“Missing You” is a hit song by English rock singer John Waite, released in June 1984 with “For Your Love” on the B-side as the lead single from his second solo album, No Brakes. The song became Waite’s most successful single, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart. “Missing You” is widely regarded as one of the most iconic rock ballads of the 1980s, blending emotional vulnerability with a powerful pop-rock sound.
“Missing You” is a heartfelt ballad about heartbreak, denial, and emotional conflict. The lyrics describe someone who is trying to convince themselves that they are no longer affected by a breakup, despite clearly feeling the deep pain of loss. The line “I ain’t missing you at all” serves as the song’s key refrain, with the narrator insisting that they have moved on, while the verses reveal that they are actually struggling with feelings of longing and sorrow. Musically, “Missing You” is a mid-tempo pop-rock ballad with elements of new wave and soft rock. The song’s production is sleek and radio-friendly, featuring a mix of electric guitar riffs, synth layers, and a strong rhythm section that supports Waite’s emotional vocal delivery. The contrast between the smooth, polished production and the raw emotion in Waite’s voice makes the song resonate on a deeper level.
Waite’s vocal performance is a highlight, as he delivers the lyrics with both power and vulnerability, reflecting the inner conflict of trying to move on from a lost love. The chorus is especially memorable, with its catchy hook and emotional intensity.
“Missing You” was a massive commercial success, becoming John Waite’s first and only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. It remained at the top of the chart for one week in September 1984 and also reached No. 1 on the Mainstream chart. In the UK, it peaked at No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart, marking Waite’s biggest solo hit in his home country.
The song’s success helped drive the No Brakes album to platinum status in the U.S. and solidified Waite’s place as a major solo artist, following his earlier work as the lead singer of The Babys.