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.
Jaguar
The Who Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Space
Race
Everything they've seen you have seen
Everywhere they've been you have been
Everything they've done you have been and done already
You can reach them too in your car
Or you might be there now if you own a Jag already
The radio blasting, the girls are glancing
The dash is dancing with gleaming dials
Grace
Space
Race
Grace
Space
Race
Jaguar
Jaguar
Jaguar
Jag-u-ar
The Who's song "Jaguar" is an ode to the luxury car brand, as well as to the ideals of wealth, status and the accompanying freedom and excitement that come with them. The lyrics describe how those who own a Jaguar are among the elite; they have seen everything there is to see, been everywhere there is to go, and done everything there is to do. The song presents owning a Jaguar as a way to reach all the lovely spots, near or far, that others dream of. The lines "The radio blasting, the girls are glancing, the dash is dancing with gleaming dials" emphasize the car's ability to provide an exhilarating experience, with the radio blaring music, women attracted to the driver, and the mechanical parts of the car creating a harmonious dance beneath the hood. The repeated chant of "Jaguar" is a celebration of the brand, with the word itself becoming almost a mantra for success and power.
Despite the song's clear message, the lyrics also contain a hint of irony. The Who were known for their working-class roots and their songs often reflected their opposition to the norms of the upper classes. "Jaguar" can be seen as both a tribute to and a satire of the wealthy elite that drive expensive sports cars, celebrating both their freedom and independence but also mocking their obsession with status symbols. In this way, the song embodies The Who's signature blend of defiance and respect for authority.
Line by Line Meaning
Grace
Elegance and refinement are essential qualities for a person who owns a Jag
Space
One of the benefits of owning a Jag is the freedom to travel far and wide in comfort and style
Race
The Jag is a luxury car that exudes speed and power, making it a symbol of the ultimate driving experience
Everything they've seen you have seen
There is no limit to where a Jag can take you, and you can go wherever others have gone before
Everywhere they've been you have been
You can travel to the most remote and spectacular locations in a Jag, just like the elite few who have had the opportunity
Everything they've done you have been and done already
You can experience the unmatched thrill and luxury of driving a Jag just like those who have done it before
Every lovely spot near or far
With a Jag, you can explore all the beautiful destinations near and far, without any limits
You can reach them too in your car
Owning a Jag is the ultimate luxury, affording you the opportunity to access any destination in style and comfort
Or you might be there now if you own a Jag already
If you already own a Jag, chances are you're already living your best life and enjoying all the perks that come with it
The radio blasting, the girls are glancing
The heart-thumping beats of the Jag's stereo system and the envious stares of those around you are all part of the experience
The dash is dancing with gleaming dials
The Jag's dashboard is a work of art, filled with state-of-the-art technology and gleaming chrome accents that make it a sight to behold
Jaguar
The Jag is not just a car, but a symbol of the ultimate luxury and power that only a select few can experience
Jaguar
The mere mention of the Jag name invokes feelings of exclusivity, luxury, and unmatched performance
Jaguar
For those who truly appreciate the finer things in life, the Jag is the ultimate expression of sophisticated style and class
Jag-u-ar
The pronunciation of the name Jaguar is as unique and powerful as the car itself
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: PETER DENNIS BLANDFOR TOWNSHEND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Hanskung
I don't speak or understand the language but I don't have to in order hear what the guitar is about, for me and the genre of music I prefer, this is the best vid of the vintera mod jaguar, thank you.
Jin Byun
이제 저기에 청테이프만 붙이면 커트코베인 기타가 되겠습니다
Yetimatze Nightcat
Ooh yes, Ooooooooh yes i think so too.
sorry, i have to go out and catch the chickens
It won't be easy, one is as big as a cow
🐔🐓🐥🐄
오 예, Oooooh 예 나도 그렇게 생각합니다. 나가서 닭을 잡아야해서 미안해
쉽지 않을거야, 하나는 소만큼 큽니다 😄🙋♂️
Hanskung
This guy is good, he also demonstrates hoe freaking versatile the guitar is.