"Peace of Mind" is a song by American rock band Boston, written by Tom Scholz, the band's founder, lead guitarist and primary songwriter. It released on their 1976 self-titled debut, and released again the next year as the third and final single from the album.
It peaked at number 38 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1977, as well as number 33 on the Cash Box Top 100. It received substantial radio airplay, both upon the initial release of the Boston album and subsequently, and has been described as a "rock-radio staple".
"Peace of Mind" is one of six songs, five of which eventually appeared on the Boston album, that Scholz worked on in his basement in 1974 and 1975, before Boston got its record contract. The demo was specifically finished in 1974.
The drum parts were originally developed by Jim Masdea, although Sib Hashian played the drums on the official release. According to Ultimate Classic Rock critic Michael Gallucci, the demo version was "fully formed" and so the album version did not change much except for "[amping] up the guitars and production".
Lyrics
Now if you're feelin' kinda low 'bout the dues you've been payin'
Future's comin' much too slow
And you wanna run but somehow you just keep on stayin'
Can't decide on which way to go
I understand about indecision
But I don't care if I get behind
People living in competition
All I want is to have my peace of mind
Now you're climbing to the top of the company ladder
Hope it doesn't take too long
Can't you see there'll come a day when it won't matter
Come a day when you'll be gone
I understand about indecision
But I don't care if I get behind
People living in competition
All I want is to have my peace of mind
Take a look ahead
Take a look ahead
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Well everybody's got advice they just keep on givin'
Doesn't mean too much to me
Lots of people have to make believe they're livin'
Can't decide who they should be
I understand about indecision
But I don't care if I get behind
People living in competition
All I want is to have my peace of mind
Take a look ahead
Take a look ahead
Look ahead!