About the song
“Foreplay/Long Time” is a quintessential track from Boston, the American rock band renowned for its powerful sound and meticulous production. Written by the band’s mastermind, Tom Scholz, this song forms a remarkable centerpiece of Boston’s 1976 self-titled debut album, which marked their entry into the rock scene with a thunderous debut. The song is an intriguing blend of two distinct segments: the instrumental introduction “Foreplay” and the powerful rock anthem “Long Time.” This combination has become one of the most recognizable elements of Boston’s early music, often played as a single continuous piece on the radio and listed as one track on the album.
The journey of “Foreplay/Long Time” began in Scholz’s basement, where he recorded “Foreplay” on a modest two-track machine. This track, which Scholz composed back in 1969, stands as his first musical creation. It was only in the early 1970s, when Boston was forming, that Scholz’s vision began to materialize into the song we know today. Despite Scholz’s initial solo efforts in singing, it was Brad Delp’s exceptional vocals that graced the final studio version of “Long Time,” delivering the powerful performance that helped the track peak at No. 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 9 in Canada.
An alternate mix of “Foreplay/Long Time,” featuring variations in effects and additional lyrics, was included in the Epic Records Promo LP *It’s a Knockout*. This version, however, remains an exclusive collectible as it was never officially released elsewhere. Rolling Stone praised the track as a fusion of Led Zeppelin and Yes, capturing a dynamic interplay between electric and acoustic elements. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Times critic Robert Hilburn highlighted “Foreplay” for its keyboard exploration reminiscent of Yes and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Billboard and Cash Box also recognized the track for its catchy, spacey electronic fills and compelling guitar work, elements that helped cement Boston’s reputation in rock history.
Overall, “Foreplay/Long Time” is celebrated not only for its innovative structure and engaging performance but also for its lasting impact on the rock genre, showcasing Boston’s blend of technical skill and musical flair.
Video
Lyrics
“Foreplay / Long Time”
[Foreplay]
[Instrumental]
[Long Time]
It’s been such a long time
I think I should be goin’, yeah
And time doesn’t wait for me
It keeps on rollin’Sail on, on a distant highway, yeah
I’ve got to keep on chasin’ a dream
I’ve gotta be on my way
Wish there was something I could sayWell, I’m takin’ my time, I’m just movin’ along
You’ll forget about me after I’ve been gone
And I take what I find, I don’t want no more
It’s just outside of your front doorAh yeah yeah yeah
It’s been such a long time
It’s been such a long time
HeyWell I get so lonely
When I am without you-ooo
But in my mind, deep in my mind
I can’t forget about you, ohhNow good times
And faces that remind me, yeah
I’m tryin’ to forget your name
And leave it all behind me
You’re comin’ back to find meWell, I’m takin’ my time, I’m just movin’ along
You’ll forget about me after I’ve been gone
And I take what I find, I don’t want no more
It’s just outside of your front doorYeah yeah yeah, hey
It’s been such a long time
It’s been such a long timeYeah, it’s been such a long time
I think I should be goin’, yeah
And time doesn’t wait for me
It keeps on rollin’There’s a long road
I’ve gotta stay in time with, yeah
I’ve got to keep on chasin’ that dream
Though I may never find it
I’m always just behind it, oo oooWell, I’m takin’ my time, I’m just movin’ along
Takin’ my time, oh, just movin’ along
Takin’ my time, ohh, I’m takin’ my time
Takin’ my time, yeah
Takin’ my time
Takin’ my time
Takin’ my time (takin’ my time)
Takin’ my time (oh just takin’ my time)
Takin’ my time (just outside-a your front door)
Takin’ my time