Released: 1971
Baba O’Riley by The Who is a rock anthem that captures the disillusionment and existential crisis of the youth, particularly in the 70s. It’s a commentary on the state of society and the struggle of growing up in a world that seems to have lost its way.
The opening lines ‘Out here in the fields, I farm for my meals, I get my back into my living’ paint a picture of hard work and self-reliance. It’s about finding your own way in life, not relying on anyone else.
‘I don’t need to fight, To prove I’m right, I don’t need to be forgiven’ is a strong declaration of self-assurance. The speaker doesn’t feel the need to prove themselves to anyone or seek their approval.
The repeated phrase ‘It’s only teenage wasteland’ is a poignant commentary on the disillusionment and aimlessness felt by many young people. It’s a wasteland because they feel lost, directionless, and without purpose.
‘Sally, take my hand, We’ll travel south cross land, Put out the fire, And don’t look past my shoulder’ suggests a desire for companionship and shared experiences. It’s about finding solace in each other amidst the chaos.
‘The exodus is here, The happy worlds are near, Let’s get together, Before we get much older’ speaks to a sense of urgency. It’s a call to action, to seize the moment and create a better world before it’s too late.
The final line ‘They’re all wasted!’ is a biting critique of the wasted potential of the youth. It’s a lament for what could have been, if only society had provided better guidance and opportunities.
