 While reviewing 52nd Street Stephen Thomas Erlewine of the website AllMusic noted that " Honesty " was one of Joel 's best songs . Timothy White of Billboard magazine called the song a pensive pop hit . A writer of Rolling Stone felt that " The sweet music of ' Honesty ' is sabotaged by trite lyrics " . The Phoenix 's Michael Lawson noted that the song was " well suited for middle @-@ of @-@ the @-@ road tastes " . According to Ken Bielen , " ' Honesty ' is a plea for truth , not only in romantic relationships but also from the politicians who affect our lives . " Adam Graham of MTV News described the song as a " big ballad " . The song was nominated in the category for Song of the Year at the 22nd Grammy Awards held on February 27 , 1980 . 
