NEW YORK CITY – Peter Frampton, the renowned English musician, found inspiration for one of his greatest songs during an arduous hangover. In 1973, while recording his second album, Frampton’s Camel, at Electric Lady Studios in New York City, he indulged in the city’s nightlife, leading to a challenging morning-after. However, instead of being incapacitated, Frampton’s fragile state sparked the creation of a classic track.
Initially, Frampton’s Camel did not garner much success upon its release. It wasn’t until 1976, with the launch of his debut live album, Frampton Comes Alive, that his song “Do You Feel Like We Do” found an appreciative audience. The double LP propelled Frampton into the limelight and finally earned recognition for his earlier work.
Reflecting on the creative process behind “Do You Feel Like We Do,” Frampton shared how it originated from a wine-induced haze. As he woke up with a wineglass by his bed, he stumbled into rehearsal with a throbbing hangover. Playing the chords he had composed the night before, D-F-C-G-D, became the foundation of the chorus. With the addition of a riff they had jammed on during rehearsal, the song came together. Despite feeling unable to write lyrics due to his hangover, his bandmates encouraged him to sing about it, resulting in the famous opening line, “Woke up this morning with a wineglass in my hand.”
Frampton’s vulnerability at the time became the catalyst for crafting a song that still resonates with audiences today. When he performs, engaging the crowd by emphasizing the second “you” in the chorus, their arms instinctively raise, pointing along. It was an unexpected twist that transformed a personal experience into a universal connection.
“Do You Feel Like We Do” has transcended Frampton’s ownership, becoming a shared experience that artists aim to achieve with their music. His unconventional source of inspiration, rooted in a brutal hangover, ultimately led to one of his most beloved compositions.
In conclusion, Peter Frampton’s iconic track “Do You Feel Like We Do” emerged from a challenging moment in his life. His struggle with a hangover during the recording of his second album pushed him to create a song that would later captivate audiences worldwide. The personal nature of the track, coupled with the crowd’s participation when performed live, allowed the song to transcend its origins and become a universal anthem.