Baba O'Riley
The Who
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Out here in the fields I fight for my meals I get my back into my living I don't need to fight To prove I'm right I don't need to be forgiven Don't cry Don't raise your eye It's only teenage wasteland Sally, take my hand We'll travel south cross land Put out the fire Don't look past my shoulder The exodus is here The happy ones are near Let's get together Before we get much older Teenage wasteland It's only teenage wasteland Teenage wasteland Oh, oh Teenage wasteland They're all wasted!
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group, Abkco Music Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Creation Inspiration"Baba O'Riley" was inspired by the teachings of Meher Baba, an Indian spiritual master, and Terry Riley, a pioneering musician in minimalism. Pete Townshend, the lead guitarist for the Who, combined the names of these inspirations for the song title.
|
Concept Album BasisOriginally, "Baba O'Riley" was written for "Lifehouse," a projected but never completed rock opera that was intended to be the follow-up to "Tommy." The storyline of "Lifehouse" was set in a dystopian future, where music is the only escape.
|
Signature Keyboard RiffThe song's iconic keyboard riff is a repeating pattern played on a Lowrey Berkshire Deluxe TBO-1 organ with a marimba repeat percussion setting, which gives it a unique pulsating sound.
|
Unofficial Anthem"Baba O'Riley" is often called the unofficial anthem for the teenage wasteland, even though the term "teenage wasteland" is not the title and is only mentioned once in the lyrics.
|
Misnamed TrackThe song is often mistakenly called "Teenage Wasteland," due to the recurring lyric in the song. The correct title, "Baba O'Riley," is not mentioned at all in the lyrics.
|
Live Performance RelationThe Who often played "Baba O'Riley" as the last song in their setlist during concerts. The powerful ending with a violin solo became a peak moment during live performances.
|
Chart RankingsThough the song was never released as a single in the U.K., in the U.S., it reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971.
|
Instrumental EndingThe song has an extended instrumental ending featuring a violin solo by Dave Arbus.
|
Pop Culture Feature"Baba O'Riley" has been frequently used in popular culture, featuring in films, commercials, TV shows, and even as entrance music at sporting events. Notably, it's used as the theme song for the TV show "CSI: New York."
|
RecognitionIn 2005, "Baba O'Riley" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for its significance in music history. It is also listed as one of the greatest songs in the Rolling Stone magazine's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Baba O'Riley Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/31513478/The+Who/Baba+O%27Riley>.
Discuss the Baba O'Riley Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In