The Longest Time

"The Longest Time" is a doo-wop single by musician Billy Joel. The song was released as a single in the early spring of 1984 as the fourth single off of the album An Innocent Man. It reached #14 on the Billboard Hot 100, #1 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, and #25 on the UK Singles Chart. The song features Joel on vocals and all backing vocals. Joel recorded 14 different background tracks which were mixed into the song at the studio; the only instrument featured in the song is bass guitar. Joel's multiple vocal parts and harmonies make this song a standard among barbershop quartets and a cappella groups.

[Intro] Dum dum dum [Chorus] Whoa, oh, oh, oh (For the longest) For the longest time Whoa, oh, oh (For the longest) For the longest time [Verse 1] 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 [Verse 2] 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 [Chorus] Whoa, oh, oh, oh (For the longest) For the longest time Whoa, oh, oh (For the longest) For the longest [Verse 3] 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 [Bridge] 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 [Verse 4] 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 [Bridge] 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 [Verse 5] 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 [Outro] Whoa, oh, oh, oh (For the longest) For the longest time Whoa, oh, oh (For the longest) For the longest time Whoa, oh, oh (For the longest) For the longest time Whoa, oh, oh (For the longest) For the longest time Whoa, oh, oh (For the longest) For the longest time...