I'm a Boy

The Who

About I'm a Boy

"I'm a Boy" is a 1966 rock song written by Pete Townshend for the Who. The song, like other early recordings by the band, such as "I Can't Explain", "The Kids Are Alright" and "Happy Jack", centres on the early power pop genre. The song was originally intended to be a part of a rock opera called 'Quads' which was to be set in the future where parents can choose the sex of their children. The idea was later scrapped, but this song survived and was later released as a single. The song is about a family who "order" four girls, but a mistake is made and three girls and one boy are delivered instead. The boy dreams of partaking in sports and other boy-type activities, but his mother forces him to act like his sisters and refuses to believe the truth ("I'm a boy, I'm a boy, but my Ma won't admit it"). The track was produced by Kit Lambert at IBC Studios around 31 July - 1 August 1966 and released just over three weeks later on 26 August 1966 with "In the City" as the B-side. The single was successful in the British Isles, reaching number 2 in the UK Singles Chart and Number 7 in Ireland. It failed to repeat that success in the US. The original recording (released as a single) which features John Entwistle's French horn arrangement prominently in the mix is available on the album Who's Missing. The version included on most compilations, since the 1966 release, is exactly the same recording, with French horns removed. 


Year:
1970
2:45
33 
#1

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One girl was called Jean Marie
Another little girl was Felicity
Another little girl was Sally Joy
The other was me, and I'm a boy

My name is Bill, and I'm a head case
They practice making up on my face
Yeah, I feel lucky if I get trousers to wear
Spend evenings taking hairpins from my hair

I'm a boy, I'm a boy
But my ma won't admit it
I'm a boy, I'm a boy
But if I say I am, I get it

Put your frock on, Jean Marie
Plait your hair, Felicity
Paint your nails, little Sally Joy
Put on this wig, little boy

I'm a boy, I'm a boy
But my ma won't admit it
I'm a boy, I'm a boy
But if I say I am, I get it

Want to play cricket on the green
Ride my bike across the street
Cut myself and see my blood
Want to come home all covered in mud

I'm a boy, I'm a boy
But my ma won't admit it
I'm a boy. I'm a boy
But if I say I am, I get it

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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 »

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Written by: PETER TOWNSHEND

Lyrics © T.R.O. INC.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Band Details
"I'm a Boy" is one of the iconic songs by the English rock band The Who, which was composed by Pete Townshend.
Song Release
The song was originally released on 26th August 1966 in the UK.
Album Release
"I'm a Boy" was later included in the band's album "A Quick One", their second studio album released in December 1966.
International Charts
It reached the number 2 spot on the UK Singles Chart and number 101 in the US Billboard Charts.
Song Concept
The song reflects Townshend's exploration of gender and identity, featuring a narrative about a boy named Bill who is forced to act as a girl by his mother.
Song Lyrics
The song was supposedly part of a larger rock opera titled "Quads" which was never completed.
Song Context
The song's theme reflects Townshend's interest in exploring human identity and confusion about expected gender roles.
Song Composition
"I'm a Boy" was written in the key of B Major, showcasing The Who's diverse musical style.
Song Impact
The popularity of the song demonstrates the rise of The Who as groundbreaking UK creators of concept albums and rock operas.
Live Performance
The Who first performed "I'm a Boy" live on September 13, 1966 at a concert in Denmark.
Reissues and Rereleases
"I'm a Boy" was reissued on several compilation albums such as "Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy" (1971) and "My Generation: The Very Best of The Who" (1996).
Later Versions
Townshend recorded his own version of "I'm a Boy" for his 1982 solo album "Scoop".
Song Influence
"I'm a Boy" influenced many artists in exploring themes of gender and identity in their own music.
Public Recognition
"I'm a Boy" is still recognized as one of The Who's most iconic and popular songs, often played on classic rock radio stations.
Band Members
The band's members for this song were Pete Townshend (guitar, vocals), Roger Daltrey (lead vocals), John Entwistle (bass, vocals), and Keith Moon (drums).

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