“Right Here Waiting” is one of Richard Marx’s most famous and enduring songs, released on June 29, 1989 as the second single from his second studio album, Repeat Offender. The song is a romantic ballad that became a worldwide hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and topping charts in several other countries. It remains one of Marx’s signature songs and one of the most recognizable love ballads of the late 1980s.
“Right Here Waiting” is a deeply emotional ballad about love, separation, and devotion. The lyrics express the pain and longing of being far away from someone you love, but also the unwavering commitment to stay true to that person no matter the distance. Marx wrote the song while he was on tour, separated from his then-girlfriend (and later wife), actress Cynthia Rhodes, which gave the song a personal, heartfelt quality. “Right Here Waiting” is a soft rock ballad, featuring a simple and elegant arrangement centered around the piano and acoustic guitar. The minimalistic instrumentation helps to focus attention on the heartfelt lyrics and Marx’s emotive vocal delivery. The song builds gently, adding subtle strings to heighten its emotional impact without overshadowing its intimate feel.
“Right Here Waiting” was a massive commercial success for Richard Marx. In the U.S., it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for three weeks in August 1989, and became Marx’s third consecutive number-one single. The song also topped the Adult Contemporary chart and was a major hit worldwide, reaching No. 1 in countries such as Canada, Australia, and Ireland. It also performed well in Europe, hitting the top 10 in several countries, including the UK, where it peaked at No. 2. The success of “Right Here Waiting” helped drive sales of Marx’s Repeat Offender album, which went multi-platinum and cemented his status as a leading figure in late 1980s pop and rock music.
Over the years, “Right Here Waiting” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including by American singer Monica along with R&B group 112 in 1999.
“Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx is a timeless love ballad that captures the emotions of separation, devotion, and longing. Its simple yet powerful arrangement, heartfelt lyrics, and Marx’s sincere vocal performance made it a massive global hit in 1989. The song remains one of the most iconic ballads of the late 1980s, continuing to resonate with listeners and standing as a testament to Marx’s songwriting talents.