"Wait" is a

power ballad A sentimental ballad is an emotional style of music that often deals with romantic and intimate relationships, and to a lesser extent, loneliness, death, war, drug abuse, politics and religion, usually in a poignant but solemn manner.J. M. C ...

recorded by

White Lion The white lion is a rare color mutation of the lion, specifically the Southern African lion. White lions in the area of Timbavati are thought to have been indigenous to the Timbavati region of South Africa for centuries, although the earliest r ...

and written by White Lion vocalist

Mike Tramp Michael Trempenau (born 14 January 1961), better known as Mike Tramp, is a Danish singer best known for his work with the glam metal band White Lion. Since 1998, he has also released several solo albums. In 2012, Tramp went on a solo acoustic to ...

and guitarist

Vito Bratta Vito Bratta (born July 1, 1961) is an American guitarist and the former main songwriter for the glam metal band White Lion. He co-founded White Lion with lead singer Mike Tramp in 1983 and played with the band until 1992. Bratta was influenced by ...

. It was the lead single from their second album, ''

Pride Pride is defined by Merriam-Webster as "reasonable self-esteem" or "confidence and satisfaction in oneself". A healthy amount of pride is good, however, pride sometimes is used interchangeably with "conceit" or "arrogance" (among other words) wh ...

''. The single was released on June 1, 1987, but did not chart until February 1988. In May 1988, "Wait" finally cracked the top 10 in the US, peaking at No. 8, due in no small part to

MTV MTV (Originally an initialism of Music Television) is an American cable channel that launched on August 1, 1981. Based in New York City, it serves as the flagship property of the MTV Entertainment Group, part of Paramount Media Networks, a di ...

airing its music video in regular rotation—nearly seven months after the single's release. The song also charted at #48 in Canada and #88 in the UK.

Music video

The music video featured Christie Muhaw of

The Flirts The Flirts were a project concept group formed by Bobby Orlando, Bobby "O" Orlando to further front his performances as an artist, musician and songwriter. The group consisted of Orlando and featured an ever revolving roster of female session si ...

, who died in a car accident less than a year after the video propelled the song into the top 10. Her death at only 24 years old made the song's lyrics especially poignant.

Background

Singer Mike Tramp said,

Versions

"Wait" featured an extended remix which was released as a bonus track on "Pride". The song was also re-recorded in 1999 on the album ''

Remembering White Lion ''Remembering White Lion'' is an album by White Lion featuring new re-recorded versions of their classic songs from previous studio albums, including the band's biggest three hits: "When the Children Cry", "Wait", and "Little Fighter". Backgroun ...

'' (also released as "Last Roar" in 2004) and a live version was released in 2005 on the White Lion live album ''

Rocking the USA ''Rocking the USA'' is the first White Lion live compilation album released in 2005, now better known as Tramp's White Lion or White Lion 2, with all new band members again but still features original lead singer Mike Tramp. Background and recor ...

''. The live version was released as a promo and later iTunes single and also features as a bonus track on the bands most recent album ''

Return of the Pride ''Return of the Pride'' is the fifth and final studio album featuring original material by White Lion. The album was released in 2008 on March 14 (Europe), April 9 (Japan), April 29 (North America). The album was produced by singer Mike Tramp and ...

''.

Track listing

#"Wait" – 4:00 #"Don't Give Up" – 3:15

Personnel

*Mike Tramp – Lead vocals *Vito Bratta – Guitars *

James LoMenzo James LoMenzo (born January 13, 1959) is an American heavy metal bass guitarist. He was a member of the band White Lion, performing with them from 1984 to 1991. He was later the bassist for Black Label Society, Slash's Snakepit, and Megadeth. ...

– Bass guitar *

Greg D'Angelo Greg D'Angelo, (born December 18, 1963) is an American drummer most famous for his work in the band White Lion. Career Early career (1981–1984) Between 1981 and 1983, D'Angelo was a member of Anthrax. After leaving Anthrax, D’Angelo joine ...

– drums

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

References

1987 singles 1987 songs Atlantic Records singles Songs written by Mike Tramp Songs written by Vito Bratta White Lion songs Glam metal ballads {{metal-song-stub