The Longest Time
KITCHEN - Billy Joel Lyrics

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Oh, oh, oh
For the longest time
Oh, oh, oh
For the longest
If you said goodbye to me tonight
There would still be music left to write
What else could I do
I'm so inspired by you

That hasn't happened for the longest time

Once I thought my innocence was gone
Now I know that happiness goes on
That's where you found me
When you put your arms around me
I haven't been there for the longest time

Oh, oh, oh
For the longest time
Oh, oh, oh
For the longest
I'm that voice you're hearing in the hall
And the greatest miracle of all
Is how I need you
And how you needed me too
That hasn't happened for the longest time

Maybe this won't last very long
But you feel so right
And I could be wrong
Maybe I've been hoping too hard
But I've gone this far
And it's more than I hoped for

Who knows how much further we'll go on
Maybe I'll be sorry when you're gone
I'll take my chances
I forgot how nice romance is
I haven't been there for the longest time

I had second thoughts at the start
I said to myself
Hold on to your heart
Now I know the woman that you are
You're wonderful so far
And it's more than I hoped for

I don't care what consequence it brings
I have been a fool for lesser things
I want you so bad

I think you ought to know that
I intend to hold you for the longest time

Overall Meaning

"The Longest Time" by Billy Joel is a heartfelt song about finding love and the impact it can have on one's life. The lyrics convey a deep sense of appreciation for the person who has inspired the songwriter, and the hope that this love will last.

In the first paragraph, the singer expresses that even if their love were to end, there would still be inspiration to write music. This suggests that the impact of this person on their life is profound and everlasting. The phrase "I'm so inspired by you" highlights the strong effect the person has on the songwriter's creativity.

The second paragraph reflects on the changes the person has brought to the singer's life. Once feeling that innocence was lost, the singer now realizes that happiness can still be found and that it continues to grow as long as this person remains by their side. This conveys a sense of hope and optimism in the power of love to bring joy and fulfillment.

The chorus repeats the phrase "for the longest time," emphasizing the longevity and enduring nature of their connection. The repetition adds to the sentimentality of the song and underscores the significance of this love. The lyric "I'm that voice you're hearing in the hall, and the greatest miracle of all" suggests that the person is a constant presence and source of support, and that their love is seen as a miraculous and beautiful thing.

The final paragraphs express the singer's uncertainty about the future of their relationship. They acknowledge that it might not last, but they feel deeply that the person is right for them and they have gone beyond their initial hopes. The lyrics also convey a willingness to take risks for this love and to embrace the experience of romance, highlighting the songwriter's realization that they have found someone special and their desire to hold onto it for as long as possible.

Overall, "The Longest Time" explores the transformative power of love, the joy it brings, and the willingness to take risks and hold on to that love for as long as possible. It captures the excitement and uncertainty of a new relationship and expresses a deep gratitude for the person who has inspired and brought happiness into the singer's life.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh, oh, oh
Expressing excitement and anticipation

For the longest time
For an extended period of time

If you said goodbye to me tonight
Even if you were to leave me tonight

There would still be music left to write
There is still inspiration and creativity within me

What else could I do
I am deeply influenced and motivated by you

I'm so inspired by you
You have ignited my artistic inspiration

That hasn't happened for the longest time
I haven't felt this way in a very long time

Once I thought my innocence was gone
I believed I had lost my innocence

Now I know that happiness goes on
I have realized that happiness continues

That's where you found me
That's where you discovered me

When you put your arms around me
When you embraced me

I haven't been there for the longest time
I haven't experienced that feeling for a very long time

I'm that voice you're hearing in the hall
I'm the voice that echoes through the hallway

And the greatest miracle of all
And the most incredible thing of all

Is how I need you
Is how much I rely on you

And how you needed me too
And how you also depend on me

That hasn't happened for the longest time
It has been a very long time since both of us felt this way

Maybe this won't last very long
Perhaps this relationship will be short-lived

But you feel so right
But being with you feels incredibly correct

And I could be wrong
And I could be mistaken

Maybe I've been hoping too hard
Perhaps I have been longing too intensely

But I've gone this far
But I have already progressed to this extent

And it's more than I hoped for
And it exceeds my expectations

Who knows how much further we'll go on
No one knows how much longer our journey will continue

Maybe I'll be sorry when you're gone
Perhaps I will regret it when you leave

I'll take my chances
I am willing to take risks

I forgot how nice romance is
I had forgotten how pleasant romance can be

I haven't been there for the longest time
I haven't experienced romance in a very long time

I had second thoughts at the start
I had doubts initially

I said to myself
I told myself

Hold on to your heart
Guard and protect your emotions

Now I know the woman that you are
Now I understand your true character as a woman

You're wonderful so far
You have been amazing up to this point

And it's more than I hoped for
And it surpasses my expectations

I don't care what consequence it brings
I am not concerned about the potential outcome

I have been a fool for lesser things
I have made mistakes in the past for trivial matters

I want you so bad
I desire you intensely

I think you ought to know that
I believe it is important for you to be aware of that

I intend to hold you for the longest time
I plan to cherish and keep you for an extended period

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: BILLY JOEL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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