Released: September 29, 1977

Songwriter: Billy Joel

Producer: Phil Ramone

[Verse 1]
I don't believe in first impressions
For just this once I hope
That looks don't deceive
I ain't got time for true confessions

[Pre-Chorus]
Got to make the move right now
Got to meet that girl somehow

[Chorus]
Get it right the first time
That's the main thing
I can't afford to let it pass
You get it right the next time
That's not the same thing
Gonna make the first time last

[Verse 2]
I'm not much good at conversation
I never was much good
At coming on real strong
But if all it takes is inspiration

[Pre-Chorus]
Then I might have just what it takes
If I don't make no bad mistakes
And I

[Chorus]
Get it right the first time
'Cause that's the main thing
I can't afford to let it pass
You get it right the next time
That's not the same thing
Gonna have to make the first time last

[Bridge]
I might find the courage
Yeah, I might get up the nerve
But if my timing ain't just right
What purpose would that serve?
I don't know, I don't know, I don't know
How to say those first few words
If I want to put myself in touch
The first few moments mean so much

[Verse 3]
So I suppose it's now or never
Before that woman
Walks right out of my life
Just let me pull myself together

[Pre-Chorus]
I've got to give it one good try
Gotta take my chance tonight

[Outro]
Get it right the first time
That's the main thing
I can't afford to let it pass
You get it right the next time
That's not the same thing
Gonna have to make the first time last

Billy Joel

Billy Joel (born May 9, 1949) is an American pianist, singer/songwriter, producer, and composer who ranks as one of the most iconic and influential artists from the mid to late 20th century.

He is the sixth best-selling recording artist and the third best-selling solo artist in the United States, wrote a total of 121 songs that achieved 33 Top 40 hits in the US, a 6-time Grammy winner out of 23 nominations, and one of the best-selling recording artists of all-time with 150 million albums sold worldwide.

Joel has since continued to tour and sells out in stadiums globally. He also delved into classical music composition, arranging an album, Fantasies and Delusions released in 2001, opened a motorcycle shop on his native Long Island, and is now regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Among his numerous accolades, he was inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992, bestowed with the Kennedy Center Honors in 2013, and awarded the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by the Library of Congress in 2014.