Peace of Mind

"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". Writing and recording "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 and music The song is about the people Scholz worked with at Polaroid Corporation before getting his recording contract, and about Scholz's lack of interest in climbing the corporate ladder into company management. Dick Nusser of Billboard described the theme of the song being that "Competition and a corporate slot aren't the only choices. Better to turn on, tune in and seek 'Peace Of Mind.'" According to music journalist Chuck Eddy, the lyrics argue that it is unhealthy for people to compete with each other. Paul Elliott commented on the lyrics' "positivity," exhorting people to look past their mundane life to "find deeper meaning". He also noted the song's "uplifting quality," expressed through "its freewheeling riff, its rich melody and dazzling vocal harmonies". AXS contributor Craig James describes the theme as being that it is better to make music and being at peace with yourself is better than corporate aspirations. Vanyaland's Daniel Brockman found irony in the refrain, "I understand about indecision, and I don’t care if I get behind/People living in competition, all I want is to have my peace of mind,” noting that this was a hit single premised on lyrics stating that one shouldn't take their career too seriously.