First Time Hearing The Who - “Behind Blue Eyes” Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@jonathanlocke6404]

What always amazed me about them was that one guy could write such personal, raw lyrics and another guy could sing those with complete, convincing empathy...

[@RicoBurghFan]

Well said Mr Locke!

[@izzonj]

And another guy who could play it all out on the drums.

[@thomast8539]

Kinda like Elton singing Bernie's lyrics?

[@Silverhaired59]

And a fourth would dance all around it all with the most intricate bass lines in rock and roll!

[@RonRezendes]

And yet no "love" emoji for this most insightful post!

[@sixslinger9951]

I love how THE WHO always throws people for a loop with the change up in the middle of the song. This is a killer song!

[@metalmark1214]

Pete Townshend originally wrote this about a character in his "Lifehouse" project, which was going to be a film similar to The Who's Tommy and Quadrophenia. Townshend never finished "Lifehouse," but the songs ended up on the album Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey both have blue eyes, but the song is not autobiographical. Townshend has said that he wrote it to show "How lonely it is to be powerful. Pete Townshend has explained that he never behaved like a typical rock star when he was on tour, especially when it came to groupies, which he tried to avoid. He says it was a run-in with a groupie that was the impetus for this song. Townshend, who got married in 1968, was tempted by a groupie after The Who's June 9, 1970 concert in Denver. He says that he went back to his room alone and wrote a prayer beginning, "If my fist clenches, crack it open..." The prayer was more or less asking for help in resisting this temptation. The other words could be describing Townshend's self-pity and how hard it is to resist

[@chrisjamieson3452]

People have spent years (decades?) trying to analyze the songs off of Next, without knowing the context under which they were written. Now you see it in reactions.

[@bkm2797]

Never knew what the story was behind this intense tune, so thanks for filling us in. Cheers

[@debrabeck9630]

I’m listening to this song as a 60 something year old woman, thinking, “Sheesh, here’s another poor me guy song.” And, I love The Who! I guess I’m laughing at myself.

[@giuliogrifi7739]

Oh how I wish I was tempted by a groupie !!!!!

[@kenhoyer8601]

I thought Pete was gay. he said he was

[@johnnielson4341]

As a blue-eyed guy I loved this song.

[@leemcclements8889]

The entire Who's Next album is a gem. I love all of their music. Pete Townshend is brilliant

[@CC-Wulf]

One of my all-time favorites!

[@quasar4601]

Too bad he ages so FAST. Very sad .

[@vicprovost2561]

Great song off of the legendary album Who's Next, that whole album is worth a listen. Also try from it Bargain, another hard hitting hit from the WHO. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶

[@brada1136]

True-Every song is great. I wish people would react to "My Wife". Fun song and not as played out as some of the songs on LP Also, the best Entwistle song ever.

[@vicprovost2561]

@@brada1136 My Wife is at its best in a live setting, it gave both Entwhistle and Townsend a real chane to shine. Try it live in the 70s or early 80s, they crash it.

[@GroovingPict]

if my fist clenches, crack it open, before I use it and lose my cool. I dont know why but I always loved that line

[@surlechapeau]

Asia & BJ, you’ll love their "5:15" and "I Can See for Miles"!!

[@cartercarter645]

Wow both are excellent Bangers!!!! Preeesh

[@skylermichaeljameson8392]

I actually saw The Who in concert in 1989 in the Patriots old stadium

[@leslie8743]

The Who is one of my favorite concerts I've seen. Saw them twice in Seattle. They are perfection with Roger's energy and beautiful voice. ❤

[@milanjtull5129]

Great song from legendary The Who

[@galenstone9097]

Fantastic Song. Roger Daltrey had pipes in his day.

[@ChrisKyle-om5wi]

Stihl has pipes at 80yo. Just seen vocal analysis of Roger from June 24 and still hitting these notes (although not sustained for so long).

[@geneticrex]

If you're interested in doing a Who banger and wanna' see how important the bass guitar can be in the genre....."The Real Me", is the tune to hear.

[@russschofield94]

The bass on the real me is epic John said he was goofing around and would change it if theey didnt like it

[@zq9m3xh8]

You can't beat The Who for writing melodic powerhouse rock songs, and this one is top of the heap! This entire album deserves a reaction. It just celebrated it's 51st anniversary this week! Thank you for finally getting around to this all-time classic! From the wonderful vocals to the magnificent harmonies, from the melancholic, haunting acoustic guitar to the searing lead and incredible bass, not to mention those awesome drums, it's a song that sticks with you instantly and forever. It showcases all the many shades and moods of The Who.

[@sunburstmike8745]

So, so, glad u are now exploring the upper echelon of rock. Just Keith's drumming alobe makes it genius! The vocal/instrumental cleaness and restrained energy til heavy part is stunning. PLease do more Who! You guys have such insightful comments.

[@randytorres8211]

Per Wikipedia "Behind Blue Eyes" originated after a Who concert in Denver on 9 June 1970.[Following the performance, Townshend became tempted by a female groupie, but he instead went back to his room alone, possibly as a result of the teachings of his spiritual leader, Meher Baba. Upon reaching his room, he began writing a prayer, the first words being "When my fist clenches, crack it open..." These words later appeared as lyrics in the "climactic rocking section" of "Behind Blue Eyes." When "Behind Blue Eyes" was to be released as part of the aborted Lifehouse project, the song was sung from the point of view of the main villain, Jumbo. The lyrics are a first-person lament from Jumbo, who is always angry and full of angst because of all the pressure and temptation that surrounds him, and the song was intended to be his "theme song" had the project been successful.

[@kathleenohare8770]

This is one of my favorite WHO song along with LOVE REIGN O'ER ME

[@ericchristian6624]

That was one that my father would yell upstairs and tell me to, " TURN DOWN!"

[@chrislaustin]

I've said this many times in the past, Pete wasn't always considered the most amazing guitar player(was for me), but few can dispute his song writing abilities, and this was one of his best tunes. He was a musical and lyrical genius, and Who's Next is one of the best R&R albums ever made. And what's even crazier, was that it was pieced together from the bigger failed Light House Project. How many musicians can claim such an amazing album that came from a huge failure?

[@keithroberts4952]

I agree with you. The only other person I could think of who did something similar was Prince who took songs from his Crystal Ball project and made Sign of the Times, his masterpiece. Just my opinion.

[@DarthRaider520]

I've connected with this song as a child. Since the first time I heard it on the radio. The line that always got me was "I have hours, only lonely, my love is vengeance, that's never free"

[@HammerAl66]

The simple fact is, Townshend doesn't write songs, he writes absolute epics, and Roger doesn't just sing them, he performs them with every ounce of feeling he has inside him. The Who are total rock gods.

[@fordykid5296]

Come on you Irons from New Jersey USA ⚒️🍺

[@HammerAl66]

🍻👍🏻⚒️⚒️⚒️⚒️⚒️

[@derekhudson3523]

I have blue eyes and I love The Who so I've always identified with this song. People look at him in a positive light, and he's struggling with maintaining that image because he's human. Society won't let him show the bad man, the sad mad behind the angelic facade. He can't let his pain and woe show through.

[@mikeconway9849]

Great reaction! The Who were one of my favorite bands growing up. I saw them live in Pittsburgh back on the early 70s and it was a phenomenal concert.

[@chrisa4695]

The thing about the music of the 50’s-70’s regardless of genre is that it was a combination of GREAT singers, musicians, writers, and producers. In the case of bands (not solo artists of vocal groups) most of the music was written, performed, and produced by band members. The 70’s is perhaps the greatest decade because of the variety. In the mid-late 70’s Hard Rock, Pop, Folk, Country, Disco, Soul, and Jazz all peacefully coexisted and found their way to the pop top 40. The records expect individuality (except disco) and allow artists to express themselves. It continued into the 80’s the with technology becoming cheaper and more available many artists had hits without first developing a solid musical foundation. Today artists become superstars on social media with little talent. Back then they honed their skills playing in bars, clubs, college campuses, talent shows, churches or backing up other artist.

[@janabraam7963]

This is one of my favorite Who songs. The lyrics, music, the harmony, the meaning.....awesome. When my son was 7, The Who was the first cassette he bought with his own money. That was 40 years ago. Thanks for reacting to all the classic rock! I am enjoying your reactions very much!

[@rullmourn1142]

One of the most innovative groups in rock, even though they had a crazy drummer in real life.

[@brookehornback1896]

The Who is probably in my top 5 favorite rock bands of all time.Love ya'll!

[@iain860]

When you seek vengeance, it is not they who will pay..... Vengeance comes at a cost.

[@terrieb13]

I have always loved The Who! Thanks for the reaction. Love you guys! ♡

[@AsiaandBJ]

Our pleasure!

[@jimcole9751]

Moon the Loon.... Some of the best drumming you'll ever here

[@CC-Wulf]

Great analysis. A song that sends a unique message is "The Real Me" by the Who. It is a bass driven song about mental health.

[@davidhapka5410]

I saw The Who in my city in 1982 and '89. I only wish I had seen them when Keith Moon was alive...he made The Who, The Who 😎

[@tnolddawg]

My favorite of all the Who's songs...I still get chill bumps every time listening

[@marleybob3157]

This song is similar to Johnny Cash's "I Walk The Line" because both were about trying to avoid the temptations available to the rock star - drugs, groupies, etc,

[@bobblethreadgill4463]

Some of the greatest drumming you'll ever hear.

[@bostonwhofan]

Roger Daltrey is the singer. There is an AMAZING performance where Roger Daltrey joins Queen live onstage at the "Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert" at Wembley Stadium and sings the lead vocals on the Queen song "I Want It All". The entire stadium erupts in excitement as Daltrey sings with Queen! Tony Iommi from Black Sabbath is also onstage playing guitar with Brian May. I've never seen anyone react to this awesome performance. Would love to see you two check it out!

[@jessegreen6138]

This song was written by Pete Townsend the Guitarist. The Who released the song as the second single in 1971. This was from their fifth album "Who's Next". Thank you for the Reaction to this song, Asia and BJ.

[@johnthegreek5836]

The Who, a damn great band, this album is my favorite and this is my favorite song from this album

[@dianegoldeneye7363]

I always heard this was about the war and vengeance on the enemy. And taking care of your buddy… “ if I shiver give me a blanket, keep me warm let me wear your coat “. Etc. love you two. 💕

[@robertkroberjr.157]

This whole album! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@chrislaustin]

And for a point of reference, picture the person singing these lyrics to himself in the mirror, so the lyrics aren't about anyone else, but his own self reflection talking to ones self.

[@helmutvogel901]

I always saw the line 'My love is vengeance, that's never free' as meaning that his vengeance is never unleashed, he holds it back, it is never let free. If my fist clenches crack it open, sounds to me like he does not WANT to let his vengeance out.

[@GinMae]

Thanks, kids! I always make my brother play this on his guitar... and I get to sing the first verses.. then go rock!.. lol

[@bobschenkel7921]

Pete Townsend, the songwriter, and Roger Daltry, the singer, both have VERY Blue Eyes.

[@frugalseverin2282]

It's not that there's no charge for his vengeance, it's that his vengeance is never released, never set free. It's sung by the villain of the "Lifehouse" project that wasn't finished back on '71. The songs were cannibalized for the "Who's Next" and "Who Are You" albums. It's Townshend's songwriting that set The Who's music above bands such as Led Zep and Deep Purple, they have a depth that will make them ageless.

[@markwilliams5606]

This is the week of Woodstock ✌️🍷 The Who was there. Met them in Detroit in 75.

[@andrewpetik2034]

I had all but forgotten how absolutely beautiful and brilliant this song is.

[@matthawkins8880]

This is my favorite The Who song and might be my favorite rock song of all time. It is just brilliant. I love Pete Townsand.

[@markallan5484]

Just one example of Townshend's depth as a songwriter, which is one of the main things that made The Who my favourite band back in the day.

[@astroteech]

One of the epic songs and themes by the Who! One of rock's geniuses.

[@chewk]

This song is about love of God! It's a prayer!!

[@bobmorgan1575]

As a band the Who had such a wide ranging talent. Being a blue eye man, this is one of my top five songs from them along with 'You Better, You Bet', 'Squeeze Box', 'Won't Get Fooled Again', and a tie between 'Baba O'Reilly' and 'Who Are You'.

[@frankyates522]

The Who had the loudest recorded concert. They say it could be heard from 3 miles away

[@joepimentel306]

Keith Moon killing it on drums

[@michaelwalker5257]

Love BJ's take. Remember, it's Pete Townshend who writes the songs (Roger Daltrey is the main singer). Who hurt him? Lots of people, as well as the English class system. The Who are "lower class" rage. I've always blessed them for turning it into art, when they could have been out creating mayhem and doing crimes, based on the same rage. A plea to be seen, and maybe even helped ("when my fist clenches crack it open"). As BJ said, they get to a point where enough is enough; they're tired of holding the anger in.

[@tomkubina2919]

You two are incredibly insightful. Beautiful song and your thoughts on it give me more insight

[@joelliebler5690]

One of the best rock songs ever!

[@peccatumDei]

This was my song, all through high school. "My love is vengeance, that's never free" means I will control my anger and not hurt you, even when I'd like to.

[@Al-yf7tm]

One of the TOP rock songs EVER

[@willfromyadkinville]

this song was Magic!

[@jonathansmith3742]

Keith was killin those drums.

[@trudydavidson528]

This song & "Love Reign O'er Me' are m y faves from The Who!!!

[@MarkChappell1]

Good reaction. Great song, mysterious and meaningful lyrics.

[@jimwillride]

I really love the dynamic between you 2. It just seems real like you are not afraid to just put yourselves out there and not worry about who says what. And you have great stuff to say, so keep it up, and we will keep partying with ya!

[@BalbazaktheGreat]

Such an amazing track; it really speaks to you.

[@iammrsigit_2319]

Such an iconic song from them Limp Bizkit made a cover of it, you guys should check it out

[@johntarnowski9086]

Greatest Rock Band Ever

[@dagmar.6954]

The Who are a British rock band formed in London in 1964. They are considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century & have sold over 100 million records worldwide. They have so many great songs such as "I Can't Explain", "The Kids Are Alright", "My Generation", "Substitute", "Happy Jack", "I Can See For Miles", "Boris The Spider", "Pictures Of Lily", "Magic Bus", "Who Are You" etc. The group's 1969 concept rock opera album "Tommy" included this single "Pinball Wizard".

[@2869may]

The emotion when he says "And I blame you...!"

[@sammyholloway334]

I had the PRIVILEGE of having this album during my early teenage years. Im not saying in understood it, but im still clinging to it.

[@bobdelp2023]

ANOTHER EPICCCC CLASSIC FROM THIS PSYCHEDELIC ROCK BAND YOU GUYS!!!😊 BE WELL , I SEE RUSH OH YEAHHHHHHHH!😊 THERE'S A HUGE PROG ROCK LIBRARY THERE FOR SURE!

[@robertperry9064]

you two make a great team!!

[@OgreLXXV]

This is a great song that was written to be part of another rock opera that was never completed. Imagine a powerful villain saying these words, like some MCU bad guy talking about how it’s not easy being a villain and dealing with the hatred of others while trying to keep your cool.

[@DanoSeer]

Classic. I live "behind blue eyes" too.

[@AP-gb3eh]

Stunning rock n roll theater

[@Yotraj]

Being blue eyed myself... there's a book I once read about the blue eyed, It's been years since I read it ... BUT... according to that book even the ancient Egyptians identified "blue eyes" as the original "evil eye" and, again according to that book, the Egyptian practice of applying black lines under their own eyes and the women coloring their lips was a practice used specifically to ward off the evil from the "Blue eyed". Of course, being blue eyed myself I am biased... but after reading that book, I can't hear this song without personally relating.

[@jeffjones6221]

Killer Who tune here!

[@zenpuppy6025]

So many other great songs on that album by The Who. But this is one of my favorites.

[@richardanderson8627]

I'm happy to see young people listen to and appreciate the music of my youth !

[@MarkTitus420]

This was basically kids general feeling at the time this came out. I remember. I was a young teenager going through my own period of being a rebel and casting away mainstream society and this song said everything!

[@TrianglesAndCircles]

It's like he's been hardened by bad experiences and love will no longer be the same again.

[@alanpeterson4939]

You gotta listen to My Wife (lyrics version) by The Who. GREAT drums. Funny as hell lyrics.

[@robertwilson2007]

This song sometimes amps me up (FUELS MY DESIRE FOR VENGEANCE) but sometimes it brings me down (BEACAUSE I REALIZE I DON' T HAVE THE ENERGY TO HATE FOREVER). Knowing that The WHO was able to describe my feelings that I have on almost on a weekly basis's calms me behind my blue eyes.😡🤪🤣

[@duanemcfate3119]

117 concerts and counting and in 79 at the fourm in LA was by far the best show I've ever seen. But I'm I may be a little bias because they are my favorite. Peace✌️

[@duanemcfate3119]

Rock on Asia and bj.

[@quasar4601]

The Who is one of the greatest all time Classic Rock bands !!! In the top 4

[@davidtatunghuang1191]

Your channel is one of my favorite! Please don't miss classic songs: Only You, The Great Pretender, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, My Prayer, Twilight Time,........by a classic band The Platters. Thank you!

[@shannonroche1182]

Huge who fan here ..I love the song the real me ...man Keith on those drums 🥁 and those lyrics about searching for who am I??? Listen if u can ...

[@JDogg1971]

Love this song! Great reaction, Asia and BJ!!🤠🤓

[@Seantherad]

Yeah he needs a hug.

[@HenryInHawaii]

Both the song writer Pete and lead singer Roger have blue eyes

[@krisdoggett483]

The Who are awesome. Would love to see you guys do areaction to their songs "Bargain", "Can You See the Real Me", "I Can See For Miles", "The Seeker" and "This Song Is Over".

[@kevinmcinnis2453]

John Bonham or Keith Moon ....i luv the drumming in this....its a master class of natural talent...i think maybe bonham just because of the different avenues he explored....sounds were incredible

[@profjohnfrinks]

I dont have a favorite band but I do have tiers of bands. You hit two of my top tier bands in one day... the who and rush!

[@georgesheffield1580]

Check out Townsend's version on Deap End Live , He wrote this Daltry sings out here .

[@T-ShirtMagic]

Live version IMO their best song and performance. Also worth checking out - solo Pete Townshend. *Pete Townshend and The Deep End - Face The Face* (Live)

[@michaelakkerman407]

Look at it sung from the perspective of a villian.

[@jeffmenard5955]

People of authority (blue eyes) during the vietnam era?

[@mrbigbillyb8475]

I think you missed it on the "My love is vengeance that's never free" line. I don't believe he is talking about paying for his love, but rather all of his emotions (love, joy, sadness, vengeance, etc.) is caged up and never able to be acted upon. The character's temptation to act out and abuse his power has to be controlled. And no one know what it's like to be the person behind all that power.

[@kevinlundgren1169]

Gotta love THE WHO !!!

[@827dusty]

This song was written from the prospective of a villain, a Bad guy. It trys to show that even Bad guys have feelings too.