About the song
Few songs capture the bittersweet ache of longing quite like Foreigner’s “Waiting for a Girl Like You.” Released in 1981 as part of their multi-platinum album 4, this power ballad quickly ascended the charts, becoming one of the band’s signature songs and an enduring testament to the power of love and yearning.
The song’s magic lies in its masterful blend of vulnerability and raw emotion. Mick Jones’s achingly beautiful guitar work sets the stage, creating an atmosphere of tender anticipation. Then, Lou Gramm’s distinctive vocals soar, conveying a depth of longing that resonates with listeners of all ages. His voice, filled with both hope and a hint of melancholy, perfectly captures the emotions of someone who has searched their whole life for that one special person.
“Waiting for a Girl Like You” is a masterful exercise in dynamics. The song builds gradually, starting with a soft, introspective feel and culminating in a powerful crescendo that showcases the band’s musical prowess. The lush instrumentation, featuring layers of keyboards and synthesizers, adds to the song’s ethereal quality, creating a soundscape that is both romantic and timeless.
Beyond its sonic beauty, the song’s lyrics speak to a universal experience: the search for love and connection. Lines like “So long, I’ve been looking too hard, I’ve been waiting too long” express a sentiment that many can relate to, regardless of age or background. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to tap into these shared human experiences, reminding us of the power of love to inspire and transform.
Interestingly, “Waiting for a Girl Like You” almost didn’t make it onto the album. Initial versions of the song were more upbeat and rock-oriented. However, the band ultimately decided to strip it down, creating the evocative ballad we know and love today. This decision proved to be a stroke of genius, as the song’s vulnerability and emotional depth resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.
So settle in, turn up the volume, and allow yourself to be transported back to a time when music had the power to move you, to make you feel, and to remind you of the enduring power of love. Foreigner’s “Waiting for a Girl Like You” is a true classic, a timeless ballad that continues to captivate and enchant listeners decades after its release.
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Lyrics
So long, I’ve been looking too hard
I’ve been waiting too long
Sometimes I don’t know what I will find
I only know it’s a matter of time
When you love someone
When you love someone
It feels so right, so warm and true
I need to know if you feel it too
Maybe I’m wrong
Won’t you tell me if I’m coming on too strong?
This heart of mine has been hurt before
This time I want to be sure
I’ve been waiting for a girl like you to come into my life
I’ve been waiting for a girl like you, you’re a love that will survive
I’ve been waiting for someone new to make me feel alive
Yeah, waiting for a girl like you to come into my life
You’re so good
When we make love it’s understood
It’s more than a touch or a word we’d say
Only in dreams could it be this way
When you love someone
Yeah, I really love someone
Now, I know it’s right
From the moment I wake up ’til deep in the night
There’s nowhere on earth that I’d rather be than holding you tenderly
I’ve been waiting for a girl like you to come into my life
I’ve been waiting for a girl like you, you’re a love that will survive
I’ve been waiting for someone new to make me feel alive
Yeah, waiting for a girl like you to come into my life
I’ve been waiting, waiting for you, ooh
Ooh, I’ve been waiting
(Waiting) I’ve been waiting, yeah
(I’ve been waiting for a girl like you, I’ve been waiting)
Won’t you come into my life?
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