The Longest Time
Ofln - Billy Joel Lyrics

Oh, oh, oh
Expressing a feeling of elation towards what is to follow.

For the longest time
A reflection of how long the feeling has been there.

If you said goodbye to me tonight
Contemplation of a possible end of the relationship.

There would still be music left to write
The inspiration derived from the relationship will not cease.

What else could I do
Acknowledging the power the subject has over the artist.

I'm so inspired by you
The cause of the artist's muse.

That hasn't happened for the longest time
A rare occurrence in the artist's life to be so inspired.

Once I thought my innocence was gone
A reflection on a negative personal belief before the relationship.

Now I know that happiness goes on
The realization that there is still hope for happiness.

That's where you found me
The subject has brought newfound happiness to the artist.

When you put your arms around me
Physicality of subject's affection towards the artist.

I haven't been there for the longest time
The artist has not experienced that kind of happiness for a long time.

I'm that voice you're hearing in the hall
The subject has had a significant impact on the artist's life.

And the greatest miracle of all
Acknowledgment of the magnitude of the relationship on the artist's life.

Is how I need you
The artist admits that they require the subject in their life.

And how you needed me too
The artist acknowledges the significance of the subject's need of the artist.

That hasn't happened for the longest time
Repeating the rarity of the experience.

Maybe this won't last very long
Doubts about the longevity of the relationship.

But you feel so right
Despite the doubts, the relationship feels correct.

And I could be wrong
Acknowledgement that the artist could be incorrect or misled in their feelings.

Maybe I've been hoping too hard
Contemplating if the intensity of the feelings is one-sided or imagined.

But I've gone this far
The artist has already invested in the relationship.

And it's more than I hoped for
Acknowledgment that the relationship has exceeded expectations.

Who knows how much further we'll go on
Contemplating the future of the relationship.

Maybe I'll be sorry when you're gone
Fear of regret when the relationship ends.

I'll take my chances
The artist will still pursue the relationship despite the fears and doubts.

I forgot how nice romance is
The artist has not experienced romance for some time.

I haven't been there for the longest time
Repeating the rarity of the experience.

I had second thoughts at the start
Initial doubts about the relationship.

I said to myself
Personal reflection and doubt.

Hold on to your heart
Protect oneself from heartbreak.

Now I know the woman that you are
The artist has gained insight and understanding of the subject's personality.

You're wonderful so far
Positive reaffirmation of the subject's character.

And it's more than I hoped for
Positive acknowledgment of the relationship's progress.

I don't care what consequence it brings
The artist is willing to face the repercussions of the relationship.

I have been a fool for lesser things
The artist has previously put himself in dangerous situations for less important reasons.

I want you so bad
The artist desires the subject intensely.

I think you ought to know that
Sharing his innermost thoughts with the subject.

I intend to hold you for the longest time
The artist plans to hold onto the subject for as long as possible.