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.
Relax
The Who Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let your mind go 'round
Lay down on the ground
And listen to the sound
Of the band
Hold my hand
Open up your mind
I'll know you from inside
You're like a horse I'll ride
O'er the sand
Through the land
Relax and let your mind roll on
Over all your problems
Relax and let your mind roll on
Over all your problems
We try harder and harder, tryin' to get our way
But it's a long, long wait until Judgment Day
So settle your affairs and take your time
'Cause everything in the world is yours and mine
Yours and mine
Aah-aah
Relax and settle down
Let your mind go 'round
Lay down on the ground
And listen to the sound
Of the band
Hold my hand
Relax
in The Who's song "Relax" is all about surrendering and letting go of one's troubles and worries. The lyrics encourage the listener to quiet their mind, lie down and listen to the sound of the band. The lead singer offers his hand for support and invites the listener to open up their mind and be present in the moment.
The verses are filled with imagery of riding a horse through sand and across the land, suggesting the freedom and adventure that can be found in letting go. The chorus offers a reminder that life is full of struggles, but taking time to relax and let go can help one cope with daily stressors.
The bridge offers a message of hope, acknowledging that life is short and it's important to settle one's affairs and take time to enjoy the world around us. The song ends with a simple repetition of the title, encouraging the listener to continue to relax.
Line by Line Meaning
Relax and settle down
Take a break and calm down
Let your mind go 'round
Free your thoughts and explore different ideas
Lay down on the ground
Get comfortable and let yourself rest
And listen to the sound
Pay attention to the music
Of the band
The music is being played by a group of people
Hold my hand
I am here for you and will support you
Open up your mind
Be receptive to new experiences and perspectives
We'll love right where we lie
We don't need to go anywhere to feel connected and happy
I'll know you from inside
I'll understand you on a deeper level
You're like a horse I'll ride
You are strong and dependable
O'er the sand
Over the desert
Through the land
Across different terrains
Relax and let your mind roll on
Just keep going and don't overthink
Over all your problems
Don't let your issues stop you from enjoying life
We try harder and harder, tryin' to get our way
We often strive for control over situations and outcomes
But it's a long, long wait until Judgment Day
We don't know when our time is up, so enjoy life while you can
So settle your affairs and take your time
Get organized and enjoy the present moment
'Cause everything in the world is yours and mine
The world has so much to offer, don't limit yourself
Yours and mine
We all have a shared human experience
Aah-aah
An expression of joy and contentment
Relax and settle down
Keep reminding yourself to stay calm and enjoy life
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
mark beresford
pete townsend is a genius to have come up with songs like this, gives u a feeling of pure joy,sadness,and melancholy all in one!
Merlins Cat
Finally someone agrees with me
mark beresford
@Merlins Cat hi jenny,thanks for the reply i love the who and this is one of my favourte songs !
Patricia Aktis
💗💗
SickAgain75
ANOTHER TOWNSHEND CLASSIC. TOO BAD IT NEVER GOT ANY AIRPLAY. GREAT ALBUM, THANKS PETE!!!.
Luileadolfo
The sonic force of this recording is fantastic ! Sadly The Who, only played live five times ! Hope they do play it again !
Radical Nation
Early Pink Floyd-esque with those keyboard chords and beautiful harmonies!
Nuada
Real prototype song, like Eight miles high, Rain, Paperback writer, I can see for miles... Shoegaze, noise rock, slowcore, neo psychelelia, or post rock inspiration. One of the most beautiful pages of the very rich inspiration source made by the Who.
Paul Norris
Greatest Band EVER
tootstanner
One of the top tracks on this killer album for me, just compliments a life living in London in the 60's and 70's