About the Song
Billy Joel’s hit song The Longest Time is not only a timeless anthem of love and nostalgia but also a testament to the unique and meticulous songwriting process of one of pop music’s greatest talents. According to singer-songwriter Tom Bahler, Joel’s creative method is nothing short of fascinating.
During a writing session for The Longest Time, Joel entered the studio with a simple spiral-bound notebook, and after jotting down the title, he started writing lyrics. What followed was a remarkable process: Joel rewrote the lyrics again and again, each time with slight variations but keeping the core idea intact. As Bahler recalls, this process was repetitive—Joel continued to rework the lyrics up to 20 times before finally closing the notebook. Rather than editing lines, Joel would rewrite the entire song, without crossing anything out, as if to send a subconscious message that every attempt was part of the creative evolution.
For Bahler, this was an eye-opening moment that left a lasting impression. Joel’s approach isn’t about perfection in one go but about allowing the subconscious mind to guide the process. This moment illustrated the importance of following one’s own creative rhythm, even if it defies conventional songwriting methods.
Billy Joel views his songwriting as more of a sculpting process. He compares it to the way Michelangelo would work with marble—believing that inside the raw material is a sculpture waiting to be revealed. For Joel, the music dictates the lyrics, not the other way around. His creative method, while unconventional, has proven to be the key to the timeless songs that have shaped generations.
The Longest Time serves as a reflection of this philosophy, capturing the essence of a moment through Joel’s distinctive approach. It’s a reminder that great art doesn’t always come through linear progression but through listening to the music and allowing the right words to reveal themselves naturally.
Lyrics
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 timeAdvertisement
