Both sides of their only official single release, Zoot Suit / I'm the Face (released on major mod label Fontana in 1964), were works of plagiarism; respectively, "Zoot Suit" and "I'm the Face" were Meaden's reworkings of "Misery" by The Dynamics, and "I Got Love If You Want It" by Slim Harpo. Both were well-known mod songs; by all accounts, angered mods were the primary cause the single's failure. The band quickly broke off their association with Meaden, and would shortly earn the mods' affection, and indeed became one of the most emblematic "mod" bands of all time.
In 1974, The Who released the album Quadrophenia, their second rock opera, its lyrical subject matter being a search for identity during the heyday of the mods. Fittingly, lyrical references to "I'm the Face" and "Zoot Suit" appeared in the songs "Cut My Hair" and "Sea and Sand", respectively. "Zoot Suit" later appeared on the soundtrack for the film adaptation of Quadrophenia, whereas the two aforementioned album cuts were used only in abridged forms.
The High Numbers' only single was released alongside two other studio cuts ("Leaving Here" and "Here 't Is") as part of The Who's box set Thirty Years of Maximum R&B. A number of High Numbers performances also exist in bootleg audio, or video form; most notably, this includes one, or several, performances during their residency at the Marquee Club in London.
Shepherd's Bush, West London, United Kingdom
I'm the Face
The High Numbers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm the face baby, is that clear,
I'm the face if you want it,
I'm the face if you want it, dear,
All the others are third class tickets by me, baby, is that clear.
I'm the big wheel baby, won't you roll with me,
I'm the big wheel baby, won't you roll with me,
????? hardly see.
Wear ivy league jackets, white buckskin shoes,
I wear ivy league jackets, white buckskin shoes,
So many tickets down the scene honey,
They're like to blow a fuse.
I'm the face baby, is that clear,
I'm the face baby, is that clear,
I'm the face if you want it,
I'm the face if you want it, dear,
All the others are third class tickets by me baby, is that clear.
The High Numbers, also known as The Who, released the song "I'm the Face" in their early years, when they were still figuring out their sound and identity. The lyrics of the song convey a sense of superiority and confidence, with the singer proclaiming himself as the face to be seen and the big wheel to roll with. The repetition of the phrase "is that clear" adds to the assertiveness of the lyrics.
The first verse of the song establishes the singer's position as the face and implies that he is the best option available. He dismisses all others as third class tickets, suggesting that they are not even worth considering. The second verse focuses on the singer's image, highlighting his fashion choices of Ivy League jackets and white buckskin shoes. He suggests that his fashion sense alone sets him apart from the rest and could cause them to "blow a fuse."
Overall, "I'm the Face" is a song that speaks to the desire to be noticed and appreciated for one's unique qualities. The lyrics convey a sense of youthful exuberance and confidence, which became a hallmark of The Who's music in later years.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the face baby, is that clear,
I am the most prominent and recognizable member of this group, do you understand?
I'm the face if you want it,
I am the one you should follow and support, should you so desire
I'm the face if you want it, dear,
I can provide you with leadership and guidance, my dear
All the others are third class tickets by me, baby, is that clear.
Everyone else in this group is beneath me and not worth your attention, do you comprehend?
I'm the big wheel baby, won't you roll with me,
I am the leader, the one in control. Won't you join me?
So many cats down the scene, honey,
There are many other people around, my dear
????? hardly see.
But they are insignificant and not worth noticing.
Wear ivy league jackets, white buckskin shoes,
I dress in a certain style that represents sophistication and class
So many tickets down the scene honey,
There are many people around who are not as fashionable as I am
They're like to blow a fuse.
They are likely to become envious or angry at my superior fashion sense.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: PETER MEADEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stevemoore7431
I'm The Face & I've Got Love if You Want it...Timeless British Mod RnB
@stuartpearson2993
Don't care if your a mod or a rocker, a gun tune is a good tune and I love it
@Deedee-ee1sg
I've always loved this song. THE WHO are a terrific band ICONIC!
@iblacka1
How could this not break the top 50. Brilliant song. What's wrong with people.
This is my first time listening to it and it's BRILLIANT!!
@v00n2000
Same here. Radio A&R men have a lot to answer for.
@KamenSentaiMetalHero
Maybe because this and Zoot Suit are a direct rip-off of some R&B. Don't get wrong, this is good but it doesn't sound like the Who as we know them.
@Mjr4464
WELL MAYBE SINCE THEY BLATANTLY RIP OFF SLIM HARPO?
@Mjr4464
all the "WHO" did here was change the lyrics
@paolomoro9537
a hug of love to all the mods, from italy!!!
@maxauburn
I'm loving this song