Boston – More Than a Feeling – 1976

About The Song

“More Than a Feeling” is a classic rock song by the American rock band Boston, released in 1976 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album, “Boston.” The song, written by Tom Scholz, features a distinctive guitar riff and powerful vocals, becoming one of Boston’s most well-known and enduring tracks.

Five facts about Boston’s “More Than a Feeling” (1976):

1. Signature Guitar Sound: The iconic guitar riff at the beginning of “More Than a Feeling” is played by Tom Scholz, who also designed and built much of the band’s equipment. The layered guitar harmonies and rich sound became a signature element of Boston’s musical style.
2. Tom Scholz’s Home Studio: The song was recorded in Tom Scholz’s basement home studio, using his innovative recording techniques. Scholz, an MIT graduate, crafted much of the recording equipment himself, contributing to the distinctive sound of the album.
3. Instant Success: “More Than a Feeling” quickly became a massive hit, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1976. Its success contributed significantly to the commercial triumph of Boston’s debut album, which went on to become one of the best-selling debut albums in the United States.
4. Timeless Lyrics: The lyrics of “More Than a Feeling” express a sense of nostalgia and longing, with the narrator reminiscing about a past experience that evokes intense emotions. The universal themes and catchy melody have contributed to the song’s enduring popularity.
5. Limited Discography: Despite the tremendous success of their debut album and a few subsequent releases, Boston has a relatively limited discography. Tom Scholz’s perfectionism and dedication to his craft resulted in long gaps between albums, with the band releasing a total of six studio albums over several decades.

Video

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