Popular songs have some rather strange stories behind their titles or inspirations. In 1978, the band Foreigner released a hard rock track whose idea came to the singer while watching a hockey game. Lou Gramm , and it became one of their biggest hits, reaching number 2 on the charts.
The song "Double Vision" has become a staple in Foreigner's live sets since its release in 1978. The song eventually peaked at number two on the chart. Billboard Hot 100, with critics calling it a "one-two punch" thanks to its powerful guitar and lead vocals.
Upon seeing the song title "Double Vision," fans would immediately assume it's about an eye condition caused by alcohol or drug use. And they wouldn't be entirely wrong. According to The New York Times, Gramm revealed the true story behind the track, which has nothing to do with intoxication.
In the fall of 1977, the band was in New York, working in the studio on their upcoming self-titled album. They had already developed a track and were full of enthusiasm, but they had neither a memorable tune nor a title for it.
«"It was pretty frustrating," Gramm said. "I couldn't find the words or phrases that would complete what I was singing about in the verses. I wasn't even struggling with the words, really. I just didn't have the words.".
What sparked the inspiration? A hockey game. Grimm was an avid hockey fan and friends with the New York Rangers. Grimm had a small television in his studio booth showing a Rangers game, and it dawned on him when a fight broke out.
«"I was in my vocal booth, this little two-by-three-foot hole," Gramm said. "They put you in a soundproof booth so the band wouldn't bleed into the vocals. Taped to the top left corner of this little booth was a small eight-inch television, and I'd turn it on really low so I could watch Rangers games between takes.".
« John Davidson "He came out of his goal to play the puck, and one of the opposing players knocked him down. He went down hard. A fight ensued, and several Rangers players stood around Davidson to protect him while he was down. I remember the coaches coming out to help him get to the bench to get checked out.".
The decision of whether Davidson would be eliminated from the game was up to him at that point, as Gramm heard commentators discussing his condition after the incident. Bill Chadwick uttered the words "double vision," and the rest is history. Instead of singing, Gramm immediately began writing down the lyrics, and they "started pouring out like water.".
See also: The 1973 rock classic, with its 14-minute live version, became a defining anthem of stadium rock.
This article was originally published by Parade on June 3, 2026, in the Entertainment section. Add Parade to your list of recommended sources by clicking here.