The 1960's My Generation

The Who, a band defined by their destructive stage performances and appeal to the rock ‘n’ roll scene of the 1960’s, revolutionized the music world with their hit “My Generation” in the fall of 1965 (Erlewine). The four band members, Pete Townshend, Rodger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon, took the world by storm with the song as it appealed to the younger population and defiantly projected hatred towards the old and wise (Greene, Simon, and Schuster). “My Generation” was a call to the conservative adults of the 1960’s that traditional principles were of the past, and the vibrant, young aged had arrived and were there to stay (Shmoop Editorial Team). The well-known track, full of funk and liveliness, begins with a brief two chord beat
Listeners can immediately recognize the low, deep screech of Townshend’s voice as the core of the song. As he belts out what seem to be rhythmic, artless words, a look deeper shows the complexity behind it all. These melodic lyrics contain confrontational messages while creating an unforgettable anthem for the teenage population. Exhilaration runs through the veins of the lyrics sung by Townshend, creating a feeling of excitement. It encourages listeners to cave in to their urge to jump up and down along with the beat of the music, in only a way rock ‘n’ roll music can. The higher-pitched vocals that sing Talkin’ bout my generation give listeners a break from the commanding voice of Townshend. They are sweet and upbeat in a way that is appealing to the young and repelling to the old. This sense of youthfulness and urgency within the lyrics gives young listeners a sense of power and makes them proud to be defiant towards the values their parents have forced upon them. The tune, while staying buoyant, evokes fury and rebellion, which is exactly The Who’s intended goal