Honesty
Billy Joel · Shes Always A Woman: Love Songs [2010]
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
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
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
Because you're the one that I depend upon
CHORUS
About Honesty
Billy Joel's "Honesty" stands as a poignant addition to his extensive catalog of love songs, appearing on the 2010 compilation *She's Always A Woman: Love Songs*. The track exemplifies Joel's signature ability to blend personal vulnerability with sharp observational humor, a hallmark of his storytelling approach throughout his career. While the song does not fit neatly into a single genre, it draws from the pop-rock sensibilities of his earlier work, such as *The Stranger*, while maintaining the polished production characteristic of his later recordings. The lyrics explore the complexities of relationships, focusing on the tension between desire and the need for truth. Joel's delivery captures the nuance of a lover who is both affectionate and wary, reflecting the realistic struggles often found in his narratives. This recording contributes to his broader body of work that has defined modern pop-rock, offering listeners a glimpse into the enduring themes of intimacy and self-preservation that have resonated with audiences for decades.