The Meaning Behind The Song: Who Are You? by The Who
When The Who released “Who Are You?” in 1978, the song quickly became a hit and remains a classic to this day. It’s a song that’s been covered by countless artists, appeared in countless films and TV shows, and is often used as a soundtrack for sports events. But what is the meaning behind the song?
Introduction
At first listen, “Who Are You?” might sound like a simple rock song about a wild night out, but the lyrics actually explore some deeper themes. Pete Townshend, the songwriter behind the track, has said that the song is partly autobiographical, and that it deals with themes of identity, fame, and confusion.
The Origin of the Song
The origins of “Who Are You?” date back to 1975, when Townshend was arrested for drunk driving in the US. After a night in jail, Townshend was told by a police officer “who the hell are you?” According to Townshend, the question stuck with him and eventually became the inspiration behind the song.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Who Are You?” are somewhat ambiguous, but they’re generally interpreted as being about the difficulty of being in the public eye and maintaining a sense of self. The opening lines of the song, “I woke up in a Soho doorway / A policeman knew my name,” suggest a sense of disorientation and confusion. The protagonist of the song is lost and unsure of who they are or where they belong.
The lyrics contain a lot of questions, such as “Who are you? / Who, who, who, who?” and “Who the f*** are you?” These questions suggest a search for identity, and a frustration at not being able to find it. The chorus is particularly poignant, repeating the question “Who are you?” over and over again.
The Instrumentation
The instrumentation of “Who Are You?” is similarly ambiguous. The song starts with a police siren, adding to the sense of chaos and confusion. It then launches into a driving bass line, played by John Entwistle, that anchors the song. The guitar riffs, played by Townshend, are simple but effective, repeating throughout the song.
The Recording
“Who Are You?” was recorded at a difficult time for The Who. The band had just lost its drummer, Keith Moon, who died in 1978. The recording of the song was completed after Moon’s death, and the remaining members of the band have said that they struggled to come to terms with the loss.
The recording features Moon’s last drumming performance with the band. While it’s not his most technically impressive performance, it’s full of energy and fits perfectly with the song’s driving rhythm. Some have interpreted the lyrics of the song as being an homage to Moon, who struggled with addiction and fame.
The Legacy of the Song
“Who Are You?” has become one of The Who’s most iconic songs, and is often used as a shorthand for the band. It’s been covered by artists ranging from Pearl Jam to Eminem, and has been used in numerous films and TV shows.
The song is particularly popular in sports, where it’s often played before games or during breaks in play. The song has been used by the NFL, the NHL, and the MLB, among other organizations.
The Meaning Today
The meaning of “Who Are You?” continues to resonate today. In an age of social media and constant self-promotion, many people struggle with maintaining a sense of self. The pressure to present a certain image can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of confusion and anxiety.
The song’s ambiguity and the repetition of the question “Who are you?” suggest that there might not be a clear answer. Identity is complex and multifaceted, and it’s normal to feel confused or uncertain. “Who Are You?” reminds us that we’re not alone in these struggles, and that it’s okay to be unsure of who we are.
