Baba O'Riley

Don't cry! Crank up The Who's monumental 1971 hard rock anthem, "Baba O'Riley." Opening the classic Who's Next album with its iconic synthesizer loop, this track explodes with energy, power chords, and a legendary violin outro, defining stadium rock.

Featured as the powerful first track on the 1971 masterpiece album Who's Next, "Baba O'Riley" (often misidentified by its lyric "Teenage Wasteland") became one of The Who's signature songs. Pete Townshend's pioneering use of ARP synthesizer sequencing blends seamlessly with the band's hard rock force.

This 1971 hard rock classic builds from its mesmerizing synth intro into thunderous verses and choruses, driven by Keith Moon's drumming and Roger Daltrey's commanding vocals. Culminating in Dave Arbus's frenetic violin solo, "Baba O'Riley" remains an electrifying and influential rock anthem for the ages.

SONG MEANING: Written by Pete Townshend for the aborted Lifehouse project, the song's title references spiritual guru Meher Baba and composer Terry Riley. The famous "teenage wasteland" lyric reflects Townshend's observations of the desolation and wasted potential at large festivals like Woodstock. It broadly addresses youth alienation and the search for meaning amidst perceived societal decay.