About the song
**Introduction to “Honesty”**
“Honesty,” a poignant ballad by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, is a timeless piece that showcases the artist’s remarkable ability to convey deep emotional truths through music. Released on December 21, 1977, as the third single from Joel’s acclaimed sixth studio album, *52nd Street*, “Honesty” has since become one of Joel’s most enduring and beloved tracks. Written solely by Joel and produced by the renowned Phil Ramone, the song exemplifies the intimate and introspective quality of Joel’s songwriting during this era.
“Honesty” stands out as a reflective piano ballad, opening with somber and tender chords that set the stage for its deeply personal lyrics. The song explores themes of truth and authenticity, lamenting the scarcity of genuine honesty in relationships and broader societal contexts. With its slow tempo and minimalist arrangement—featuring David Spinozza on acoustic guitar, Doug Stegmeyer on bass, and Liberty DeVitto on drums—”Honesty” is both a showcase of Joel’s emotive vocal delivery and a precursor to the power ballads that would dominate the 1980s and 1990s.
Critically acclaimed for its lyrical depth and Joel’s heartfelt performance, “Honesty” reached number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to number 6 on the R&B chart in the United States. Its international appeal was further evidenced by its chart-topping success in France and its gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of Japan for over 100,000 ringtone downloads. The song’s popularity led to its inclusion in various compilation albums, such as the Dutch and Japanese editions of *Greatest Hits Volume 2*, replacing “Don’t Ask Me Why.”
The song has been praised for its melodic charm and emotional resonance. Reviews highlight its warm vocal delivery and the evocative use of piano and strings. Critics such as Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic and Timothy White from Billboard have lauded “Honesty” as a standout track from Joel’s discography, while other reviews appreciate its introspective nature and musical sophistication.
In addition to its commercial success, “Honesty” has been performed live by Joel alongside Elton John in several high-profile concerts, further cementing its place in his repertoire. The song’s legacy is marked by its inclusion in the Grammy Award nominations for Song of the Year and its continued presence in popular culture, including notable performances and media placements.
Overall, “Honesty” remains a poignant testament to Billy Joel’s skill as a songwriter and performer, capturing the essence of sincerity and emotional vulnerability. Its continued relevance and acclaim underscore its significance as one of Joel’s most impactful and memorable works.
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