Relay

The Who

About Relay

"Relay" (titled "The Relay" in the United States) is a song written by Pete Townshend, the guitarist of The Who, for the band's aborted Lifehouse project. The song was also released as a moderately successful single in 1972. It was also the last non-album single by The Who until "Real Good Looking Boy", 32 years later.


Year:
2003
8:14
35 
#1

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You can hear it in the street
See it in the dragging feet
The word is getting out about control
Spies they're come and gone
The story travels on
The only quiet place is inside your soul

From tree to tree
From you to me
Traveling twice as fast as on any freeway
Ev'ry single dream
Is wrapped up in the scheme
They all get carried on the relay

Pass it on

Someone disapproves
Of what you say or do
I was asked to see what I could learn you
Don't believe your eyes
They're seeing only lies
What is done in the first place don't concern you

From tree to tree
From you to me
Traveling twice as fast as on any freeway
Ev'ry single dream
Is wrapped up in the scheme
They all get carried on the relay

Relay, things are brewing
Relay, something's doin'
Relay, it's a revolution
Relay, relay
Hand me down a solution

Pass it on

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The Who

The Who are an English rock band formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey (lead vocals, guitar, harmonica), Pete Townshend (vocals, guitar, keyboards), John Entwistle (vocals, bass) and Keith Moon, (drums, vocals). They became known for energetic live performances which often included instrument destruction. The Who have sold about 100 million records, and have charted 27 top forty singles in the United Kingdom and United States, as well as 17 top ten albums, with 18 Gold, 12 Platinum and 5 Multi-Platinum album awards in the United States alone. more »

9 fans

Written by: PETER DENNIS BLANDFOR TOWNSHEND

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band Member Contribution
"Relay" was composed by Pete Townshend, who is the principal songwriter of The Who.
Album Association
Even though the song initially wasn't included in any studio album of The Who upon its release, it was later added in the remastered version of album "Who's Next" in 1995.
Concept Link
"Relay" is part of Pete Townshend's "Lifehouse" project, which is a science fiction rock opera. The song's lyrics reflect themes of unity and communication.
Recording Year
The song was initially recorded in 1972.
Commercial Success
Upon its initial release in 1972, "Relay" reached number 21 on the UK Singles Chart.
Unique Instrumentation
Although it sounds like a synthesizer is used in Relay, the unique sound was actually created by using a Lowrey Berkshire home organ. This was a key part to the band's sound, especially in early 70s recordings.
Inspiration
Townshend said in interviews that the song was inspired by the idea of music bringing people together, which is a prominent theme in the "Lifehouse" project.
Track Length
The song's runtime is approximately 3 minutes and 40 seconds.
Re-release
The song was re-released in the 1995 album "The Who By Numbers."
Live Performances
Despite being a fan favorite, The Who did not frequently perform "Relay" in live concert. The song was included on their set list during the band's 2002 and 2004 tour after a long absence.

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