But I don't want some pretty face
To tell me pretty lies All I want is someone to believe "Honesty" is one of Billy's most popular ballads probably because the sentiment behind the song is so universally held among both men and women. People seek honesty and truthfulness from each other, maybe even more than love and comfort, but it is "hardly ever heard." As Billy says, one can find a lover, a friend, or security, but it's harder to find truthfulness. He is referring not simply to factual veracity, but to emotional honesty and faithfulness. It is akin to loyalty and fidelity.
Billy discusses the song, from SiriusXM.
Billy tells a humorous story on how the lyrics to "Honesty" evolved. You can see him discuss this and "Movin' Out" at a 1992 Q&A session (below, right) or listen to a snippet from SiriusXM (right).
"Honesty" is a beautiful song, and reached #24 on the US Billboard charts. It was nominated for a Grammy for Song of the Year in 1980 (ironically, the award went to "What A Fool Believes" by the Doobie Brothers and Kenny Loggins). The song's success, however, continued to pigeonhole Billy as a soft rock balladeer despite the jazzier, harder sound of 52nd Street. The album did receive the Grammy for Album of the Year, and Billy received the Grammy for Best Pop Male Vocal Performance for the album. |
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 Because you're the one that 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 
Billy at his piano (1978). Photo: Jim Houghton/ Columbia Records.
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"Honesty" was an even bigger hit in France, reaching #1 on the French charts. Billy and his band appeared on French television in 1979 to promote the song. See video below (left). The song was also very popular in South Korea and Japan, and is in heavy rotation at every karaoke bar in those countries.
Jazz harmonica virtuoso Toots Thielemans also did an instrumental cover of "Honesty" (YouTube video) on his 1979 album Apple Dimple. Thielemans is, of course, most well known to Billy Joel fans for playing harmonica on "Leave A Tender Moment Alone" in 1983. A couple decades later in 2008, Beyonce recorded a cover version of "Honesty," which was a hit in South Korea and Japan. See fan video below (right). And Beyonce's husband Jay-Z also samples Honesty in Marcy to Hollywood. And here is a nice instrumental cover of "Honesty" on acoustic guitar.
Jazz harmonica virtuoso Toots Thielemans also did an instrumental cover of "Honesty" (YouTube video) on his 1979 album Apple Dimple. Thielemans is, of course, most well known to Billy Joel fans for playing harmonica on "Leave A Tender Moment Alone" in 1983. A couple decades later in 2008, Beyonce recorded a cover version of "Honesty," which was a hit in South Korea and Japan. See fan video below (right). And Beyonce's husband Jay-Z also samples Honesty in Marcy to Hollywood. And here is a nice instrumental cover of "Honesty" on acoustic guitar.
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"Honesty" music video. © 1978 Sony BMG Music Entertainment. A brighter version with Spanish subtitles is here. "Honesty" was nominated for Song of the Year in 1978.
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Billy and the band sing (or lip sync) "Honesty" on French television. Their instruments are not hooked up. "Honesty" reached #1 on French music charts.
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Live version of "Honesty" from 1987 in Russia.
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Acoustic version of "Honesty" from Master Class in Nuremberg, Germany (1995).
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This is a fan video of Beyonce's cover of "Honesty" from 2008. She does a good job of making it her own.
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Demo version posted on YouTube by DundeeBhoy2007.
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Demo version with orchestrations, posted on YouTube by DundeeBhoy2007.
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Billy discusses how the lyrics to "Honesty" came about over time, at a Master Class in 1992 (starting at 3:14).
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Publicity photo (1981)
All music and lyrics by Billy Joel, except as noted. Lyrics to Billy Joel songs are © Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC. This is an unofficial fan site providing information and commentary on Billy Joel's music. This site has no advertisements, makes no money, and does not collect any personal information. It is not affiliated, endorsed, or sponsored by Billy Joel, UMPG, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Sony Music, Columbia Records, Maritime Music, or any Billy Joel organization. Billy Joel's official site is at BillyJoel.com.