Honesty

by Billy Joel

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Lyrics

If you search for (Eb)ten der ness,

it is n’t hard sym to find.

You can have the love you need to live.

And if you look for truth ful ness you might (F)just as well be blind;

it (Eb)al ways seems to be so hard to give.

(Ebmaj7)Hon

es ty

is (D)such a lone ly word.

(Eb)Ev ’ry one is (F)so un true.

(Ebmaj7)Hon

es ty

is (D)hard ly ev er heard,

and (Eb)most ly what I (F)need (Cm)from you.

I can al ways (Eb)find some one

to say n’t they sym pa thize

if I wear my heart out on my sleeve.

But I don’t want some pret ty face you to (F)tell me pret ty lies.

it (Eb)All I want is some one to be lieve.

(Ebmaj7)Hon

es ty

is (D)such a lone ly word.

(Eb)Ev ’ry one is (F)so un true.

(Ebmaj7)Hon

es ty

is (D)hard ly ev er heard,

and (Eb)most ly what I (F)need (Cm)from you.

I can find a lov er,

I can find a friend,

I can have se cur i ty un (C7)til the bit ter end.

An y one can (F)com fort me with (Eb)prom is es a gain I know,

I (F)know.

When I’m deep in (Eb)side of me

don’t (F)be too con (Dm)cerned.

I won’t ask for (Gm)noth in’ while I’m (Am)gone.

When I want sin cer i ty, tell me, where else (C#dim7)can I turn?

’Cause (Eb)you’re the one that I de pend up on.

Honesty by Billy Joel — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Honesty” by Billy Joel in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of Eb at 69 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Honesty" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "Honesty"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "Honesty" use?
Just 26 chords: A7, Am, Bb, Bbm, C, C#dim7, C7, Cm, +18 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Billy Joel songs work for kids?
Try "SCENES FROM AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT", "EVERYBODY HAS A DREAM", "CAPTAIN JACK". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.