 Who Are You (1978) [ larger cover art ] |
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Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
I woke up in a Soho doorway
A policeman knew my name
He said "You can go sleep at home tonight
If you can get up and walk away"
I staggered back to the underground
And the breeze blew back my hair
I remember throwin' punches around
And preachin' from my chair
[chorus:]
Well, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
I really wanna know (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
Tell me, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
'Cause I really wanna know (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
I took the tube back out of town
Back to the Rollin' Pin
I felt a little like a dying clown
With a streak of Rin Tin Tin
I stretched back and I hiccupped
And looked back on my busy day
Eleven hours in the Tin Pan
God, there's got to be another way
Who are you?
Ooh wa ooh wa ooh wa ooh wa ...
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
[chorus]
I know there's a place you walked
Where love falls from the trees
My heart is like a broken cup
I only feel right on my knees
I spit out like a sewer hole
Yet still recieve your kiss
How can I measure up to anyone now
After such a love as this?
[chorus]
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
I woke up in a Soho doorway
A policeman knew my name
He said "You can go sleep at home tonight
If you can get up and walk away"
I staggered back to the underground
And the breeze blew back my hair
I remember throwin' punches around
And preachin' from my chair
[chorus:]
Well, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
I really wanna know (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
Tell me, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
'Cause I really wanna know (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
I took the tube back out of town
Back to the Rollin' Pin
I felt a little like a dying clown
With a streak of Rin Tin Tin
I stretched back and I hiccupped
And looked back on my busy day
Eleven hours in the Tin Pan
God, there's got to be another way
Who are you?
Ooh wa ooh wa ooh wa ooh wa ...
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
[chorus]
I know there's a place you walked
Where love falls from the trees
My heart is like a broken cup
I only feel right on my knees
I spit out like a sewer hole
Yet still recieve your kiss
How can I measure up to anyone now
After such a love as this?
[chorus]
| snitramc (earth) | Posted: Apr 29, 2013 - 16:05 Diamond_Dog wrote: CSI spoiled this great tune for me, unfortunatly! The song spoiled this great band for me. PSD time! |
| ronniegirl (Middle of New Jersey) | Posted: Mar 29, 2013 - 13:54 DoctorHooey wrote: Can't think of anything else now when I hear this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Asha8x15uo You're driving and your kids are in the car, moron! Love that show the Louis C. K. video - I do that still. With or without anyone in the car. No choice. |
| Diamond_Dog (Round Equatorial Pound) | Posted: Feb 26, 2013 - 03:04 CSI spoiled this great tune for me, unfortunatly! |
| jpapagelis (Thessaloniki, Hellas) | Posted: Sep 22, 2012 - 06:08 I love it !!! |
| ronniegirl (Middle of New Jersey) | Posted: Aug 21, 2012 - 18:35 coloradojohn wrote: I remember when this came out, they did a video — before MTV — where Pete windmills like a madman in the studio alone to lay down the guitar, then it shows him playing notes on piano and synthesizer, and Roger was tunefully screaming, and Moonie blazing away on the drums, meanwhile John stands there like The Ox, fingers flying but stout as a tree... FRICKIN' BLEW ME AWAY!...I went back to high school after the summer break and everyone else had seen it, too, and we were all windmilling and screaming, "Ah, WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?" and the teachers were warning us to stop and asking us what had gotten into us and we were like, WE HAVE GOTTEN INTO THE WHO is what has happened...then a month or so later, Keith WAS taken away, in spite of the words on his Director's Chair in the album cover shot, and maybe they were never quite the same without Moon, or John, but I can vouch, they were always awesome live, and: THE WHO ROCKS! Word. |
| DoctorHooey (/etc) | Posted: Aug 21, 2012 - 18:32 flapser wrote: Anyone saw this song on Louis? Louis CK his show? Was great :) Can't think of anything else now when I hear this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Asha8x15uo You're driving and your kids are in the car, moron! Love that show |
| coloradojohn (A Mile High and then some, Cherry Creek, Denver) | Posted: Jul 21, 2012 - 08:35 I remember when this came out, they did a video — before MTV — where Pete windmills like a madman in the studio alone to lay down the guitar, then it shows him playing notes on piano and synthesizer, and Roger was tunefully screaming, and Moonie blazing away on the drums, meanwhile John stands there like The Ox, fingers flying but stout as a tree... FRICKIN' BLEW ME AWAY!...I went back to high school after the summer break and everyone else had seen it, too, and we were all windmilling and screaming, "Ah, WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?" and the teachers were warning us to stop and asking us what had gotten into us and we were like, WE HAVE GOTTEN INTO THE WHO is what has happened...then a month or so later, Keith WAS taken away, in spite of the words on his Director's Chair in the album cover shot, and maybe they were never quite the same without Moon, or John, but I can vouch, they were always awesome live, and: THE WHO ROCKS! |
| (former member) (hotel in Las Vegas) | Posted: Jun 19, 2012 - 20:46 Cynaera wrote: With all the negative criticisms, my one positive one is this: Bill played the "Who the fuck are you?!" without censorship. Count your blessings, children. Radio is being smothered by the self-designated "moral, politically-correct' group who seems to have the airwaves by the short hairs. I think I'm understanding why people want vinyl - it was the very beginning of true uncensored music. Anyone with vinyl and a turntable is guaranteed to hear the ORIGINAL work of an artist, warts and all. Everything after vinyl has been digitally remastered (translation: censored, modified, upgraded, "enhanced," made more "sell-able.") Well, this settles it - I'm going back to vinyl. A friend of mine just informed me that there's a unit that converts vinyl to CD, and it's actually almost in my price-range. The conversion takes a long time, but I'm not employed, and winter's coming on, so maybe this might be something I can do. I'll need blank CDs and jackets or jewel cases, but it'll be fun. We'll see how it goes... Miss you so much, Ann... rest in peace... |
| dw (PHill, CA) | Posted: Jun 19, 2012 - 20:42  whtahtefcuk wrote:I am ready to watch CSI!!! |
| whtahtefcuk (Flagstaff, AZ, USA) | Posted: Dec 12, 2011 - 08:17 I am ready to watch CSI!!! |
| PA1749 (Room 106) | Posted: Dec 12, 2011 - 08:13 Love it  . I remember hearing a story once about a time when The Who played a mind blowing set and The Rolling Stones refused to follow them on stage and didn't perform. I love the Stones too, but can you imagine that set? |
| krysthal (Toronto, Canada) | Posted: Nov 10, 2011 - 15:24 LPCity wrote: The last album with Keith Moon on it. The last great album by The Who. . not a coincidence. Apparently this SONG is the last song Moon recorded! Although "Music Must Change" was the last song the Who recorded for the album, Moon didn't play on that track. |
| Cynaera (Kenneth's Frequency) | Posted: Sep 08, 2011 - 16:17 dwhayslett wrote: Um, I'm not sure that's really the issue; it's more the marketing power of Wal-Mart that's the problem there. My CD has the unedited version of this song. And that's great - the problem is what's being played on FM radio - which used to be so progressive and rebellious. Now, it's just AM radio with a different bandwidth. It's a gelded stallion. Pretty, but no power. |
| LPCity (Salt Lake City, Utah) | Posted: Sep 08, 2011 - 16:08 The last album with Keith Moon on it. The last great album by The Who. . not a coincidence. |
| Cynaera (Kenneth's Frequency) | Posted: Sep 08, 2011 - 16:07 jools wrote: Fred is almost always right. Be careful what you say.  |
| Zep | Posted: Aug 16, 2011 - 11:19 Danimal174 wrote: Hmm...I just noticed that song that plays during the ending credits (I think?) of "WKRP in Cincinnati" is eerily similar to "Who Are You". Weird. Close, but not quite. |
| flapser | Posted: Aug 08, 2011 - 07:06 Anyone saw this song on Louis? Louis CK his show? Was great :) |
| Proclivities (Carrboro, NC) | Posted: Jun 06, 2011 - 06:55 wade44 wrote: Lead singer sounds like Adam Sandler singing on SNL! Adam Sandler was probably around 10 years-old when this came out. Why do so many people use SNL (especially the unfunny, post-Belushi/Ackroyd/Radner concoctions) as a reference point for culture? |
| Byronape (Snorkeling in the River Styx) | Posted: Jun 06, 2011 - 06:50 Not even the best band with the word "Who" in the title... Just can't get into much of their stuff with the exception of Baba O'Rieley. |
| fredriley (Nottingham, UK) | Posted: Jun 06, 2011 - 06:47 tapatia1072 wrote: Except that this is Daltrey's singing, not Townsend's wailing - which means your statement must not apply to this song, right?  Nope. Pete "just curious, me" Townsend and Roger "big hair" Daltrey are equally dire in the wailing department. This song is an insta-mute, as indeed is the major part of The Who's oeuvre. 'Oo are ya, 'oo are ya... |
| jools (Brighton UK) | Posted: Jun 06, 2011 - 06:46 CSI - The original and the best! |
| TreborG2 (VA - which is..'somewhere' east of paradise) | Posted: Mar 03, 2011 - 14:06 Sometimes you need 11 ... when my Creative 6.1 speakers died ... I moved my old JVC RX-884V receiver into my "home office". 5.1 surround @110 watts per channel, JBL Center speaker, Sony fronts, surrounds, & sub ... yeah.. why did I wait for the creatives to die?  |
| dwhayslett (Pawleys Island, SC) | Posted: Mar 03, 2011 - 14:05 Cynaera wrote: Everything after vinyl has been digitally remastered (translation: censored, modified, upgraded, "enhanced," made more "sell-able.") Um, I'm not sure that's really the issue; it's more the marketing power of Wal-Mart that's the problem there. My CD has the unedited version of this song. |
| slartibart_O (N29°57'-W97°34') | Posted: Mar 03, 2011 - 14:02 Cynaera wrote: Well, this settles it - I'm going back to vinyl. A friend of mine just informed me that there's a unit that converts vinyl to CD, and it's actually almost in my price-range. The conversion takes a long time, but I'm not employed, and winter's coming on, so maybe this might be something I can do. I'll need blank CDs and jackets or jewel cases, but it'll be fun. Even Bestbuy sells turntables that burn vinyl into mp3.s. I can't speak to the quality of the file, haven't tried it yet. I of late, however, have had trouble with my car players that play mp3 filled cd's, when they skip they REALLY skip or degrade, chirp loudly, back up and all sorts of digital weirdness. The one with a usb port off of a flashdrive works better but still the navigating technology leaves me wanting more. Waiting for a home machine that turns cd's into hot pressed vinyl. THAT would be awesome. |
| Beclipsed (Pfalz,Germany) | Posted: Jan 31, 2011 - 10:29 Who's on first,whats on second, I dont know is on third. I only wanna know the Name from the Band on first. |
| mrgus | Posted: Jan 31, 2011 - 06:29 I miss Grissom. |
| WayUpNorth (Windswept Exile) | Posted: Nov 29, 2010 - 06:42 romeotuma wrote: This song brings it all back... what memories... what a great classic... Driving to the clubs at Wildwood, NJ, summer of '78, in my friend's brand new 280Z! Had to teach her how to drive it since she couldn't drive stick ... and how to do burn-outs, too!  |
| Cynaera (South of Neanderthal) | Posted: Oct 28, 2010 - 15:10 With all the negative criticisms, my one positive one is this: Bill played the "Who the fuck are you?!" without censorship. Count your blessings, children. Radio is being smothered by the self-designated "moral, politically-correct' group who seems to have the airwaves by the short hairs. I think I'm understanding why people want vinyl - it was the very beginning of true uncensored music. Anyone with vinyl and a turntable is guaranteed to hear the ORIGINAL work of an artist, warts and all. Everything after vinyl has been digitally remastered (translation: censored, modified, upgraded, "enhanced," made more "sell-able.") Well, this settles it - I'm going back to vinyl. A friend of mine just informed me that there's a unit that converts vinyl to CD, and it's actually almost in my price-range. The conversion takes a long time, but I'm not employed, and winter's coming on, so maybe this might be something I can do. I'll need blank CDs and jackets or jewel cases, but it'll be fun. We'll see how it goes... |
| Rooney (Near Paradise) | Posted: Oct 28, 2010 - 15:03 rah wrote: I wish wasn't doomed for eternity to imagine high-def blood-spatter patterns CGI bullets crushing cranial tissue whenever I hear this song. yeah, me too. but it's the perfect song for it. |
| Webfoot (Eugene, Oregon) | Posted: Oct 28, 2010 - 14:35 Imkirok wrote: Agreed. LZ and Pink Floyd are standing up the best IMO. But The Who is still winning out over The Doors. Yes, but I have to admit that, having never been a Who fan, I am appreciating them more and more now. Especially the drums and bass. I somehow missed that for 35 years??? Go figure. |
| rah | Posted: Oct 28, 2010 - 14:28 I wish wasn't doomed for eternity to imagine high-def blood-spatter patterns CGI bullets crushing cranial tissue whenever I hear this song. |
| Imkirok (The Arctic Hinter Land) | Posted: Oct 28, 2010 - 14:24 lee_sf wrote: Who tunes haven't aged as well as, say, Led Zeppelin (though, oddly, Pete Townsend solo tunes still sound good; I'm thinking in particular of his tracks on Pete Townsend / Ronnie Lane Rough Mix). But I love their personality and energy. Ten years ago, this might have gotten a 9 from me; now it's more like 7-8. Agreed. LZ and Pink Floyd are standing up the best IMO. But The Who is still winning out over The Doors. |
| (former member) (hotel in Las Vegas) | Posted: Sep 26, 2010 - 22:02 This song brings it all back... what memories... what a great classic... |
| lee_sf (2nd floor, corner) | Posted: Jun 23, 2010 - 01:15 Who tunes haven't aged as well as, say, Led Zeppelin (though, oddly, Pete Townsend solo tunes still sound good; I'm thinking in particular of his tracks on Pete Townsend / Ronnie Lane Rough Mix). But I love their personality and energy. Ten years ago, this might have gotten a 9 from me; now it's more like 7-8. |
| calypsus_1 | Posted: May 12, 2010 - 22:18 The Who - "Who Are You" Live-studio (1970´s) "I could watch this video for hours. Its a musical eargasm. Its hilarious. Its tragic. Its a masterpiece. There will never be another character like Keith Moon. No disrespect to John Bonham fans, but Moon was the best drummer ever." tidefootball27
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| Danimal174 (Upstate South Carolina) | Posted: Apr 20, 2010 - 11:31 Hmm...I just noticed that song that plays during the ending credits (I think?) of "WKRP in Cincinnati" is eerily similar to "Who Are You". Weird. |
| jools (Brighton UK) | Posted: Apr 20, 2010 - 11:23 tapatia1072 wrote: Except that this is Daltrey's singing, not Townsend's wailing - which means your statement must not apply to this song, right? Fred is almost always right. Be careful what you say. |
| jools (Brighton UK) | Posted: Apr 20, 2010 - 11:23 sirdroseph wrote: I now right, they almost ruined this great song, I really do not like that show. but I do like Emily Proctor!  I prefer Las Vegas - but do agree than EP is cool - love that southern belle accent! |
| tapatia1072 | Posted: Apr 20, 2010 - 11:23 fredriley wrote: If you're really a 'hater hater' then you should keep your flame wars off-board. Put your handbags away, both of you. This song reminds me of the standard football (soccer, to those across the Pond) chant: "OO ARE YA? OO ARE YA?". Which I'd rather hear than yer man Townsend's wailing. Except that this is Daltrey's singing, not Townsend's wailing - which means your statement must not apply to this song, right? |
| sirdroseph (Tokyo) | Posted: Apr 20, 2010 - 11:21 jools wrote: Oh is CSI on already??? I now right, they almost ruined this great song, I really do not like that show. but I do like Emily Proctor! |
| sirdroseph (Tokyo) | Posted: Apr 20, 2010 - 11:20 Fredrikson wrote: what a boring song..  Where are you performing your stand up gig? You are pretty good! |
| jools (Brighton UK) | Posted: Apr 20, 2010 - 11:20 Oh is CSI on already??? |
| Fredrikson (Stockholm) | Posted: Feb 16, 2010 - 06:59 what a boring song.. |
| fredriley (Nottingham, UK) | Posted: Feb 16, 2010 - 06:57 h8rhater wrote: Holborne you are a tool. A clueless tool. A pompous tool. A boring tool. Some might even say a douche-bag. The world is not the least bit curious about what you like and it doesn't appreciate your profanity. So... use your last sentence (above) as an instruction to thyself. If you're really a 'hater hater' then you should keep your flame wars off-board. Put your handbags away, both of you. This song reminds me of the standard football (soccer, to those across the Pond) chant: "OO ARE YA? OO ARE YA?". Which I'd rather hear than yer man Townsend's wailing. |
| Mandible | Posted: Feb 16, 2010 - 06:57 I LOVE RP |
| h8rhater | Posted: Dec 15, 2009 - 11:25 holborne wrote: Uh, I was asking a sincere question about why people might like a song in which I myself hear nothing of value, not asking them to "justify" why they liked it. See, unlike you, I'm curious about the world around me and in this case, am interested in hearing about why people might like something I don't. And I was obviously addressing people with a brain — a set that doesn't seem to include you. So, you know, fuck off, bitch.. Holborne you are a tool... some might even say a douche-bag. The world is not the least bit curious about what you like and it doesn't appreciate your profanity. So... use your last sentence (above) as an instruction to thyself. |
| calypsus_1 | Posted: Nov 24, 2009 - 17:01 Keith Moon, The WHO - "Who Are You" Live on Studio: |
| frecko (Gothenburg, Sweden, Europe) | Posted: Nov 14, 2009 - 02:26 calypsus_1 wrote: Keith Moon - "Who Are You" (isolated drum track at studio): |
| calypsus_1 | Posted: Oct 17, 2009 - 12:27 Keith Moon - "Who Are You" (isolated drum track at studio) |
| SweTex (Swede living in Texas) | Posted: Oct 13, 2009 - 14:19 Why does that poodle keep asking me who I am? |