Get It Right the First Time

Album: The Stranger (1977)
Play Video
  • I don't believe in first impressions
    For just this once I hope that looks don't deceive
    I ain't got time for true confessions
    I've got to make the move right now
    Got to meet that girl somehow
    I've gotta get it right the first time
    That's the main thing, oohh oohh
    I can't afford to let it pass
    You get it right the next time that's not the same thing, ooh ooh
    Gonna have to make the first time last
    La, la, la, la, la (Repeat)

    I'm not much good at conversation
    I was never to smooth at comin' on real strong
    If all it takes is inspiration
    Then I might have just what it takes
    If I don't make no bad mistakes and I get it right the first time
    That's the main thing
    Can't afford to let it pass
    You get it right the next time that's not the same thing
    Have to make the first time last
    La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la (Repeat)

    I might find the courage, yeah
    I might get up the nerve
    But if my timing ain't just right
    What purpose would it serve?
    I don't know, I don't know
    I don't know how to say those first few words
    If I want to put myself in touch
    The first few moments mean so much

    So I suppose it's now or never
    Before that woman walks right out of my life
    Just let me pull myself together
    I've got to give it one good try
    Gotta take my chance tonight
    I've gotta get it right the first time
    That's the main thing
    I can't afford to let it pass
    You get it right the next time it's not the same thing
    Gonna have to make the first time last
    La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la (Repeat) Writer/s: BILLY JOEL
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 2

  • Aj from NjNobody gets it right right the first time... if they do they’re lucky! Even the singer didn’t get it right...
  • Neil from Detroit, MiAlong with "Everybody Has A Dream", this song is the most underrated on the entire album. It basically sums up the thoughts of men who struggle with talking to women.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Scott Stapp

Scott StappSongwriter Interviews

The Creed lead singer reveals the "ego and self-fulfillment" he now sees in one of the band's biggest hits.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Lip-Synch Rebels

Lip-Synch RebelsSong Writing

What happens when Kurt Cobain, Iron Maiden and Johnny Lydon are told to lip-synch? Some hilarious "performances."

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.