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.
Is It in My Head?
The Who Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I see a country always starved
I hear the music of a heartbeat
I walk, and the people turn and laugh
Is it in my head
Is it in my head
Is it in my head here at the start?
Is it in my head
Is it in my head, or in my heart?
I pick up phones and hear my history
I dream of all the calls I miss
I try to number those who love me
And find exactly what the trouble is
Is it in my head
Is it in my head
Is it in my head here at the start?
Is it in my head
Is it in my head
Is it in my head, or in my heart?
I feel I'm being followed
My head is empty
Yet every word I say turns out a sentence
Statements to a stranger
Just asking for directions
Turn from being help to being questions
I see a man without a problem
The lyrics of "Is It In My Head" by The Who seem to be exploring the idea of perception and reality. The lead singer, Roger Daltrey, sings about observing things around him that seem to be surreal or not quite right. He sees a man without a problem and a country that is always starved, suggesting that things are not always as they seem on the surface. He also hears the music of a heartbeat and sees people laughing at him as he walks by, leading him to question whether these things are really happening or if they are all in his head.
The lyrics then shift to focus on communication and relationships. Daltrey sings about missing important calls and trying to figure out who loves him and what the source of his troubles may be. He also describes feeling as though he is being followed and experiencing a sense of emptiness in his head. This leads to a feeling of isolation and confusion, where the things he says seem to be turned into questions rather than helpful statements.
Overall, "Is It In My Head" seems to be wrestling with the idea of perception and whether what we experience is real or simply a construct of our own minds. It explores the disconnection and confusion that can come from not being able to distinguish between what is real and what is imagined.
Line by Line Meaning
I see a man without a problem
I observe a man who appears to be free from any issues or challenges.
I see a country always starved
I witness a nation that is constantly suffering from a lack of the basic necessities of life, such as food and resources.
I hear the music of a heartbeat
I am able to perceive the rhythmic and steady pulsing sound created by a person's heart as it pumps blood through their body.
I walk, and the people turn and laugh
As I move about, those around me react negatively, potentially in a mocking or derisive manner.
Is it in my head
Am I imagining or creating this situation or thought process myself, rather than it being reality.
Is it in my head here at the start?
At the beginning of this experience or situation, am I already manufacturing ideas or expectations that aren't based in reality.
Is it in my head or in my heart?
Am I considering something rationally, with my mind, or is it an emotional reaction or feeling, stemming from my heart.
I pick up phones and hear my history
When I answer calls, I am reminded of past interactions and conversations I have had.
I dream of all the calls I miss
I experience vivid dreams about calls that I haven't actually received, but may have been hoping for or anticipating.
I try to number those who love me
I make an effort to quantify or measure the amount of people who care for and support me.
And find exactly what the trouble is
As I explore this topic, I discover the root or cause of the issue that has been troubling me.
I feel I'm being followed
There is a pervasive sense that I am being tracked or pursued by someone or something.
My head is empty
My mind feels blank or unfocused, without any clear thoughts or ideas.
Yet every word I say turns out a sentence
Despite feeling mentally scattered, I am able to articulate myself and communicate effectively.
Statements to a stranger
I discuss my thoughts or feelings with someone who is unfamiliar, rather than a close friend or confidant.
Just asking for directions
I am seeking guidance or clarity on a particular issue, and hope that this conversation will provide answers.
Turn from being help to being questions
Initially, I sought out assistance or support, but this conversation has instead raised more questions or doubts about my situation.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Peter Dennis Blandfor Townshend
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ryan Kordziel
I see a man without a problem
I see a country always starved,
I hear the music of a heartbeat,
I walk, and people turn and laugh.
Is it in my head
Is it in my head
Is in my head here at the start?
Is it in my head
Is it in my head
Is it in my head, or in my heart?
I pick up phones and hear my history.
I dream of all the calls I miss.
I try to number those who love me,
And find exactly what the trouble is.
Is it in my head [etc.]
I feel I'm being followed,
My head is empty
Yet every word I say turns out a sentence.
Make love to a stranger
Just asking for directions
Turn from being help to being questions.
I see a man without a problem.
atomicpunk48
Love this song. Pete Townshend was a hell of a songwriter. Roger Daltrey gave his songs a voice that nobody else could have. Entwistle played the bass like a lead guitar, and Keith Moon was the engine that drove the train.
All Bottled Up
Your line “Roger Daltrey gave his song a voice that nobody else could have.” made me realize something. For years I’ve searched for a singer who sounded like Roger. I realize now that it is the fact that he’s so unique that makes so spectacular. If there were more singers like him, he wouldn’t stand out as spectacularly as he does. I still really wish there was a “The Who” part two or spiritual successor, or even just an artist who sings like Roger.
Mark D'Aulerio
Yes, and a good guitar player too!
mcmaximon1
@Mr. Movie Mafia Absolutely !
Mr. Movie Mafia
I’m 9 years late, but this is a perfect way to describe all of them! Thank you!
CHYAA
This album epitomized my teenage early 20 years full angst, loneliness, with no self worth or inner peace. Townsend's epic lyrics relate so much to my youth I would seclude myself and listen to this for hours on end to find some comfort Still a dark place and I don't go there often but the mastery of this work is still like a warm blanket 40 years later.
All Bottled Up
I am a young man, so I’m sure the experience is slightly different, but the words you chose “I would seclude myself and listen to this for hours on end to find some comfort.” speak so clearly and directly to me. However many years apart, Townshend’s (and the rest of The Who) brilliant work gave us both that feeling of comfort and understanding.
Grant
I'm 63 and still love this album liek it was the fist time I heard ir!
Timothy Flanagan
CHYAA what a great album ,talk about going back ,and now I still feel the same 46 years later ,wow is it in my head? Damn right it is.!
Timothy Flanagan
I still get chills when I listen to it,and go to another place