Meaning of "Honesty" by Billy Joel

The song "Honesty" by Billy Joel delves into the theme of trust and the scarcity of genuine honesty in relationships. The lyrics highlight the contrasting availability of tenderness and love versus truthfulness. While tenderness is easily found, truthfulness is elusive. The songwriter feels that people are often dishonest and finds it challenging to give and receive honesty. The repetition of the phrase "Honesty is such a lonely word" emphasizes the isolation that comes with seeking genuine truthfulness in a world full of lies. The artist longs for someone to provide the rare quality of honesty, as it is what he truly needs from them.

The lyrics also touch upon the idea of false comfort and empty promises. The songwriter acknowledges that he can find people who sympathize and offer emotional support but doesn't want to be deceived by superficial kindness. He desires a deeper connection based on genuine honesty rather than someone just telling him what he wants to hear. The line "All I want is someone to believe" signifies the need for someone who genuinely believes and understands him.

The song concludes by highlighting the artist's reliance on the person he addresses in the lyrics. When he is deep inside himself, he doesn't ask for anything. However, when he does seek something, he turns to this person because he values their sincerity. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the yearning for honesty that remains unfulfilled.

Overall, "Honesty" expresses the artist's longing for genuine honesty in a world that often lacks it. It reflects the importance of trust and the difficulty of finding someone who can be relied upon for sincerity. The song evokes a sense of loneliness and vulnerability stemming from the absence of honesty in relationships.