Classic Rock

The song was written by Tom Scholz. It was released in 1976 as a single backed with “Smokin'” and on Boston’s 1976 debut album Boston. In 1976-77, the song went to #5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, #4 on U.S. Cash Box Top 100, #4 in Canada, #9 in Switzerland, #11 in Australia and The Netherlands, #15 in New Zealand, #14 in Belgium, and #22 on the U.K.

Tom Scholz, a graduate of MIT, worked for Polaroid. He built a studio in his basement, which is where he first recorded “More Than a Feeling.” The song tells of how music can evoke memories. In this case the memories revolve around a lost love. Scholz said he was inspired by Left Banke’s song “Walk Away Renee.” The Marianne mentioned in the song is based on Sholz’s cousin of that name on whom he had a childhood crush. Once Boston had a record deal with CBS, they followed union rules and completed it in a proper studio.

On the track are Tom Scholz (acoustic and electric rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass), Brad Delp (vocals), and Sib Hashian (drums). Boston has had many changes in personnel over the year. They continue to tour and perform.

Here are the lyrics to “More Than a Feeling” by Boston:

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)
‘Till 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 a 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)
‘Till 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)
‘Till I see Marianne walk away

For More 70s Tunes

The System has daily featured music from all sorts of genres of 1970s music. You’re welcome to listen to any of the 40+ selections in The System. Thank you for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed “More Than a Feeling” by Boston.