About the song
“Waiting for a Girl Like You,” released in 1981 as the second single from Foreigner’s album 4, stands as a poignant testament to the band’s ability to meld rock prowess with heartfelt balladry. Co-written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones, with an opening motif by Ian McDonald and a defining synthesizer theme by Thomas Dolby, the song quickly cemented itself as a classic in the rock ballad genre.
From its inception, “Waiting for a Girl Like You” captured the hearts of listeners with its melodic arrangement and emotive lyrics. Billboard praised its orchestration and Lou Gramm’s commanding vocals, noting how these elements elevated the song’s impact as a love ballad. Record World similarly lauded its dreamy quality and infectious hooks, making it a favorite on radio playlists worldwide.
The song’s chart performance further underscored its popularity, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing the number 1 spot on Billboard’s Rock Tracks chart and Radio & Records Top 40/CHR chart. In the UK, it reached number 8 on the Singles Chart, highlighting its global appeal.
Despite its immense success, “Waiting for a Girl Like You” achieved a unique chart distinction by spending an unprecedented 10 weeks at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, a record-setting feat at the time. This enduring presence on the charts solidified its status as one of Foreigner’s most iconic hits, only to be eclipsed later by “I Want to Know What Love Is” in 1985.
Reflecting on the song’s creation, Mick Jones shared a moment of inspiration that transcended rational explanation, describing how the song seemed to flow effortlessly from his pen, leaving a lasting impression on him. Lou Gramm added a personal touch, recounting a mysterious encounter during recording that fueled his emotive delivery, enhancing the song’s depth and sincerity.
Thomas Dolby’s contribution with the Minimoog synthesizer intro added a distinctive atmospheric layer, initially met with mixed reactions but ultimately embraced for its unique contribution to the song’s allure. This intro, described by some as reminiscent of ambient music, became integral to the song’s identity, reinforcing its emotional resonance from the first note.
Ranked among Billboard’s “Greatest Songs of All Time” and celebrated by critics like Brian Kachejian for its memorable keyboard motifs, “Waiting for a Girl Like You” continues to resonate with audiences as a timeless anthem of longing and emotional vulnerability. Its legacy within Foreigner’s discography remains unparalleled, a testament to the band’s ability to capture universal sentiments with musical finesse and heartfelt sincerity.
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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?
Ah