The Who

Lyrics

[Chorus]
We're on our own, cousin
All alone, cousin
Let's think of a game to play
Now the grownups have all gone away
You won't be much fun
Being blind, deaf, and dumb
But I've no one to play with today
Do you know how to play hide-and-seek?
To find me it would take you a week
But tied to that chair you won't go anywhere
There's a lot I can do with a freak

[Verse 1]
How would you feel if I turned on the bath
Ducked your head under and started to laugh
What would you do if I shut you outside
To stand in the rain and catch cold so you die?

[Pre-Chorus]
I'm the school bully
The classroom cheat
The nastiest play-friend
You ever could meet
I'll stick pins in your fingers
And tread on your feet
[Chorus]
We're on our own, cousin
All alone, cousin
Let's think of a game to play
Now the grownups have all gone away
You won't be much fun
Being blind, deaf, and dumb
But I've no one to play with today
Do you know how to play hide-and-seek?
To find me it would take you a week
But tied to that chair you won't go anywhere
There's a lot I can do to the freak

[Verse 2]
Maybe a cigarette burn on your arm
Would change your expression to one of alarm
Drag you around by a lock of your hair
Or give you a push at the top of the stairs

[Outro]
I'm the school bully
The classroom cheat
The nastiest play-friend
You ever could meet
I'll put glass in your dinner
And spikes in your seat

One of the most memorable tracks from The Who's famous rock opera album Tommy is "Cousin Kevin." This song was written by John Entwistle, The Who's bassist, and was one of two pieces that he contributed to the album. The track is known for its grim subject matter, which deals with the abuse that the title character inflicts upon Tommy.

About Cousin Kevin

At this part of the story, Tommy's parents begin to neglect him, and he is left alone with his cruel cousin Kevin. Throughout the song, Kevin torments Tommy relentlessly, threatening to hurt him in various ways, including drowning, burning, crippling him, and even killing him.

The way Entwistle created the song was quite interesting. He based it on a real-life boy he knew who lived across the street, who was notoriously sadistic, and he wanted to convey the sinister nature of this character through his music.

The song starts with a simple piano melody based on the tune of "Chopsticks." This melodic theme is then joined by driving percussion and guitar riffs, illustrating the chaos and disorder that Tommy is experiencing. The chorus is especially memorable, featuring Roger Daltrey's powerful vocals. He sings the catchy and unsettling refrain, "Cousin Kevin, you're a bastard much worse than me."

The song is quite short, clocking in at just over three minutes, but it packs a powerful punch. The combination of Entwistle's lyrics and the band's music effectively conveys the fear and apprehension that Tommy is feeling at this point in the story.

"Cousin Kevin" is one of the darkest and most disturbing songs on the album. It is about the abuse of power, the cruelty of children, and the cost of neglect. Despite its disturbing subject matter, it is a fascinating song that showcases The Who's immense talent and versatility as musicians and storytellers.

The Who's Tommy remains one of the most influential rock albums of all time, and "Cousin Kevin" is a key part of its legacy. Listening to this song is a visceral experience, one that leaves a lasting impression on the listener. It is a reminder of the power of music to take us to dark places and challenge our perceptions of the world.

If you are an avid fan of Tommy or The Who, you cannot miss listening to "Cousin Kevin." This is undoubtedly one of the most potent and unforgettable tracks on the album, and it deserves a place in any music lover's collection.

• Release Date: May 23, 1969
• Artist: The Who