“More Than a Feeling,” the iconic rock anthem by the American band Boston, stands as a quintessential example of 1970s rock. Released in September 1976, this track not only served as the lead single from Boston’s self-titled debut album but also established itself as a defining moment in classic rock history. Crafted by the band’s mastermind Tom Scholz, the song reached number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 and has since become a staple of classic rock radio, consistently celebrated for its powerful resonance and timeless appeal.
The song’s creation was a labor of love for Scholz, taking five years to complete. His inspiration came from a deeply personal place, drawing on the theme of nostalgia and the emotional power of music to evoke memories of lost love. Although the lyrics are not directly tied to any specific personal event, Scholz drew from his own experiences of longing and reminiscence. Notably, the name “Marianne,” referenced in the song, was borrowed from his cousin, whom he admired in his youth, though the song itself reflects a broader emotional truth rather than a specific romance.
Musically, “More Than a Feeling” is noted for its complex structure, including a compound AABA form and a memorable riff that has been linked to influences from the James Gang and the Kingsmen. Scholz’s admiration for the James Gang’s Joe Walsh and the Left Banke’s “Walk Away Renee” played a crucial role in shaping the song’s distinctive sound. The guitar solo, marked by its baroque-inspired mordents and inverted mordents, further highlights Scholz’s innovative approach to rock music.
The song’s impact has been enduring and profound. In 2008, VH1 ranked it as the 39th-best hard rock song of all time, and it holds a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame also recognized it as one of the “500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.” With its evocative lyrics and powerful musical composition, “More Than a Feeling” continues to captivate audiences, reaffirming its place as a cornerstone of rock music’s legacy.
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Lyrics
I looked out this morning and the sun was gone
Turned on some music to start my day
I lost myself in a familiar song
I closed my eyes and I slipped away
It’s more than a feeling
(More than a feeling)
When I hear that old song they used to play
(More than a feeling)
I begin dreaming
(More than a feeling)
‘Til I see Marianne walk away
I see my Marianne walkin’ away
So many people have come and gone
Their faces fade as the years go by
Yet I still recall as I wander on
As clear as the sun in the summer sky
It’s more than a feeling
(More than a feeling)
When I hear that old song they used to play
(More than a feeling)
I begin dreaming
(More than a feeling)
‘Til I see Marianne walk away
I see my Marianne walkin’ away
When I’m tired and thinking cold
I hide in my music, forget the day
And dream of a girl I used to know
I closed my eyes and she slipped away
She slipped away
It’s more than a feeling
(More than a feeling)
When I hear that old song they used to play
(More than a feeling)
I begin dreaming
(More than a feeling)
‘Til I see Marianne walk away
