About the song
**”Waiting for a Girl Like You” by Foreigner: A Timeless Power Ballad**
Released in 1981 as the second single from Foreigner’s album *4*, “Waiting for a Girl Like You” stands out as one of the quintessential power ballads of the early 80s. Co-written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones, with the opening motif crafted by Ian McDonald and a signature synthesizer theme performed by the then-unknown Thomas Dolby, the track is a perfect example of how collaboration can create musical magic.
The song is characterized by its lush melodic arrangement and hauntingly beautiful lyrics, enhanced by a sophisticated orchestration and Gramm’s commanding vocal performance. Billboard praised the track’s ability to elevate the love ballad genre, noting how its “melodic arrangement” and “tasty orchestration” contribute to its effectiveness. Record World echoed this sentiment, describing the song as a “dreamy ballad” with a “great title hook” and “enchanting vocals & keyboards” that made it a radio favorite.
“Waiting for a Girl Like You” achieved remarkable commercial success, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and holding the top position on both Billboard’s Rock Tracks and Radio & Records’ Top 40/CHR charts. Its success wasn’t limited to the U.S., as it also made an impact internationally, reaching number 8 on the UK Singles Chart. Despite its enduring popularity, the song faced stiff competition at the top of the charts, spending an unprecedented 10 weeks at number 2 on the Hot 100 without ever reaching number 1. During this period, it was held off the top spot by hits like Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical” and Hall & Oates’ “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do).”
The song’s success continued to resonate through the years, making it the band’s biggest hit until the release of “I Want to Know What Love Is” in 1985. It also holds a place on Billboard’s “Greatest Songs of All Time” list at number 80 and was ranked as Foreigner’s 7th best song by Classic Rock History critic Brian Kachejian, who highlighted the song’s memorable keyboard line.
The creation of “Waiting for a Girl Like You” is a testament to the unpredictable nature of songwriting. Mick Jones described the process as an almost mystical experience, where the song seemed to emerge fully formed, and Lou Gramm’s autobiography recounts an ethereal encounter with a mysterious woman who inspired his vocal performance. The distinctive intro, crafted by Dolby using a Minimoog synthesizer, contributed to the song’s atmospheric quality, creating a sound that drummer Dennis Elliott likened to “massage music.”
Overall, “Waiting for a Girl Like You” remains a beloved classic, showcasing the power of collaboration and the enduring appeal of a well-crafted ballad.
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