The Who developed from an earlier group, the Detours, and established themselves as part of the pop art and mod movements, featuring auto-destructive art by destroying guitars and drums on stage. Their first single as the Who, "I Can't Explain", reached the UK top ten, followed by a string of singles including "My Generation", "Substitute" and "Happy Jack". In 1967, they performed at the Monterey Pop Festival and released the US top ten single "I Can See for Miles", while touring extensively. The group's fourth album, 1969's rock opera Tommy, included the single "Pinball Wizard" and was a critical and commercial success. Live appearances at Woodstock and the Isle of Wight Festival, along with the live album Live at Leeds, cemented their reputation as a respected rock act. With their success came increased pressure on lead songwriter Townshend, and the follow-up to Tommy, Lifehouse, was abandoned. Songs from the project made up 1971's Who's Next, which included the hit "Won't Get Fooled Again". The group released the album Quadrophenia in 1973 as a celebration of their mod roots, and oversaw the film adaptation of Tommy in 1975. They continued to tour to large audiences before semi-retiring from live performances at the end of 1976. The release of Who Are You in 1978 was overshadowed by the death of Moon shortly after.
Kenney Jones replaced Moon and the group resumed activity, releasing a film adaptation of Quadrophenia and the retrospective documentary The Kids Are Alright. After Townshend became weary of touring, the group split in 1982. The Who occasionally re-formed for live appearances such as Live Aid in 1985, a 25th anniversary tour in 1989 and a tour of Quadrophenia in 1996–1997. They resumed regular touring in 1999, with drummer Zak Starkey. After Entwistle's death in 2002, plans for a new album were delayed. Townshend and Daltrey continued as the Who, releasing Endless Wire in 2006, and continued to play live regularly.
The Who's major contributions to rock music include the development of the Marshall stack, large PA systems, use of the synthesizer, Entwistle and Moon's lead playing styles, Townshend's feedback and power chord guitar technique, and the development of the rock opera. They are cited as an influence by hard rock, punk rock and mod bands, and their songs still receive regular exposure.
The Who is one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century. Their appearances at Monterey and Woodstock helped give them a reputation as one of the greatest live rock acts and they have been credited with originating the "rock opera". The band has sold over 100 million records worldwide.
The group's contributions to rock include the power chord, windmill strum and the use of non-musical instrument noise such as feedback. The band influenced fashion from their earliest days with their embrace of pop art and the use of the Union Jack for clothing. The guitar-smashing incident at the Railway Hotel in 1964 is one of Rolling Stone magazine's "50 Moments That Changed the History of Rock 'n' Roll".
Pink Floyd began to use feedback from their early shows in 1966, inspired by the Who, whom they considered a formative influence. Shortly after arriving in London in 1966, Jimi Hendrix visited Marshall's music shop demanding an amp setup like Townshend's and manipulated electronic noises in ways that Townshend had pioneered. The Beatles were fans and socialised with Moon in particular during the mid-1960s. In 1965, Paul McCartney said the Who "are the most exciting thing around" and was inspired to write "Helter Skelter" in the group's "heavy" style; John Lennon borrowed the acoustic guitar style in "Pinball Wizard" for "Polythene Pam".
The loud volume of the band's live show influenced the approach of hard rock and heavy metal. Proto punk and punk rock bands such as the MC5, the Stooges, the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, the Clash and Green Day cite the Who as an influence. The Who inspired mod revival bands, particularly the Jam, which helped other groups influenced by the Who become popular. The Who influenced hard rock bands such as Guns N' Roses. In the mid-1990s, Britpop bands such as Blur and Oasis were influenced by the Who. The Who have also influenced pop punk band Panic! at the Disco.
The Who has inspired many tribute bands; Daltrey has endorsed the Whodlums, who raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Many bands have covered Who songs; Elton John's version of "Pinball Wizard" reached No. 7 in the UK.
I've Had Enough
The Who Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That when you were walking forwards
You'd end up further onward
But things ain't quite that simple
You got altered information
You were told to not take chances
You missed out on new dances
My jacket's gonna be cut and slim and checked
Maybe a touch of seersucker, with an open neck
I ride a G.S. scooter with my hair cut neat
I wear my wartime coat in the wind and sleet
Love reign o'er me
Reign o'er me
Love reign o'er me
Love
I've had enough of living
I've had enough of dying
I've had enough of smiling
I've had enough of crying
I've taken all the high roads
I've squandered and I've saved
I've had enough of childhood
I've had enough of graves
I've had enough of living
I've had enough of dying
I've had enough of smiling
I've had enough of crying
I've taken all the high roads
I've squandered and I've saved
I've had enough of childhood
I've had enough of graves
Get a job and fight to keep it
Strike out to reach a mountain
Be so nice on the outside
But inside keep ambition
Don't cry because you hunt them
Hurt them first they'll love you
There's a millionaire above you
And you're under his suspicion
My jacket's gonna be cut slim and checked
Maybe a touch of seersucker, with an open neck
I ride a G.S. scooter with my hair cut neat
I wear my wartime coat in the wind and sleet
Love reign o'er me
Reign o'er me
Love reign o'er me
Love
I've had enough of dance halls
I've had enough of pills
I've had enough of street fights
I've seen my share of kills
I'm finished with the fashions
And acting like I'm tough
I'm bored with hate and passion
I've had enough of trying to love
The song "I've Had Enough" by The Who is a reflection on the frustrations and disillusionment of life. The first verse addresses the idea that in life we are taught to move forward, but it doesn't always work out that way. The singer expresses their frustration with the expectations that were laid out for them, feeling as if they were misled. The mention of losing dimples may suggest aging, possibly losing one's youth and innocence.
The song then takes a turn to fashion and style, with the singer describing the clothing they prefer to wear. This could be seen as a commentary on the overwhelming pressure to conform and fit in with societal norms. Following this verse, the chorus repeats "Love reign o'er me", which could suggest a desire for love and connection as a way to overcome the frustrations of life.
The second half of the song repeats the phrase "I've had enough" as the singer lists off various experiences they are tired of, such as living, dying, smiling, and crying. The mention of taking high roads could suggest the singer's belief in working hard and doing what is expected, while acknowledging squandering opportunities along the way. The lines "Don't cry because you hunt them, hurt them first they'll love you" could be seen as a commentary on the cutthroat nature of society, suggesting that being cold and unfeeling may lead to success.
Overall, the song seems to be a reflection on the challenges and disillusionment of life, with the desire for love and connection being a potential remedy.
Line by Line Meaning
You were under the impression
You thought that by moving forward you would progress through life
That when you were walking forwards
When you were making progress in your life
You'd end up further onward
You would get closer to achieving your goals
But things ain't quite that simple
But life is not always that straightforward
You got altered information
You were misled or given false information
You were told to not take chances
You were advised to be cautious or conservative
You missed out on new dances
You missed out on new experiences or opportunities
Now you're losing all your dimples
Now you're losing your youthful charm, innocence or naivete
My jacket's gonna be cut and slim and checked
I want my clothing to be fashionable and stylish, cut and fitted well
Maybe a touch of seersucker, with an open neck
Perhaps with some light or textured fabric, along with an unbuttoned collar
I ride a G.S. scooter with my hair cut neat
I drive a sporty motor scooter, with my hair groomed and styled well
I wear my wartime coat in the wind and sleet
I keep my practical coat that's warm and weather-resistant for severe weather
I've had enough of living
I'm tired of living through the ups and downs of life
I've had enough of dying
I'm tired of confronting death and loss
I've had enough of smiling
I'm tired of putting on a happy face and pretending to be content
I've had enough of crying
I'm tired of feeling sad and expressing my grief
I've taken all the high roads
I've tried to take the right and honorable paths in my life
I've squandered and I've saved
I've wasted and preserved my resources over time
I've had enough of childhood
I'm tired of being young and immature
I've had enough of graves
I'm tired of thinking about death or being reminded of it
Get a job and fight to keep it
Secure employment and work hard to maintain it
Strike out to reach a mountain
Set lofty goals for yourself and strive to achieve them
Be so nice on the outside
Appear to be pleasant and courteous to others
But inside keep ambition
But secretly be determined and motivated to succeed
Don't cry because you hunt them
Don't feel guilty about hurting others to get ahead
Hurt them first they'll love you
People will respect you more if you dominate or rule them
There's a millionaire above you
There is someone who is more successful or powerful than you
And you're under his suspicion
And they are watching you closely and are wary of you
I've had enough of dance halls
I no longer enjoy the social scene of dancing and revelry
I've had enough of pills
I'm done with recreational drug use
I've had enough of street fights
I'm tired of physical confrontations and violence
I've seen my share of kills
I've witnessed enough death and destruction
I'm finished with the fashions
I'm no longer interested in following trends or being fashionable
And acting like I'm tough
And pretending to be strong or brave
I'm bored with hate and passion
I'm uninterested in the intense emotions of love and hate
I've had enough of trying to love
I'm exhausted from attempting to find love and affection
Love reign o'er me
Let love dominate over me and rule my life
Reign o'er me
Exercise supreme influence or control over me
Love reign o'er me
Let love guide and govern my life
Love
The transformative power of love
Lyrics © ABKCO MUSIC INC PETE TOWNSHEND CATALOG , FABULOUS MUSIC LTD , SPIRIT MUSIC GROUP
Written by: PETER DENNIS BLANDFOR TOWNSHEND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Carmen Olmos
Verse 1]
You were under the impression
That when you were walking forwards
That you'd end up further onward
But things ain't quite that simple
You got altered information
You were told to not take chances
You missed out on new dances
Now you're losing all your dimples
[Verse 2]
My jacket's going to be cut and slim and checked
Maybe a touch of seersucker with an open neck
I ride a GS scooter with my hair cut neat
Wear my wartime coat in the wind and sleet
[Verse 3]
Love reign over me
Reign over
Love reign over me
Love
[Bridge]
I've had enough of living
I've had enough of dying
I've had enough of smiling
I've had enough of crying
I've taken all the high roads
I've squandered and I've saved
I've had enough of childhood
I've had enough of graves
I've had enough of living
I've had enough of dying
I've had enough of smiling
I've had enough of crying
I've taken all the high roads
I've squandered and I've saved
I've had enough of childhood
I've had enough of graves
[Verse 4]
Get a job and fight to keep it
Strike out to reach a mountain
Be so nice on the outside
But inside keep ambition
Don't cry because you hunt them
Hurt them first, they'll love you
There's a millionaire above you
And you're under his suspicion
[Verse 2]
My jacket's going to be cut and slim and checked
Maybe a touch of seersucker with an open neck
I ride a GS scooter with my hair cut neat
Wear my wartime coat in the wind and sleet
[Verse 3]
Love reign over me
Reign over
Love reign over me
Love
[Verse 5]
Had enough of dancehalls
I've had enough of pills
I've had enough of streetfights
I've seen my share of kills
I'm finished with the fashions
And acting like I'm tough
I'm bored with hate and passion
I've had enough of trying to love
John Dardi
The greatest album in the history of rock.
Carl_Anderson
When I was 17 I decided to listen the whole Let it Be album. Immediately I decided to go through all Beatles discography, and then I started to explore all 60s and 70s bands I could think of. I went through that phase at least for 3 years before I decided to listen new music again. But something switched in my head and I realized the new 2000s bands were just not as good. Quadrophenia was in my backpack for months. Masterpiece.
John Dozois
I'm 60 , it's been the soundtrack to my days. Y'all just get IT!
madelefant05
I find it hard to say there is any better work in the history of contemporary music. A masterpiece.
Buck Fama
Completely and totally agree...well said Sir....
crackerman3772
I agree It is a masterpiece.
soxwina
Rogers voice Here is G R E A T!!
Danijel Ujčič
True ... Even Nirvana is 20+ years in the past :-/
Survivor2002
Well, except maybe for TOMMY in their own catalog. I don't know if I'd take it that far, though it's arguably their best album. But every great group or artist, if they're lucky, creates at least ONE work like this that will stand the test of time.
Frankincensed
I’m a guitar guy and have been in numerous bands over the years. I’m mostly a Zep guy, but you’ve got to appreciate The Who, a seminal band and trend setter. Odd that in this band, my favorite musicians are not the guitarist but bass player and drummer. My top three bass players are Geddy Lee, Chris Squire and the Ox. Entwistle is the only bass player I know of who plays like a guitarists. His speed and dexterity are off the charts. ❤️❤️