The Meaning Behind The Song: Feels Like The First Time by Foreigner
Introduction
“Feels Like The First Time” is a song by the British-American rock band, Foreigner. It was released as the lead single from their debut album in 1977. The song became an instant success, peaking at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It remains one of their most recognizable and beloved hits today.
The song is a perfect example of the undeniable chemistry between Foreigner’s frontman, Lou Gramm, and the band’s guitarist and founder, Mick Jones. It’s a high-energy, feel-good track that captures the excitement of falling in love for the first time. But what is the story behind the song? Let’s take a closer look.
The Inspiration Behind The Song
As with many great rock ‘n’ roll songs, “Feels Like The First Time” was born out of a love story. Mick Jones wrote the song for his ex-girlfriend, who he was still in love with at the time.
In an interview with Classic Rock Revisited, Jones explained that the song’s opening lines were inspired by a conversation he had with his girlfriend:
“She was telling me about the first time she went to the United States, and some of the crazy things that happened to her on her trip, and I just took it from there.”
The song’s lyrics describe the feeling of falling in love for the first time, of being so overwhelmed by emotion that it seems like you’re experiencing everything for the first time. We hear about the heart racing, the head spinning, and the senses being overloaded by the thrill of newfound love.
The Writing Process
Mick Jones wrote “Feels Like The First Time” in a hotel room in Munich, Germany, while on tour with his previous band, Spooky Tooth. He wrote the song on his acoustic guitar, refined it over a few days, and then presented it to the rest of the band.
The band worked on the song’s arrangement, turning it into the rock anthem it would become. Lou Gramm added his vocal touch, and the rest of the band filled out the musical backdrop.
In an interview with Songfacts, Mick Jones said:
“It was a good song, but it was the band that really made it into what it is – especially Lou’s voice, which was just right for the song.”
With the band’s signature sound in place, “Feels Like The First Time” was ready to be released into the world.
The Impact of “Feels Like The First Time”
“Feels Like The First Time” was a smash hit, and it helped put Foreigner on the map. The song peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and it also became a hit in Australia, Canada, and the UK.
The success of the song also helped propel Foreigner’s debut album, “Foreigner,” to great heights. The album went on to sell more than four million copies in the US alone and spawned three more hit singles.
The song’s legacy has endured over the years, and it has been covered by many other artists. It has also appeared in countless TV shows, movies, and commercials.
In 2013, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, an honor reserved for recordings that are of “a qualitative or historical significance.”
The Significance of The Song Today
“Feels Like The First Time” remains an essential song in the Foreigner catalog, and it still resonates with audiences today. The song’s power lies in its ability to capture the purity and energy of falling in love for the first time.
It’s a feeling that many of us have experienced, and one that we often long to relive. “Feels Like The First Time” allows us to do just that, if only for the three and a half minutes that the song lasts.
It also serves as a reminder of Foreigner’s importance in the rock ‘n’ roll landscape. The band’s ability to craft catchy, high-energy songs that spoke to the human experience helped make them one of the most successful bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Conclusion
“Feels Like The First Time” is a classic song that captures the magic of falling in love for the first time. It’s a song that has endured over the years, thanks to its infectious melody, memorable lyrics, and timeless appeal.
Its success helped put Foreigner on the map, and it remains one of the band’s most beloved hits. The song’s impact can still be felt today, and it serves as a testament to the enduring power of rock ‘n’ roll.
