About the song
In the realm of music, few songs have captured the essence of human connection as poignantly as Billy Joel’s “Honesty.” Released in 1979 as the third single from his acclaimed album “52nd Street,” this heartfelt ballad quickly resonated with audiences worldwide, becoming a timeless classic.
Written and composed solely by Joel, “Honesty” is a testament to his ability to craft deeply personal and introspective lyrics. The song delves into the complexities of relationships, exploring themes of trust, vulnerability, and the fear of emotional exposure. With its evocative piano melodies and Joel’s soulful vocals, “Honesty” paints a vivid picture of the emotional landscape that often accompanies love and intimacy.
The song’s opening lines, “I can’t go on pretending/That I don’t need you,” immediately set a vulnerable tone. Joel expresses his longing for a genuine connection, acknowledging that his facade of independence is crumbling. The lyrics continue to explore the challenges of maintaining honesty in a world often filled with deception and superficiality.
One of the song’s most striking qualities is its ability to evoke a sense of empathy in the listener. Joel’s raw and honest delivery allows audiences to connect with the emotions he conveys, making “Honesty” a truly relatable experience. The song’s universal themes have ensured its enduring popularity, transcending generations and musical styles.
“Honesty” has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. It peaked at number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying Joel’s position as a leading songwriter of his era. The song has also been covered and sampled by numerous artists, including Beyoncé, further testament to its enduring impact.
Video
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
‘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