Long, Long Way from Home


"Long, Long Way from Home" is a song written by Mick Jones, Lou Gramm & Ian McDonald that was initially released on Foreigner's debut album. It was the third single taken from the album.

Lyrics and music

The lyrics refer to a person leaving a small town to try to succeed in New York City and the loneliness he feels there. According to Gramm, the lyrics are autobiographical, reflecting his experience moving from Rochester to New York City. Gramm and Jones have stated that this was the first song they worked on together. The song features a clavinet.

Reception

The single was released in November 1977. It reached number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978. It was also a hit in Canada, reaching #22.
Billboard Magazine described "Long, Long Way from Home" as a "sparkling rocker" with "urgent and soulful" vocals and a "hard driving hypnotic rhythm" propelled by the guitars and bass. Ultimate Classic Rock critic Eduardo Rivadavia rated it as Foreigner's 2nd most underrated song. Music author Kent Hartman described the song as an "anthem-like FM favorite." Co-writer Jones has rated it as one his favorite Foreigner songs.

Features