The Longest Time

by Billy Joel

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Lyrics

(Eb)Oh,

(Bb)oh, (Eb)oh, (Ab)oh

(Bb)For the long est (Eb)time

(Bb)Oh, (Eb)oh, (Ab)oh

(Bb)For the long est (Eb)If (Gm)you (Eb)said (Gm)good (Ab)bye to me to (Eb)night

There (Gm)would (Eb)still (Gm)be (F7)mu sic (F7)left to (Bb)write

What (G7)else could (Cm)I do (Bb)When I’m so in (Eb)spired a (Eb7)by you That has n’t (Fm)hap pened for the (Bb)long est (Eb)time

(Eb)Once (Gm)I (Eb)thought (Gm)my (Ab)in no cence was (Eb)gone

Now (Gm)I (Eb)know (Gm)that (F7)hap pi (F7)ness goes (Bb)on

That’s (G7)where you (Cm)found me (Bb)When you put your (Eb)arms a (Eb7)round me I have n’t (Fm)been there for the (Bb)long est (Eb)time

(Eb)Oh,

(Bb)oh, (Eb)oh, (Ab)oh

(Bb)For the long est (Eb)time

(Bb)Oh, (Eb)oh, (Ab)oh

(Bb)For the long est (Eb)I’m (Gm)that (Eb)voice (Gm)you’re (Ab)hear ing in the (Eb)hall

And (Gm)the (Eb)great (Gm)est (F7)mir a (F7)cle of (Bb)all

Is (G7)how I (Cm)need you I And how you (Eb)need ed (Eb7)me too That has n’t (Fm)hap pened for the (Bb)long est (Eb)time

(Bb)May be this won’t (Cm)last ver y long But (D7)you feel so right And (Eb)I could be wrong

(Gm)May be I’ve been hop an ing too hard But I’ve der gone this far And it’s (Bb7)more than I hoped for (Eb)Who (Gm)knows (Eb)how (Gm)much (Ab)fur ther we’ll go (Eb)on

May (Gm)be (Eb)I’ll (Gm)be (F7)sor ry (F7)when you’re (Bb)gone

I’ll (G7)take my (Cm)chanc es I for got how (Eb)nice ro (Eb7)mance is I have n’t (Fm)been there for the (Bb)long est (Eb)time

(Bb)I had sec ond (Cm)thoughts at the start I (D7)said to my self Hold (Eb)on to your heart

(Gm)Now I know the wom an that you are You’re won der ful so far And it’s (Bb7)more than I hoped for (Eb)I (Gm)don’t (Eb)care (Gm)what (Ab)con se quence it (Eb)brings

I (Gm)have (Eb)been (Gm)a (F7)fool for (F7)less er (Bb)things

I (G7)want you (Cm)so bad I think you (Eb)ought to (Eb7)know that (Ab)I in tend to (Fm)hold you for the (Bb)long est (Eb)time

Oh,

(Bb)oh, (Eb)oh (Ab)oh

(Bb)For the long est (Eb)time

(Bb)Oh, (Eb)oh, (Ab)oh

(Bb)For the long est (Eb)time

(Bb)Oh, (Eb)oh, (Ab)oh

(Bb)For the long est (Eb)time

The Longest Time by Billy Joel — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Longest Time” 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 Ab at 176 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 "The Longest Time" 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 "The Longest Time"?
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.