The Who

Lyrics

[Intro]
[Verse 1: Roger Daltrey]
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, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
[Interlude]
[Bridge: Pete Townshend]
Don't cry, don't raise your eye
It's only teenage wasteland

[Verse 2: Roger Daltrey]
Sally, take my hand, we'll travel south 'cross land
Put out the fire and don't look past my shoulder
The exodus is here, the happy ones are near
Let's get together before we get much older

[Chorus: Roger Daltrey]
Teenage wasteland, it's only teenage wasteland
Teenage wasteland, oh, yeah
Teenage wasteland
They're all wasted
[Instrumental Outro]

When people hear the opening keyboard notes of Baba O'Riley, there's instant recognition. There’s something immediately iconic about the song; it's one of those classic rock tunes that will stay with us forever. It’s definitely one of The Who’s best-known songs, and for good reason. It's not just its instantly recognizable introduction, either, or its soaring, expansive sound. It's the way that the song manages to capture a moment in time so perfectly. Beyond all of the critical praise and commercial success that the song has enjoyed since its release, people continue to sing Baba O'Riley's praises because it's an utterly captivating composition.

About Baba O’Riley

Despite being a staple of classic rock radio, there's still plenty to learn about Baba O'Riley. The song was initially envisioned as part of a rock opera called Lifehouse, which was meant to serve as a follow-up to The Who's wildly successful Tommy. That album would eventually be scrapped, but Baba O'Riley was salvaged and included on the group's following album, Who's Next. Written by The Who's Pete Townshend, the song deals with themes of teenage angst, rebellion, and youthful disillusionment. It's a song that speaks to people of all ages, but it’s especially resonant with those who are coming of age.

The influence of Woodstock, which Townshend attended, is evident in the song's lyrics as well as its overall spirit. There's a sense of individuality that permeates Baba O'Riley, of a desire to break free from the ties that bind and forge one's path. The song's iconic synthesizer riff adds to this sense of freedom, as it seems to soar above the mix. That riff is one of the most recognizable in rock history, and it's worth noting how revolutionary it was at the time of the song’s initial release.

The song's unique title is a combination of two different names: Meher Baba, an Indian spiritual guru who was a significant influence on Townshend's philosophy and Terry Riley, an American composer whom Townshend respected and admired. The song's invocation of Baba in its title is fitting, as the spiritual influence of his teachings is woven throughout the song's messages of self-expression and rebellion against the status quo. Terry Riley’s influence, on the other hand, is heard in the song's opening synth arpeggio and in its loose, improvisational feel.

While many people mistakenly refer to Baba O'Riley as "Teenage Wasteland," it's worth examining that title, as it speaks to one of the song's most compelling aspects. The chorus of Baba O'Riley repeats the phrase "teenage wasteland," which acts as both a rallying cry and a lament. Townshend's lyrics express both hope and despair, casting the song's protagonists as simultaneously empowered and doomed. This dichotomy is something that many listeners can relate to, especially young people struggling to find their place in the world.

There are so many reasons why Baba O'Riley has endured as one of the most celebrated songs in rock music. Its infectious melody, inspired lyrics, and bold instrumentation all come together to create a sonic experience that's impossible to forget. The song's themes of youth and rebellion, of hope and despair, are timeless, and they continue to speak to generations of music lovers. For all of these reasons and more, Baba O'Riley will remain a beloved classic for years to come.

• Release Date: November 1, 1971
• Artist: The Who