About the song
“Waiting for a Girl Like You,” released in 1981, is a quintessential power ballad by the British-American rock band Foreigner. It was the second single from their album *4*, co-written by band members Lou Gramm and Mick Jones, with a memorable synthesizer theme contributed by a then-unknown Thomas Dolby. The song quickly became one of Foreigner’s most iconic tracks, earning widespread acclaim and achieving remarkable chart success.
The song’s distinctive opening motif, crafted by Ian McDonald, coupled with Dolby’s lush synthesizer arrangements, set the stage for a powerful and emotive ballad. “Waiting for a Girl Like You” showcases Foreigner’s ability to blend poignant lyrics with a sweeping, melodic arrangement. The track features a dreamy, yet commanding orchestration that perfectly complements Gramm’s evocative vocal performance. This combination led to a highly favorable reception from critics, with Billboard praising its melodic arrangement and Record World highlighting its enchanting qualities.
Chart performance for the song was notable. “Waiting for a Girl Like You” reached the number 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, a position it famously held for ten weeks without ever reaching number one. It was edged out by Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical” and Hall & Oates’ “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do),” yet its impressive chart longevity solidified its place in music history. Additionally, the song topped Billboard’s Rock Tracks chart and the Radio & Records (R&R) Top 40/CHR chart, while also climbing to number 8 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song’s enduring appeal is reflected in its rankings, including number 80 on Billboard’s “Greatest Songs of All Time.” It is frequently celebrated for its beautiful keyboard line and the emotive power of its lyrics. Brian Kachejian of Classic Rock History even listed it as Foreigner’s 7th best song, lauding the memorable keyboard introduction.
The recording process of the song was as intriguing as its eventual success. Mick Jones described the writing experience as a mystical one, where the song seemed to flow through him almost effortlessly. He felt it was as if the song was a gift from a higher force, a sentiment echoed by Lou Gramm, who was inspired by an enigmatic figure who appeared during the recording process.
Thomas Dolby’s contribution was also crucial; his creation of the ambient synthesizer intro using a Minimoog synthesizer added a unique texture that became a defining feature of the track. Dolby’s inventive approach involved layering ambient drones and manipulating faders to create a distinct sound that complemented the song’s emotional depth.
Overall, “Waiting for a Girl Like You” remains a defining track in Foreigner’s discography. Its compelling blend of heartfelt lyrics, powerful instrumentation, and memorable melodies ensures that it continues to resonate with audiences, solidifying its place as one of the great power ballads of the 1980s.
Video
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?
Ah