Honesty

Album: 52nd Street (1979)
Charted: 24
Play Video
  • 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 Writer/s: Billy Joel
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 6

  • Mc Sonics from Ann Arbor, Michigan Billy Joel was once at a Yankees game in the late 70's or early 80's and got recognized and people started walking up to him asking for autographs and he kept saying "no oble Ingles" and a few minutes later a bunch of people in the section behind him started singing "Honesty, is such a lonely word, everyone is so untrue".    After that he signed the autographs. 
  • Tom from Sydney, AustraliaIt is a disappointment that 'Sodomy' was the title prior to 'Honesty'. 'Home Again' is bland but it is better.

    I am questioning truthfulness at the moment. Was there anything happening in Billy Joel's life which inspired the second half of the chorus, "Honesty is hardly ever heard -- and mostly what I need from you"? Wikipedia says the song was recorded in July - August 1978 ('52nd Street' album). His marriage to Elizabeth Small? A reneging on a business contract? False flattery from the public? I request that any answer be the truth i.e. if nothing is forthcoming, I prefer that to something made up. Much appreciated.
  • Groovus Maximus from Boston, MaStunning, staggeringly powerful song -- an all-time favorite among the many works of genius Billy Joel has created. From the lovely simplicity of the opening piano figure, it builds organically into a pop masterpiece of sheer grandeur and magnificence, a plaintive cry from the very soul of us all. The bridge ("I could find a lover... I could find a friend... I could have security until the bitter end") is one of the best encapsulations of human interaction and interpersonal relationships any philosopher could have possibly stated; Billy has an incredible facility with lyrical & musical invention which few could ever hope to duplicate or even come close!
  • Dana from Woodbury, MnThe working title was an inside joke among Joel and the members of his band.
  • Ken from Louisville, KyBilly almost always wrote the music first and added lyrics later. When writing the music, he'd use any words he could think of to fit the meter, before writing the actual lyrics. He said when he wrote Honesty, the working title was "Sodomy"!
  • Matt from Fishers, InShows how honesty is rarely alive in people, he says it is a lonely word because not many obtain this important characteristic.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.

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.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Mac Powell of Third Day

Mac Powell of Third DaySongwriter Interviews

The Third Day frontman talks about some of the classic songs he wrote with the band, and what changed for his solo country album.

Who Wrote That Song?

Who Wrote That Song?Music Quiz

Do you know who wrote Patti Smith's biggest hit? How about the Grease theme song? See if you can match the song to the writer.