About The Song
“My Generation” by The Who, released in 1965, is a landmark anthem of the British Mod movement and a rebellious declaration of youth identity. The song’s raw energy, iconic stuttering vocal delivery by Roger Daltrey, and memorable guitar riff by Pete Townshend encapsulate the spirit of the 1960s and establish The Who as one of the pioneering forces in rock music.
5 Facts about “My Generation” (1965):
- Stuttering Vocals: One of the most distinctive features of “My Generation” is Roger Daltrey’s stuttering vocal delivery in the refrain, with the famous line “Hope I die before I get old.” This intentional stutter was both a rebellious stylistic choice and a reflection of the frustration and urgency felt by the younger generation.
- Iconic Bass Line: The bass guitar played by John Entwistle in “My Generation” is renowned for its powerful and melodic presence. Entwistle’s bass line became a signature element of the song, setting the stage for his reputation as one of the greatest rock bassists.
- Anti-Establishment Anthem: “My Generation” is often seen as an anti-establishment anthem that captured the feelings of discontent and frustration among the youth of the 1960s. The lyrics express a desire for change and a rejection of the norms and expectations imposed by the older generation.
- Album and Single Success: The song served as the title track for The Who’s debut studio album, “My Generation,” released in 1965. The single version of the song reached the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart, establishing The Who as a formidable presence in the British rock scene.
- Guitar Destruction Tradition: The Who became known for their on-stage antics, and “My Generation” was often associated with the band’s tradition of instrument destruction. In live performances, Pete Townshend would frequently smash his guitar, a theatrical expression of the rebellious spirit embodied by the song.
“My Generation” remains a timeless and influential piece of rock history, capturing the essence of a generation seeking its own voice and identity amidst social and cultural upheaval.
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Lyrics
People try to put us d-down (talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Just because we get around (talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Things they do look awful c-c-cold (talkin’ ’bout my generation)
I hope I die before I get old (talkin’ ’bout my generation)This is my generation
This is my generation, babyWhy don’t you all f-fade away (talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Don’t try to dig what we all s-s-s-say (talkin’ ’bout my generation)
I’m not trying to ’cause a big s-s-sensation (talkin’ ’bout my generation)
I’m just talkin’ ’bout my g-g-g-generation (talkin’ ’bout my generation)My generation
This is my generation, babyWhy don’t you all f-fade away (talkin’ ’bout my generation)
And don’t try to d-dig what we all s-s-say (talkin’ ’bout my generation)
I’m not trying to ’cause a b-big s-s-sensation (talkin’ ’bout my generation)
I’m just talkin’ ’bout my g-g-generation (talkin’ ’bout my generation)This is my generation
This is my generation, baby
My my my generationPeople try to put us d-down (talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Just because we g-g-get around (talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Things they do look awful c-c-cold (talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Yeah, I hope I die before I get old (talkin’ ’bout my generation)This is my generation
This is my generation, baby
My my my generationthis is my generation
(Talkin’ ’bout my generation) this is my generation
(Talkin’ ’bout my generation) this is my generation
(Talkin’ ’bout my generation) this is my generation
(Talkin’ ’bout my generation) this is my generation
(Talkin’ ’bout my generation) this is my generation
(Talkin’ ’bout my generation) this is my generation