She's Right On Time

Album: The Nylon Curtain (1982)
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  • Turn on all the Christmas lights
    Cause baby's coming home tonight
    I can hear her footsteps in the street
    Turn the choral music higher
    Pile more wood upon the fire

    That should make the atmosphere complete
    I've had to wait forever
    But better late than never

    She's just in time for me
    She's right on time
    She's right where she should be
    She's right on time

    I'm a man with so much tension
    Far too many sins to mention
    She don't have to take it anymore
    But since she said she's coming home
    I've torn out all my telephones
    Soon she will be walking through that door
    I may be going nowhere
    But I don't mind if she's there

    She's just in time for me
    She's right on time
    She's right where she should be
    She's right on time

    Left to my own device
    I can always make believe
    That there's nothing wrong
    Still I will choose to live
    In the complicated world
    That we share for so long
    Good or bad
    Right or wrong

    And it occurred to me
    While I set up my Christmas tree
    She never missed a cue
    Or lost a beat
    Every time I lost the meter
    There sh1e was when I would need her
    Greeting me with footsteps in the street
    I guess I should have known it

    She'd find the perfect moment
    She's just in time for me
    She's right on time
    She's right where she should be
    She's right on time

    Turn the choral music higher
    Pile more wood upon the fire
    That will make the atmosphere complete
    I've had to wait forever
    But better late than never

    She's just in time for me
    She's right on time
    She's right where she should be
    She's right on time
    She's right on time
    She's right on time Writer/s: BILLY JOEL
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 6

  • Mj from Switzerland I. LOVE. THIS. SONG.
    I used to play it over and over and over...
    It literally brought tears to my eyes to learn that it is one of Mr. Joel’s favorites as well.
    Had it not been for some late-night random surfing, I would have missed this but of euphoria.
    I listened to it (three consecutive times) for the first time in years. Ahhhhhh!
    For a few minutes I was young again.
  • Michael from HoustonI've loved Billy since I was 15. I'm 30 now and I continue to find his music more and more relatable as I grow older. The song, at this point in my life, has three meanings.

    1) Obviously, the music metaphor. It's awesome to meet a woman that plays music AND is good at it.

    2) The more obvious meaning of the song is that his lady is late, but he acknowledges his faults and knows that she puts up with his misgivings as much as she does. She's right on time = she's right for me, both the good and bad

    3) "I had to wait forever, but better late than never" some men, particularly of Joel's success, start really taking off later in life. Sometimes, you don't meet that great woman or have a career that takes off until later than a lot of men. A lot of men at that point are doing the safe thing: marrying a girl they met in college or early 20s, getting fortified in their careers, having kids. Billy was running a little late on all that...though signed to Columbia since 1974, he really didn't take off until The Stranger and really didn't become a household name until "Glass Houses". I see the song as telling yourself to be patient for that success. Yes, you've made you're mistakes and that life is ultimately meaningless, but, when you meet that great female you instantly connect with OR you hit that level of success you've been working so hard for, it all feels right in the moment. Hence....she's right on time.
  • Kevin from KentuckyAnyone know the name of the girl in the video?
  • Bob Young from Farmington, MiThe chorus harmonies seem to be quite the nod to the verses on The Beatles "If I Needed Someone".
  • Rachel from North Jersey, NjOh yeah, and I finally FINALLY got to hear it live when he played it during the new year's eve concert 200 at MSG.
  • Rachel from North Jersey, NjI love Billy joel and everything he ever did. there is not one song I don't like and this one is my all time favorite. I love it.
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