Tomorrow night The Who will be performing the prestigious half time show at the Super Bowl. Anyone who knows anything about me will know I love The Who. Having seen them nine times thus far (four of which were in the US) I can say I've never been disappointed by them as every performance has been outstanding. Because of them I have met so many wonderful people from all over the globe who have become some of the closest friends I have and who I could have a whole blog dedicated to the wonderfulness of each of them if I wanted to. To know them and be part of the big Who-fan family means a lot (if you're reading this and know what I mean then you know how much love I have for you).
Over the last 46 years since they first formed they have made some of the most classic rock tunes ever heard. From 'My Generation' to 'Baba O'Reily' to 'Won't Get Fooled Again' (as well as plenty more in between) they have songs which mean so much to so many. At the Concert For New York in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks they were the only act to not get a standing ovation at the end of their set, simply because the audience were on their feet the entire time...and the songs they sang were not mournful of the loss to the city but resilient in the face of that loss and you got the sense that this resilience was so important to those in attendance that night.
They also have, over the years, created two well loved rock operas. 'Tommy' is the more famous of the two with the performance of it at Woodstock in 1969 being seen as one of the key moments in the legendary festival. The second, and the one I've always loved that bit more, is 'Quadrophenia'.
Set in early 60's England and telling the story of a teenager called Jimmy and his life, 'Quadrophenia' produced what I feel are some of Pete Townshend's finest songs. Not only do they describe the split-personalities of Jimmy well but they also tell the story with such strong narrative that you don't necessarily need to have a visual to accompany it in order to follow the story.
Of all the songs from 'Quadrophenia' the one I associate with and love the most is 'I'm One'. As someone who has often struggled to fit in socially and who really never fitted in at school it's the kind of song that makes me feel more comfortable in my own skin. I don't have to 'fit in' with the rest of the world as long as I'm being me and that, in life, there are plenty others like me and I'm not alone. I'm pretty sure the vast majority of Who fans that I know have felt exactly the same about themselves too and that the song probably means the same to them as it does to me....and maybe it might resonate with you too.
Hope you enjoy it!!!
The Who - I'm One
Every year is the same
And I feel it again,
I'm a loser - no chance to win.
Leaves start falling,
Come down is calling,
Loneliness starts sinking in.
But I'm one.
I am one.
And I can see
That this is me,
And I will be,
You'll all see
I'm the one.
Where do you get
Those blue blue jeans?
Faded patched secret so tight.
Where do you get
That walk oh so lean?
Your shoes and your shirts
All just right.
But I'm one etc.
I got a Gibson
Without a case
But I can't get that even tanned look on my face.
Ill fitting clothes
And I blend in the crowd,
Fingers so clumsy
Voice too loud.
But I'm one.
I am one.
And I can see
That this is me,
And I will be,
You'll all see
I'm the one
I'm the one
I'm the one
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