DH Music

Oldies But Goodies Oldies Songs

The Who – Who Are You

By Dohi Bot

The Who is undeniably one of the most iconic rock bands in history, revered for their ability to seamlessly blend raw energy with intricate storytelling. Among their expansive catalog, “Who Are You” stands as a cornerstone, epitomizing the band’s brilliance in songwriting, composition, and execution. Released as the title track of their 1978 album, this piece of music encapsulates the spirit of an era while offering an introspective glimpse into the mind of the band’s principal songwriter, Pete Townshend.

The song, a combination of rock’s rebellious vigor and a touch of classical elegance, remains one of the most enduring tracks from the album. In this review, we’ll delve into the album’s background, explore the rich instrumentation used in the song, and provide listening recommendations for fans who want more of this unforgettable sound.

The Album: A Turning Point for The Who

The album Who Are You was released on August 18, 1978, marking the band’s eighth studio effort. It arrived at a critical juncture in The Who’s career. Keith Moon, the band’s charismatic but troubled drummer, was struggling with health and substance issues during the recording. Tragically, Moon passed away just weeks after the album’s release, making this his final appearance with the band.

Despite the internal challenges, the album achieved commercial success, peaking at No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 6 in the US. Tracks like “New Song,” “Sister Disco,” and, of course, “Who Are You,” showcased The Who’s ability to innovate while staying true to their rock roots. The album serves as a time capsule, reflecting the turbulence of the late 1970s and the band’s efforts to evolve their sound amidst personal and professional upheaval.

“Who Are You”: A Sonic Masterpiece

“Who Are You” is not merely a song but a profound narrative laced with existential musings. Clocking in at over six minutes, the track is a tour de force of progressive rock brilliance. The dynamic shifts in tempo, intricate layering of instruments, and powerful vocal delivery make it a standout in The Who’s discography. Here’s a closer look at the musical elements that contribute to its enduring appeal.

Instrumentation and Sound

  1. Guitar: Pete Townshend’s guitar work is the backbone of “Who Are You.” Using a mix of acoustic and electric guitars, Townshend creates a dynamic interplay of rhythm and melody. The acoustic guitar introduces a delicate arpeggio in the song’s quieter moments, providing a contrast to the electrified power chords that dominate the chorus. This duality is a testament to Townshend’s versatility as a guitarist and composer.
  2. Piano: The song’s opening is anchored by a haunting piano riff, played by Rod Argent of The Zombies. The piano sets the tone, adding an almost orchestral quality to the piece of music. As the song progresses, the piano remains a constant presence, weaving through the layers of instrumentation and grounding the arrangement with its melodic precision.
  3. Synthesizers: The late 1970s saw an increasing use of synthesizers in rock music, and “Who Are You” incorporates this element masterfully. The synthesizers add a futuristic, almost ethereal texture to the song, complementing the raw energy of the guitars and drums.
  4. Bass: John Entwistle’s bass lines are nothing short of masterful. Known as one of the greatest rock bassists of all time, Entwistle’s contribution in “Who Are You” is both melodic and rhythmic. His bass work drives the song forward while adding depth and complexity to the arrangement.
  5. Drums: Keith Moon’s drumming is, as always, explosive and unpredictable. His fills and flourishes give the song a frenetic energy that contrasts beautifully with its more reflective sections. Moon’s drumming style was uniquely his own, and “Who Are You” captures his genius in full force.
  6. Vocals: Roger Daltrey delivers a powerhouse vocal performance, channeling the raw emotion and defiance that the song demands. His ability to convey vulnerability and aggression within the same track is one of the reasons “Who Are You” resonates so deeply with listeners.

Themes and Lyrics

Lyrically, “Who Are You” is introspective and thought-provoking. Pete Townshend drew inspiration from a chance encounter with a police officer after a night of heavy drinking. The song reflects on identity, purpose, and the often-chaotic journey of self-discovery. Lines like “I really want to know” are repeated with increasing intensity, creating a sense of urgency and existential longing.

The song also captures the disillusionment of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. Beneath the anthemic choruses lies a deeper narrative about navigating fame, creativity, and personal struggles. This duality makes “Who Are You” a relatable and enduring piece of music for fans across generations.

Production and Arrangement

The production of “Who Are You” is polished yet retains an organic quality that allows the emotion of the song to shine through. Glyn Johns, who had worked with The Who on previous albums, co-produced the track with Jon Astley. Their expertise ensured that every instrument was given space to breathe, resulting in a lush, multi-dimensional sound.

The arrangement of the song is intricate, with multiple layers of instrumentation building and receding throughout. The transitions between the quiet, reflective verses and the explosive choruses are seamless, creating a sense of drama and progression that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish.

Listening Recommendations

If “Who Are You” resonates with you, here are a few similar songs that capture a comparable blend of introspection, energy, and masterful instrumentation:

  1. “Baba O’Riley” – The Who: Often referred to as “Teenage Wasteland,” this track is another masterpiece that combines synthesizers, piano, and Townshend’s signature guitar work.
  2. “Won’t Get Fooled Again” – The Who: With its epic scope and iconic synthesizer intro, this song showcases The Who’s ability to craft anthems with a message.
  3. “Dream On” – Aerosmith: A rock ballad with powerful vocals and introspective lyrics, this track shares a similar emotional intensity with “Who Are You.”
  4. “Comfortably Numb” – Pink Floyd: This classic blends soulful guitar solos, haunting piano, and deep lyrical themes, making it a perfect companion to “Who Are You.”
  5. “Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen: A genre-defying epic that, like “Who Are You,” combines multiple musical elements to create a timeless piece of art.

Conclusion

“Who Are You” is a testament to The Who’s enduring legacy as one of rock’s most innovative and influential bands. Its rich instrumentation—featuring guitar, piano, bass, and synthesizers—combined with thought-provoking lyrics and masterful production, ensures its place in the pantheon of classic rock anthems. For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of The Who’s artistry, this track, along with the Who Are You album, is an essential listen.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to The Who’s music, “Who Are You” offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of what makes rock music timeless.

Video

Lyrics

Who are you?Who, who, who, who?Who are you?Who, who, who, who?Who are you?Who, who, who, who?Who are you?Who, who, who, who?
I woke up in a Soho doorwayA policeman knew my nameHe said, “You can go sleep at home tonightIf you can get up and walk away”I staggered back to the undergroundAnd the breeze blew back my hairI remember throwin’ punches aroundAnd preachin’ from my chair
Well, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)I really wanna know (who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Tell me, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)‘Cause I really wanna know (who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
I took the tube back out of townBack to the Rollin’ PinI felt a little like a dying clownWith a streak of Rin Tin TinI stretched back and I hiccuppedAnd looked back on my busy dayEleven hours in the tin panGod, there’s got to be another way
Well, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Oh, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Come on and tell me, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Oh, who the fuck are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
Who are you?(Ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh)(Ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh)(Ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh)(Ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh)(Ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh)(Ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh wa, ooh)
Who are you?Who, who, who, who?Who are you?Who, who, who, who?Who are you?Who, who, who, who?Who are you?Who, who, who, who?
I really wanna know (who are you? Who, who, who, who?)I really wanna know (who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Come on, tell me, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)‘Cause I really wanna know (who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
I know there’s a place you walkedWhere love falls from the treesMy heart is like a broken cupI only feel right on my kneesI spit out like a sewer holeYet still receive your kissHow can I measure up to anyone nowAfter such a love as this?
Well, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Oh, tell me, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Oh, I really wanna know (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Tell, tell me, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Come on, come on, who? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Ah, who the fuck are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)Oh, tell me, who are you? (Who are you? Ooh)I really wanna knowOh, I really wanna knowCome on, tell me, who are you, you, you, ah, you? (Yeah)

Related Post

The Knack – My Sharona

Dedicated to the One I Love – The Mamas & the Papas

Is This What I Get For Loving You – The Ronettes