“Honesty” is a song by American singer-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 was 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, most notably by American R&B recording artist, Beyoncé Knowles. Wikipedia®
Billy Joel Honesty
Billy Joel – Honesty Lyrics:
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.
Because you’re the only one that I depend on.
Honesty is such a lonely word.
Everyone is so untrue.
Honesty is hardly ever heard.
And mostly what I need from you…
Official Website: billyjoel.com
Album: 52nd Street
Writer: Billy Joel
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
