Honesty Lyrics
[Verse 1]
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
[Chorus]
"Honesty" is such a lonely word
Everyone is so untrue
Honesty is hardly ever heard
And mostly what I need from you
[Verse 2]
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
[Chorus]
"Honesty" is such a lonely word
Everyone is so untrue
Honesty is hardly ever heard
And mostly what I need from you
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
[Chorus]
"Honesty" is such a lonely word
Everyone is so untrue
Honesty is hardly ever heard
And mostly what I need from you
[Verse 2]
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
[Chorus]
"Honesty" is such a lonely word
Everyone is so untrue
Honesty is hardly ever heard
And mostly what I need from you
[Bridge]
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, I know
[Verse 3]
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 that I depend upon
[Chorus]
"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, I know
[Verse 3]
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 that I depend upon
[Chorus]
"Honesty" is such a lonely word
Everyone is so untrue
Honesty is hardly ever heard
And mostly what I need from you
About
Genius Annotation
The second song off of Billy Joel’s 1978 album 52 Street.
A gripping song dissecting the lack of shame in society. The song was a leading single prior to the album’s release. Both the lyrics and music were written by Joel.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
- 1.Big Shot
- 2.Honesty
- 3.My Life
- 4.Zanzibar
- 5.Stiletto
- 9.52nd Street
Credits
Producer
Writer
Lead Vocals
Acoustic Guitar
Guitar
Piano
Concertmaster
Bass
Drums
Backing Vocals
String and Horn Arrangement
Engineered By
Recorded At
A&R Studios
Release Date
May 1979
Songs That Sample Honesty
Honesty Remixes
Honesty Live Performances
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