

Oh, oh, oh
For the longest time
Oh, oh, oh
For the longest
I'm that voice you're hearing in the hall
And the greatest miracle of all
Is how I need you
And how you needed me too
That hasn't happened for the longest time

Maybe this won't last very long
But you feel so right
And I could be wrong
Maybe I've been hoping too hard
But I've gone this far
And it's more than I hoped for

Who knows how much further we'll go on
Maybe I'll be sorry when you're gone
I'll take my chances
I forgot how nice romance is
I haven't been there for the longest time

I had second thoughts at the start
I said to myself
Hold on to your heart
Now I know the woman that you are
You're wonderful so far
And it's more than I hoped for

I don't care what consequence it brings
I have been a fool for lesser things
I want you so bad
I think you ought to know that
I intend to hold you for the longest time

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Background
"The Longest Time" is a song by American singer-songfriend Billy Joel, which first appeared on the 1983 album, An Innocent Man.
Chart Success
The song peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary charts in the United States.
Genre
It's commonly identified as Doo-Wop, using harmony vocals that echo the sound of 1950s groups like The Drifters, lending a nostalgic feel to the song.
A Cappella
It is primarily an a cappella song, with Joel's voice supported only by backing vocals and a simple bass line. The only significant non-vocal sound is the snapping of fingers.
Musical Inspiration
The song was inspired by groups like The Four Seasons, with Billy Joel wanting to emulate their style in a tribute to the Doo-Wop era.
Multiple Voices
Except for the bass line, all the voices in the song are Joel’s own, layered on top of each other.
Music Video
The contrasting black and white visual aesthetics in the music video depict a high school reunion, which fits perfectly with the nostalgic feel of the song.
Song Lyrics
The lyrics speak about the fear of losing love and precious time slipping away - themes that evoke a universal emotional response.
Successive Hits
"The Longest Time" was the fourth single from An Innocent Man album that made it to the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Error in Lyrics
Fans have pointed out an error in the lyrics where Joel sings "For the longest time, if you said goodbye to me tonight..." but "tonight" is longer than the "time" the phrase refers to. However, it is just seen as a clever wordplay.

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