The Longest Time

Billy Joel

About The 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:
1985
3:36
26 
#2

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Oh, oh, oh
For the longest time
Oh, oh, oh
For the longest
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

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


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 Creation and Release
"The Longest Time" is a doo-wop single released by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel in 1984. It is the fourth single from his album "An Innocent Man."
Chart Success
The song achieved significant chart success, reaching Top 20 in the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 14, and made the Top 10 in the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
Lyrics and Theme
Interpretations of the lyrics suggest that the song expresses the joy and uncertainty of falling in love again after a heartbreak. It's about finding love that makes you feel invigorated and youthful.
Unique Sound
Distinguished by its intricate vocal harmonies, "The Longest Time" recalls the doo-wop sound of the 1950s and 1960s.
Musical Composition
Interestingly, the song was actually recorded a cappella, meaning it consists predominantly of human voices without instrumental accompaniment.
Billy Joel's Performance
Joel did his own backing vocals on the track, making it sound like a group of singers, when it was actually just him.
Critical Reception
The song has been critically acclaimed for its harmonization and catchy tune, remaining a beloved hit in Joel's musical repertoire.
Music Video
The music video for "The Longest Time" was directed by Jay Dubin and features Joel and a men's chorus dressed as high school students in a gym, adding a nostalgic feel to the lyrics.
Notable Covers
"The Longest Time" remains a favorite for cover versions, notably performed by groups such as The King's Singers and Rockapella.
Live Performances
Billy Joel often performs "The Longest Time" in his concerts, showing its lasting popularity among his fans.

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    The Longest Time

    55.9M
    317.4K     8,293

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1984

    Billboard #14


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