The Longest Time

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'The Longest Time', Billy Joel.
Based on Official Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_XgQhMPeEQ
Altered bass line in bridge endings.
Capo on 1st fret
[Chorus]
D A D G
Oh, oh, oh
A D
For the longest time
A D G
Oh, oh, oh
A
For the longest time
[Verse 1]
D D/C# D/B D/A G D
If you said goodbye to me tonight
D D/C# D/B D/A E A
There would still be music left to write
F# Bm
What else could I do
A7 D D7/A
I'm so inspired by you
G Em A D
That hasn't happened for the longest time
[Verse 2]
D D/C# D/B D/A G D
Once I thought my innocence was gone
D D/C# D/B D/A E A
Now I know that happiness goes on
F# Bm
That's where you found me
A7 D D7/A
When you put your arms around me
G Em A D
I haven't been there for the longest time
[Chorus]
D A D G
Oh, oh, oh
A D
For the longest time
A D G
Oh, oh, oh
A
For the longest
[Verse 3]
D D/C# D/B D/A G D
I'm that voice you're hearing in the hall
D D/C# D/B D/A E A
And the greatest miracle of all
F# Bm
Is how I need you
A7 D D7/A
And how you needed me too
G Em A D
That hasn't happened for the longest time
[Bridge 1]
A Bm
Maybe this won't last very long
C#7
But you feel so right
D
And I could be wrong
F#m Bm
Maybe I've been hoping too hard
E7
But I've gone this far
A A/G A/F# A/E
And it's more than I hoped for
[Verse 4]
D D/C# D/B D/A G D
Who knows how much further we'll go on
D D/C# D/B D/A E A
Maybe I'll be sorry when you're gone
F# Bm
I'll take my chances
A7 D D7/A
I forgot how nice romance is
G Em A D
I haven't been there for the longest time
[Bridge 2]
A Bm
I had second thoughts at the start
C#7
I said to myself
D
Hold on to your heart
F#m Bm
Now I know the woman that you are
E7
You're wonderful so far
A A/G A/F# A/E
And it's more than I hoped for
[Verse 5]
D D/C# D/B D/A G D
I don't care what consequence it brings
D D/C# D/B D/A E A
I have been a fool for lesser things
F# Bm
I want you so bad
A7 D D7
I think you ought to know that
G Em A D
I intend to hold you for the longest time
Ending
D A D G
Oh, oh, oh
A D
For the longest time
Repeat...

The Longest Time chords and lyrics

Free chords for The Longest Time by Billy Joel. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

'The Longest Time', Billy Joel.
Based on Official Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_XgQhMPeEQ
Altered bass line in bridge endings.
Capo on 1st fret
[Chorus]
[Verse 1]
[Verse 2]
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
[Bridge 1]
[Verse 4]
[Bridge 2]
[Verse 5]
[Ending]
Repeat...

The Longest Time Chords by Billy Joel

Learn how to play The Longest Time by Billy Joel with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Longest Time chords”, “The Longest Time guitar chords”, or “Billy Joel The Longest Time chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy The Longest Time chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Longest Time lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include D, A, G, D/C#, D/B, D/A.

Frequently asked questions about The Longest Time

How do I play "The Longest Time" by Billy Joel on guitar?

Open the free chords for "The Longest Time" by Billy Joel on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "The Longest Time" by Billy Joel free?

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Can I transpose "The Longest Time" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "The Longest Time" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "The Longest Time"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "The Longest Time" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "The Longest Time" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "The Longest Time" by Billy Joel with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Billy Joel below.

What key is "The Longest Time" in?

The chords for "The Longest Time" show the original chord names (including D, A, G, D/C#, D/B, D/A). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.