About the song
“Waiting for a Girl Like You” is a quintessential power ballad by the British-American rock band Foreigner, released in 1981 as the second single from their album *4*. Co-written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones, with the distinctive opening motif crafted by Ian McDonald and the memorable synthesizer theme performed by Thomas Dolby, this track has cemented its place in rock history.
From the very beginning, the song captivated audiences with its heartfelt lyrics and evocative melodies. The opening synthesizer riff, created by Dolby, sets a dreamy, atmospheric tone that perfectly complements the song’s romantic theme. The collaboration between the band members and Dolby resulted in a sound that was both innovative and timeless. According to Billboard, the melodic arrangement of the song enhanced the lyrics, while its orchestration and Gramm’s commanding vocals maximized the ballad’s emotional impact. Record World described it as a “dreamy ballad,” noting the song’s enchanting vocals and keyboard lines as perfect elements for radio success.
Despite its widespread acclaim, “Waiting for a Girl Like You” achieved an unusual chart distinction. It spent an impressive ten weeks in the number two position on the Billboard Hot 100 without ever reaching the top spot. This remarkable feat was due to competition from Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical” and Hall & Oates’ “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do),” which dominated the charts during this period. Despite this, the song enjoyed significant success, reaching number one on the Billboard Rock Tracks and Radio & Records Top 40/CHR charts, and peaking at number eight on the UK Singles Chart. It was also the band’s highest-charting hit until “I Want to Know What Love Is” topped the charts in 1985.
The song’s impact has been long-lasting. It ranks number 80 on Billboard’s “Greatest Songs of All Time” list and remains a favorite among critics and fans alike. Brian Kachejian of Classic Rock History praised the song as Foreigner’s seventh best track, highlighting the memorable keyboard line as a standout feature.
The creation of “Waiting for a Girl Like You” was a deeply personal and almost mystical experience for the band. Mick Jones described the songwriting process as a surreal, almost otherworldly experience, where the song seemed to flow effortlessly from the pen. Lou Gramm’s recording session was further enriched by a mysterious woman who appeared in the studio, inspiring a particularly moving vocal performance that he later described as transcendent.
Overall, “Waiting for a Girl Like You” remains a cornerstone of Foreigner’s discography, celebrated for its emotional depth and enduring appeal. Its blend of powerful lyrics, innovative production, and timeless melody ensures its place as one of the defining ballads of the 1980s.
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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