Product Details

"This Is the Time" is a mellow pop-rock ballad by Billy Joel released in 1986 from his album The Bridge. Peaking at No. 18 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Adult Contemporary chart, the song is a sentimental reflection on appreciating present moments and relationships before they change. Song Meaning and Themes Gratitude for the Present: The famous chorus emphasizes holding onto current experiences because they will not last forever. Relationships and Stability: Written when Joel was married to Christie Brinkley and adjusting to domestic life, the lyrics reflect on surviving past turmoil and finding comfort in love. Winter Imagery: Joel described wanting an atmospheric, cold-weather setting, using a winter beach walk as a metaphor for warmth found in close companionship. Musical Style It features a polished mid-80s soft-rock arrangement led by piano and accented by David Brown's electric guitar work. It is widely remembered as a nostalgic, slow-dance classic often associated with milestones like graduations and proms. Rare promotional radio station copy.