Get It Right the First Time

Album: The Stranger (1977)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Joel told USA Today July 9, 2008: "It's almost a funk, disco beat. It was written as a relief to the strength of other things. We thought we needed to just have a little breath, which is really just all it is it's just breathing."
  • Ironically considering the title, it took many attempts to get this song right. In our interview with Joel's drummer Liberty DeVitto, he said it was one of the hardest song for the band to record. "It wasn't until the very end of the recording of that album that we actually got 'Get It Right the First Time.' So, we didn't get it right the first time!"

Comments: 2

  • Aj from NjNobody gets it right right the first time... if they do they’re lucky! Even the singer didn’t get it right...
  • Neil from Detroit, MiAlong with "Everybody Has A Dream", this song is the most underrated on the entire album. It basically sums up the thoughts of men who struggle with talking to women.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat WorldSongwriter Interviews

Jim talks about the impact of "The Middle" and uses a tree metaphor to describe his songwriting philosophy.

Weezer

WeezerFact or Fiction

Did Rivers Cuomo grow up on a commune? Why did they name their albums after colors? See how well you know your Weezer in this Fact or Fiction.

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.

Eric Burdon

Eric BurdonSongwriter Interviews

The renown rock singer talks about "The House of the Rising Sun" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood."

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.