Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time” Meaning

The title of this song, in which the addressee is the vocalist’s sweetheart, points to the fact, most simply put, that the latter has not experienced (romantic) love “for the longest time”. And Billy Joel does a good job from a lyrical perspective of presenting himself as someone who has really and truly “forgot(ten) how nice romance is”.

For example, beyond making such statements, it can be gleaned that the vocalist is insecure, i.e. proceeding forward under the belief that his relationship with the addressee can end at any second. This is despite the fact that, as it currently stands, he doesn’t seem to have any palpable reason to believe such. Or put alternatively, Billy comes off as someone who is suffering from a lack of romantic confidence due to past failures in the field, but the lyrics never go there specifically.

What they do more frankly revolve around is the thesis sentiment of the vocalist being extremely appreciative to have a new, genuine lover in his life. Realistically speaking, he doesn’t know how long it’s going to last. 

And, as noted earlier, he isn’t that confident in terms of its longevity. But now that the opportunity to engage in a meaningful, long-term relationship has presented itself, Joel is more privy to taking the risk as opposed to letting the opportunity pass him by.

“Whoa, oh, oh, oh (For the longest)
For the longest time
Whoa, oh, oh (For the longest)
For the longest time”

Release Date of “The Longest Time”

“The Longest Time” was released on August 8 of 1983 as the 4th single from Billy’s “An Innocent Man” album. The album in question is actually Billy’s 9th studio album, and it was released through Columbia Records.

Throughout his career, Joel has amassed a number of powerful hits. “The Longest Time” is consider one of them.

How Many Songs Were Released as Singles from the “An Innocent Man” Album?

In addition to “The Longest Time”, 6 other songs were released as singles to support the album. They include:

• “Tell Her About It”
• “Uptown Girl”
• “An Innocent Man”
• “Leave a Tender Moment Alone”
• “Keeping the Faith”
• “This Night”

Credits

Billy Joel authored this song. Phil Ramone produced “An Innocent Man”.