Amanda by Boston - Songfacts

Album: Third Stage (1986)

Charted: 1

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This was the first single Boston released after a seven-year layoff. Remarkably, it was the first and only #1 hit for the band, whose songs "Don't Look Back" and "More Than A Feeling" got constant airplay.

The song was written by Boston mastermind Tom Scholz, who was more concerned with crafting meticulous melodic rock than with pouring his heart out. The song is actually very romantic, with Brad Delp singing about telling his girl "I Love You" for the first time, which for most guys happens in a fit of passion, and in the famous Meat Loaf song, leads to a life sentence. This amorous spontaneity is typical of Boston's music, which is all about feeling and living in the moment. "Amanda" was most likely chosen as a name because it scans so well, the perfect word to follow lines like "I'm gonna tell you right away, I can't wait another day..."

Girls' names ending in A have a great history in song, with Rhonda, Layla, Lola and Rosanna preceding Boston's Amanda.
Boston's first album was released in August 1976, and their second in August 1978. They were on schedule for a third album, which they started recording in 1980, when industry politics and creative differences shelved the project and the band broke up, with guitarist Barry Goudreau releasing a solo album and drummer Sib Hashian joining Sammy Hagar's band.

Before the split, however, Boston put a lot of effort into recording this song, and by the time Third Stage was finally released in September 1986, the band had used up about 12,000 hours of studio time. When the album was released, it was on MCA Records (Boston's first two albums were on Epic), and the band was Tom Scholz, Brad Delp, Gary Phil (guitar) and Jim Masdea (drums). "Amanda" was the first track and first single from the album. It was followed by "We're Ready" (#9 US) and "Can'tcha Say (You Believe In Me)," which was their last Top 40 hit, peaking at #20 in 1987.
In 1984, a bootleg copy of "Amanda" was leaked to radio stations. The band was still signed to Epic Records at the time, and someone at the label apparently delivered the 5-inch demo reel of the song to at least one program director at a small-market station.

If the record was leaked in New York or LA, it would have been pulled quickly as word got to Epic, but with the song circulating in small markets, it took a few weeks before the label caught on. Charlie Mitchell, who was music director/DJ at one of these stations, explained to Forgotten Hits that jocks were instructed to talk over the beginning and end of the song so competing stations couldn't steal it off the air. Said Mitchell: "We went along for a few weeks, playing our bootleg 'Amanda'... the corporate PD had even copied it and sent it to the other couple of properties in our group. None were within earshot of a CBS Records (parent company of Epic) office so I guess everything was fine. Until it wasn't. I was told that one of the other PD's in our chain had gone ahead and reported 'Amanda' as an add to Radio & Records, and the conversation went roughly like this:

R&R: 'What new Boston record?!'

PD: 'It's called 'Amanda.' I've got it here on a 5-inch reel.'

A cease-and-desist immediately followed. Apparently from Walter Yetnikoff himself to our corporate PD via telephone. And as we all know, when it finally came out for real, 2 1/2 years later, it was on MCA!"
This was the last #1 hit in the US with no music video. Boston made videos for some of their '70s hits, but squabbles involving band members and the record company kept them from making any more, keeping them off MTV, which launched in 1981, five years before "Amanda" was released.
Group leader Tom Scholz played an acoustic, 12-string guitar on this track, and also used his new Rockman amplifier on the track (he invented the device after Boston's second album - this guy went to MIT, after all). The track has lots of layers, including Brad Delp's vocals, which were overdubbed so he is harmonizing with himself.
Boston fared much better in the US than in the UK, where their slick sound and intergalactic album art didn't catch on. This song didn't even chart in Britain; the album reached #1 in the US, but only #37 in the UK.
After this song became a hit, the previous two Boston albums re-entered the US chart. Boston became one of the biggest catalog sellers of the '80s and '90s, when record companies would send you a bunch of albums for a penny if you signed up for their club.
Like Andy Summers of The Police, Tom Scholz of Boston could use various effects to make his guitar sound like a synthesizer. On "Amanda," what sounds like chimes were created on his electric guitar.

Comments: 49

Jorge Matta from PennsylvaniaTom Scholz may have been a musical genius, but he was a jerk to Brad Delp.
Johnny Palacios from Gary In.I wrote.that song, I wrote those Lyrics. It originally started out as a hate song as my Xgirlfriend named .Amada took off with my firstborn son.
I wrote down the chords and lyrics, recorded the song as it came to me on a cassette tape, sealed it in a yellow Manila envelope and handed it over to a friend who was heading back to his homeland in Puerto Rico.
He promised he new a producer out there that could put this song in the right hands.
Well, the song was put in the wrong hands because They never compensate.me for writing this, my one.and only song I had ever written.

As you can see, Tom Sholtz is taking the credit for writing it. They have been broken up for the longest.
I am glad that they made my simple song famous.
I couldn't have asked for a better interpretation.
However they were light on the compensation and they missed out on the many many more songs I have bottled.up inside of me.

To whomever may read this and believe it, I thank you.
If you don't believe me then oh well, what can I say besides this is the honest God's truth.

Johnny Palacios
Amanda from Former BostonianI was named Amanda long before Boston released this #1 hit. It wasn’t until 1996 that I first heard the song (wow, so beautiful); a very long (decades on/off) boyfriend played it for me when I lived in Boston for many years. Amanda & Boston = the greatest times of my life! Huge Red Sox (2004) & NE Patriots fan (The Snow Bowl/Tuck Rule 2002 v Oakland); ATL 3.28) still Bradkowski fan, Shaq’s time w/Celtics & his fun playtime in Harvard Sq, Patriots Day (MA only), the Re-enactment in Concord, our country’s history, Marblehead, the Merrimack River, the Duck Boat celebrations, Fenway, ‘Make Way for the Ducklings’ & so much more! Boston, the band, I do remember ‘More Than a Feeling’ & lead singer Brad Delp is gifted with a voice that is still memorable today! Thank you!
AnonymousMany Amanda’s named after this song thanking their parents for naming them after this Amazing song. What about the Amandas who were born before this song came out. I’d say their parents did an even more awesome job naming their daughters the name that would eventually pave the way for such an absolute hit! Kudos to those parents who had such awesome taste & foresight!
Kathy Silva from Danvers, Massachusetts I can honestly say that I knew Brad Delp the singer of Boston, he went to school with my older sister, and I grew up and went to school with his cousin Scott Delp in Danvers, Mass., when I was in the hospital after just having my 3rd child a baby girl Brad called me in the hospital to congratulate me, and asked me what I named my new baby girl and I told him her name was Amanda, she was born January 1986, Brad was the most down to earth person that I have ever known, he never let becoming famous musically ever change the Danvers born and raised man that he was. He always stayed very true to himself, family, and friends throughout his life. Brad and the band had huge hearts and always offered to do benefits to raise money for our little town of Danvers for our 4th of July town celebrations, and many other benefits for veterans, children, and families in need. Brad always remained a true Danvers, Mass person,and never for a single moment forgot where he was from. Brad was and always will be my hero. I love and miss him every day of my life.
John from KentuckyOver 25 years ago I dedicated this song to a special girl named Amanda. I was fresh out of high school and had been in love with her since 8th grade. We were boyfriend and girlfriend off and on throughout those years. I always felt like she was my soulmate. I contacted her through mail and had set up a date to hang out some. I wanted her more than anything. I was so happy to be with her that night and would had even married her immediately. But when she went back to college I wrote her a letter and sent it along with a cassette tape with the song Amanda. The song was perfect for the my situation and was worded exactly the way i could have ever asked for. Unfortunately she wasn't ready for a relationship to that magnitude, or at least not with me. She was kind about it and I was heartbroke. But not long after I actually found the love of my life and have been married ever since. It is funny how things work out and I wouldn't trade a thing, but there has always been a special place in my heart for Amanda and I still think about her when I hear this song.
George from Vancouver, CanadaA wonderful song to slow dance to. . . I was dancing to this song with my first love as an adult, & we were interrupted some time(3+ hours) later by the lights coming up in the dance hall & the janitor yelling over the PA: "the dance is OVER!"
George from Vancouver, CanadaThe name Amanda means "lovable/worthy of being loved." Apt, eh?
Dan from Lock Haven, PennsylvaniaIt was 1988, and I befriended a beautiful, sweet, and out of my league girl named Suzanne. Our friendship grew quickly, and I spent many a night in her company. I can't recall the specifics, but we eventually kissed. Our relationship was innocent; spending time together, an ocassional light exchange of affections, never beyond kissing. I loved to walk in the snow at night. After not too long so did she;. Long walks talking, holding hands, enjoying the snowfall.
She was about to graduate college soon, and Amanda is how I told her how I really felt. I was afraid that saying it aloud would put distance between us. She listened to it one night just before she left.
We remained friends. I called once after she left, and was told she was about to be married, and not to bother her again. I wonder where Amanda is today?
Zechariah from MinnesotaMy girlfriends name is Amanda and I'm madly in love with her. This song describes how I feel about her so well, and I'm excited to be able to listen and dance to this song with her any chance I get. It'll make a great wedding song!
Shandroise De Laeken from Davao City, PhilippinesI really love this song! My younger sister and I would pretend we're playing the guitar in this whenever this songs plays in the radio... and I am a frustrated Brad Delp copycat. I love his voice or voices like his! Sadly, among the modern singers, there's no such voice as wonderful as Brad's... that's why I'm a fan of 50's-90's songs than 21st century music. And I'm born in 1990's. (2015-08-03)
Tom from Selden, NyI was once accused of inappropriate touching of a woman named Amanda... I could blame it on the alcohol but I really think it was because of this song.
Cyberpope from Richmond, CanadaGuaranteed: slow dance this song with any woman born between 1965 & 1970 & you WILL get laid!
Marcelo from Los Gatos, CaThis is a great song with very nice vocal harmonization. So I decided to play it and record my own version, check it out: http://diazepam.me/mp3/AMANDA.mp3 (all instruments and vocals were recorded by myself in a 8-track Tascam, only the drums are digital. I programmed the Alesis drums but other than that is all old fashion recording)
Aru from Clark, ChileHistory Lesson:
"Amanda" (Waylon Jennings song), a 1979 song by Waylon Jennings and also popularized by Don Williams.
They were both great renditions of a GREAT song.

Never heard of Boston except it's a city i lived in for many years.
Carli from Pemberville, OhMy girlfriends name is Amanda. And this is sort of the song of our love, it reminds me of her so muc. It is hard to hear, because she is just so amazing and i miss he so much :/
Lee from Huntsville, Althanks for all the great vocals over the years brad...as long as man listens to music,you will always be remembered.
Amanda from Baltimore, MdMy name is Amanda and my last name is Boston. I was born in 84'. This undoubtedly my song.
Lee from Huntsville, Ali've heard that brad delp uttered every word that has ever been heard on any boston album...truly an amazing and talented singer. this #1 is no exception.
Amanda from Wyckoff, NjLike most people here, I'm named Amanda. My parents were married about 2 years after this song came out... My mom liked Boston, and even though I was born 8 years after they were married, they always liked this name. I figured it was because of Boston. :) I cried when I first heard this song.
Dhiraj from Hong Kong, Hong KongI heard this song in 1986 when I was visiting one of my friend. It is engraved in me ever since...I dunno why? But one thing is true...it has something in it which i need always.
Luke from Dayton, OhThis song is why i want to name my daughter Amanda (if i ever have one)
Amanda from Hellertown, PaAs Were many of the girls posting comments, i too was named after this song, born in the late 80's. I was born 1988 and growing i always played my moms boston record just to listen to the infamous song in which i got my name from. I absolutely love this song! My boyfriend and I even jammed out to it just last night in the car! haha =] When i get married this song will be played at my wedding!! lol
Amanda from Tyndall, Mbmy aunts named me amanda after the song amanda which is also my fav songin the whole world.
Amanda from Grand Rapids, MiWhen I was born I was going to be named Emily until about the minute I was born. They were asking what my name was and out of nowhere my dad suggested Amanda. Names don't just pop into your head. I was born in 1986, and my parents weren't HUGE Boston fans... it came on the radio at the hospital... and my dad had never heard it before, but he just fell in love with the name.
Alli from Arvada, Coi fell in love with this song the first time i heard it. its so beautiful and full of love, if you arent a boston fan, something is definitely WRONG with you
Connie from Littlefield, TxI absolutely love this song! I was attending Texas Tech when "Amanda" was released and all of my friends sang it all of the time. I'd never had a friend by the name until 2007 and she's so awesome!! She mentioned her parents named her after the song, so that's pretty cool since she was born in 1986.
Darrell from EugeneAlthough my girlfriend was born 4 years before this song came out, her parents were going to name her Amanda, but since they were also "Bewitched" fans, they decided to name her Serena, which I think has a sexier sound and is less common.
Ed from Miami, FlMy daughter born 1989 was named Amanda but not because of this song. Today was the first time my now 17 yr old has heard this song. If anything she owes her name to the character Amanda Carrington of TV series Dynasty as there is a good chance she was conceived during that show.
John from Lancaster, Cano one can form an opinion from one song boston did at a time
the songs boston did were for all aspects of a human beings life
and at that they were great teachings to live by
if you are not a boston fan you should not have much to say
put your self in bostons shoes!!
they were ripped off for millions by the record companys that knew they had a band that was made of gold yet boston still produced third stage
tom went to m.i.t tech
and do you think he was going gee i sure hope i get filthy rich some day?
no i know in my heart thats not what tom or boston is all about
and all they wanted to do was put out music the fans would love and this does take time
( i feel toms pain i remember setting in front of a cassette deck for days)
and they unlike most bands cared about every single fan
just try and read bostons guest book
it will take you about a month or more and thats if you read 24/7
that means the whole world loves boston
and i am proud to be one of them
and boston is the best music you could pass on to anyone including your children
if you ever exspect them to have any decent moral values
but no one cares to do that right?
were kids pregnent ? or jacking cars?
or degrading people or woman in the 70`s?
hell no
boston worked for the respect they have earned and its a fact i think about every time i play any boston record from start to stop!!!
and every song still rocks like no other song ever will
the only band to beat them was pink flys with dark side of the moon and that was the longest charting record in history !!!
and no one will top them ever !!!!!!!!
may you rest in peace bradley i love you man
Scott from Honolulu, HiAmanda is a great song, when it came out in '86, i was in college, only 22 and just loved it. Such a sensitive, beautifully melodic love song--an amazing work of art. I tried to sing this song in karaoke and failed miserably to reach the heavenly notes of Brad Delp. I nearly busted a vocal chord getting up that high!
Fredy from Tuxtla Gutierrez, MexicoAmanda the best song of the world
Mandi from Indpls, United Statesmy parents name me amanda "mandi" because they liked this song!
Scott from Columbus, OhThis song is so simple in it's meaning, it's retarded to beleive otherwise.

It's clearly about extreme desire and the admission of such. Nothing more, nothing less.

It's beautiful in it's simplicity and relevance to a very common occurance.
Johnny from Los Angeles, CaI am not a Boston fan but I still like this song.
Michael from Wayne, NjThis song is CLEARLY about saying goodbye to a loved one (Amanda) before an astronaut is about to lift off. He tells her he loves her and he can't wait another day because he has to leave. Also, the rest of Third Stage is about a space ship launching...We're Ready, The Launch (All 3 Parts), Cool The Engines, My Destination, etc...
Amanda from Cincinnatus, NyThis song is why my name is Amanda. Both of my parents used to listen to this song alot so and they loved the name so a big round of applause to Boston for giving me my name!!!
Alan from Grande Prairie, Alberta, CanadaThis was not the only post MTV to reach #1 without a video. When I'm With You by Sheriff charted #1 in February 1989 without a video.
Geno from Peoria, IlBoston put out some great songs! One more!
Don from San Antonio, TxBart calls Moe's: "Call for Amanda, last name, Huggenkis..."

Moe, yelling: "A MAN DA HUG N' KISS?! I'M LOOKIN' FOR A MAN DA HUG N' KISS!!!"
Dorothy from Janesville, WiI was pregnant with my daughter and we were somewhere between Southern Wisconsin and Central Indiana when we were discussing names for our baby and this song came on the radio. Today is Amanda's 17th birthday. Thanks, Boston, for the inspiration.
Dick from Detroit, MiMy name is not Amanda and I'm not a girl, either. I can't believe that so many people were named after this song. That's pretty cool, though. I wonder what old Tom Sholz would have to say... Anyway, it's a beautiful song, the best on Third Stage, which is sort of sparse compared to the first two albums. I once had a fascination with a girl named Amanda, and now I'm friends with a different Amanda. I bought the album without hearing it because I love Boston and I like my friend (he-he).
Dee from Indianapolis, InMy name is not Amanada, and I'm not a female either, but this song brings back many fond memories of high school and the summer time going to the beach. Boston knows how to produce em', but I never knew there was a bootleg of this song around back in 84', that's very interesting.
Amanda from Chicago, Ilwow i have never seen so many people who have been named after this song. i had just been born and my mom and dad hadnt decided on a name for me. and there was something wrong with me that they couldnt take me home the first day. so without naming me they left the hospital and my mom told me that she was crying so much and "Amanda" came on the radio and she said were going to name her Amanda. and my dad had no problem with it. So as every amanda that left a comment in here says i owe my name to Boston. (im listening to the song now)
Amanda from Palm Bay, Flhey guys I got my name from this song too...my dad liked the song and I was also named after the musical instrument mandolin hence the name Amanda Lynn!! I love the song! plus amanda means "worthy of love" so it figures that its a romantic song! thanks soo much boston!
Amanda from Columbiaville, MiI too got my name from this song. It was on the radio a lot while my mom was pregnant with me. My mom wanted to name me Rachel but my dad didnt like it so he picked out "Amanda" instead. The funny thing is now he calls me Amy...
Amanda from Tampa, FlWhen my Mother was 6 months pregnant with me she went to a Boston concert with my father. They were still trying to find a name for me. Well when Boston came out and started thier set they sang "Amanda". well during the chorus i started kicking up a storm. so thats how i got my name.

Amanda- St. Pete, FL
Daniel from Sissonville, WvAmanda, that is the greatest story ever..tell ur parents that they are awesome for doing that
Amanda from Stanhope, NjThis song is the reason why my name's Amanda. My parents thought I was going to be a boy and on the way to the hospital they thought what to name me if I was a girl. This song came on the radio and I owe Boston my name.

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