Get It Right the First Time

Album: The Stranger (1977)
Play Video
  • 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
    I've got to make the move right now
    Got to meet that girl somehow
    I've gotta get it right the first time
    That's the main thing, oohh oohh
    I can't afford to let it pass
    You get it right the next time that's not the same thing, ooh ooh
    Gonna have to make the first time last
    La, la, la, la, la (Repeat)

    I'm not much good at conversation
    I was never to smooth at comin' on real strong
    If all it takes is inspiration
    Then I might have just what it takes
    If I don't make no bad mistakes and I get it right the first time
    That's the main thing
    Can't afford to let it pass
    You get it right the next time that's not the same thing
    Have to make the first time last
    La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la (Repeat)

    I might find the courage, yeah
    I might get up the nerve
    But if my timing ain't just right
    What purpose would it 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

    So I suppose it's now or never
    Before that woman walks right out of my life
    Just let me pull myself together
    I've got to give it one good try
    Gotta take my chance tonight
    I've gotta 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 it's not the same thing
    Gonna have to make the first time last
    La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la (Repeat) Writer/s: BILLY JOEL
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

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

Holly Knight ("The Best," "Love Is A Battlefield")

Holly Knight ("The Best," "Love Is A Battlefield")Songwriter Interviews

Holly Knight talks about some of the hit songs she wrote, including "The Warrior," "Never" and "The Best," and explains some songwriting philosophy, including how to think of a bridge.

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Desmond Child

Desmond ChildSongwriter Interviews

One of the most successful songwriters in the business, Desmond co-wrote "Livin' La Vida Loca," "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" and "Livin' On A Prayer."

Oliver Leiber

Oliver LeiberSongwriter Interviews

Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."