The Who — Behind Blue Eyes
Album: Who's NextAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3664
Length: 3:37
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No one knows what it's like
To be the bad man
To be the sad man
Behind blue eyes
No one knows what it's like
To be hated
To be fated
To telling only lies
But my dreams
They aren't as empty
As my conscience seems to be
I have hours, only lonely
My love is vengeance
That's never free
No one knows what it's like
To feel these feelings
Like I do
And I blame you!
No one bites back as hard
On their anger
None of my pain and woe
Can show through
But my dreams
They aren't as empty
As my conscience seems to be
I have hours only lonely
My love is vengeance
That's never free
When my fist clenches, crack it open
Before I use it and lose my cool
When I smile, tell me some bad news
Before I laugh and act like a fool
And If I swallow anything evil
Put your finger down my throat
And If I shiver, please give me a blanket
Keep me warm, let me wear your coat
No one knows what it's like
To be the bad man
To be the sad man
Behind blue eyes
To be the bad man
To be the sad man
Behind blue eyes
No one knows what it's like
To be hated
To be fated
To telling only lies
But my dreams
They aren't as empty
As my conscience seems to be
I have hours, only lonely
My love is vengeance
That's never free
No one knows what it's like
To feel these feelings
Like I do
And I blame you!
No one bites back as hard
On their anger
None of my pain and woe
Can show through
But my dreams
They aren't as empty
As my conscience seems to be
I have hours only lonely
My love is vengeance
That's never free
When my fist clenches, crack it open
Before I use it and lose my cool
When I smile, tell me some bad news
Before I laugh and act like a fool
And If I swallow anything evil
Put your finger down my throat
And If I shiver, please give me a blanket
Keep me warm, let me wear your coat
No one knows what it's like
To be the bad man
To be the sad man
Behind blue eyes
Comments (359)add comment
A great track from a truly fantastic album.
Keith Moon drives the middle of this song and elevates it to the top tier status
No one know what Is like to be the Batman.
Just Bruce Wayne
Just Bruce Wayne
If I could take the nostalgia out of the song, it probably wouldn't blow me away. Can't figure out how to extract the nostalgia though
On_The_Beach wrote:
Please delete this post.
RIP Taylor Hawkins.
Yes. Thank-you, Beach.
The Kid's got no perspective.
I.E. Experince of the Time.
Please delete this post.
RIP Taylor Hawkins.
Yes. Thank-you, Beach.
The Kid's got no perspective.
I.E. Experince of the Time.
idiot_wind wrote:
Please delete this post.
RIP Taylor Hawkins.
Geez...this band (whoever they are) sure could used a drummer.
maybe the Foo Fighter drummer is available! Ha!
Please delete this post.
RIP Taylor Hawkins.
xcranky_yankee wrote:
Totally Cool!!
Third album I bought myself -- 14 yrs old? What fun - used this as my caption under yearbook photo.
Totally Cool!!
EXCELLENT!!! ICONIC!!! Thanx RP!
Third album I bought myself -- 14 yrs old? What fun - used this as my caption under yearbook photo.
pinto wrote:
Agreed! We loved the classic albums when they were released and we wore them out. And then progressive FM radio held on to these gems a bit longer and we listened patiently for a few more years. And then there was the proliferation of Classic Rock 102.whatever so we were subjected to them again, and then Muzak at work became progressive and we heard the songs again, and again and again, and then Lite FM, restaurants, TV commercials, reunion tours, more radio, more TV, movie soundtracks, TV soundtracks, more products being sold during halftime of the Super Bowl while the Rolling Stones actually played for 10 embarrassing minutes during halftime of the Super Bowl, Walmart, Target, doctors' offices, sporting events, China Grove, Layla, Freebird, Stairway to Heaven. So when we hear these songs occasionally on Radio Paradise and we roll our eyes, and we don't take the advice of a fellow listener who cleverly advises us to PSD or change the station, please know that if we do change the station we're probably going to hear the same song elsewhere.
awesome rant
I actually heard "Rambling Man" while sitting on a United Airlines flight parked at the gate once. It fit the theme of travelling and wandering, but it was yet one more captive avenue of exposure to the classics.
Agreed! We loved the classic albums when they were released and we wore them out. And then progressive FM radio held on to these gems a bit longer and we listened patiently for a few more years. And then there was the proliferation of Classic Rock 102.whatever so we were subjected to them again, and then Muzak at work became progressive and we heard the songs again, and again and again, and then Lite FM, restaurants, TV commercials, reunion tours, more radio, more TV, movie soundtracks, TV soundtracks, more products being sold during halftime of the Super Bowl while the Rolling Stones actually played for 10 embarrassing minutes during halftime of the Super Bowl, Walmart, Target, doctors' offices, sporting events, China Grove, Layla, Freebird, Stairway to Heaven. So when we hear these songs occasionally on Radio Paradise and we roll our eyes, and we don't take the advice of a fellow listener who cleverly advises us to PSD or change the station, please know that if we do change the station we're probably going to hear the same song elsewhere.
awesome rant
I actually heard "Rambling Man" while sitting on a United Airlines flight parked at the gate once. It fit the theme of travelling and wandering, but it was yet one more captive avenue of exposure to the classics.
One of the greatest rock albums ever recorded
Didn't expect this on my first time on the Mellow Mix station
Stetsonman wrote:
There it is again, the whining.
twat
There it is again, the whining.
guipumi wrote:
You appear to be mercifully unencumbered by the ravages of intellect!!!
This song didn't age well in my opinion.
You appear to be mercifully unencumbered by the ravages of intellect!!!
dwhayslett wrote:
The whining doesn't appear to be coming from the song.
twat
The whining doesn't appear to be coming from the song.
twat
Saw them on this tour in the old Boston Garden. Lynard Skynyrd opening for them; what a night!!
This song tore the roof off the place. No one, NO ONE, could lay down the bass like John Entwistle!!
Posted 14 years ago by vandal :
And I still feel the same way every time I hear this song...
I was a blue eyed 12 year old in 1971 when "Who's Next" was released. At that time, "Won't Get Fooled Again" was getting all the airplay and at my tender age, made no sense to me. However, "Behind Blue Eyes" captured everything I felt, every subtle nuance of my pre-teen angst, all of the dark and brooding thoughts that my overactive imagination could create. It still sends chills down my spine when I hear it today, 35 years later. Thanks Bill, you made my day.
And I still feel the same way every time I hear this song...
Inspite of where this band stands in the history of music, this song stands up today as excellent because of its dynamics, lyrics, musicianship and arrangement.
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
This song didn't age well in my opinion.
ChrisVIII wrote:
Surely you've commented on the wrong song....+.5 to 9.5...LLRP!!
so tired of hearing this whining song ! I'm sorry but hard as I try, I can't find the "beauty" in this piece... 
Surely you've commented on the wrong song....+.5 to 9.5...LLRP!!
My favourite band ....
CLASSIC!
Still rocks 10 plus after all they years
Turn up the volume please
Tomasni wrote:
'WHO'S NEXT' is a Masterpiece of Rock Music as compelling today as it was when released 2 years short of half a century ago.
You know who gives a fuck about your "status 8 down to 6" for 'Behind Blue Eyes' ?
Nobody. That's WHO.
Absolutely no one at all.
My status 8 down to 6
'WHO'S NEXT' is a Masterpiece of Rock Music as compelling today as it was when released 2 years short of half a century ago.
You know who gives a fuck about your "status 8 down to 6" for 'Behind Blue Eyes' ?
Nobody. That's WHO.
Absolutely no one at all.
Tomasni wrote:
Why?
My status 8 down to 6
Why?
My status 8 down to 6
ChrisVIII wrote:
The whining doesn't appear to be coming from the song.
so tired of hearing this whining song ! I'm sorry but hard as I try, I can't find the "beauty" in this piece...
The whining doesn't appear to be coming from the song.
idiot_wind wrote:
Nope. Since Keith Moon is not available, I'd vote for Ringo's son or Mark Brzezicki, or maybe Simon Phillips.
Geez...this band (whoever they are) sure could used a drummer.
maybe the Foo Fighter drummer is available! Ha!
maybe the Foo Fighter drummer is available! Ha!
Nope. Since Keith Moon is not available, I'd vote for Ringo's son or Mark Brzezicki, or maybe Simon Phillips.
bronorb wrote:
You are so right. I came of age in the 70's and if I never hear Hotel California again, that will be just fine with me. I truly think that there is a saturation point. When you know every note by heart, there are no more surprises.
Time to move along, nothing more to see here.
Getting to that point with this song too.
Agreed! We loved the classic albums when they were released and we wore them out. And then progressive FM radio held on to these gems a bit longer and we listened patiently for a few more years. And then there was the proliferation of Classic Rock 102.whatever so we were subjected to them again, and then Muzak at work became progressive and we heard the songs again, and again and again, and then Lite FM, restaurants, TV commercials, reunion tours, more radio, more TV, movie soundtracks, TV soundtracks, more products being sold during halftime of the Super Bowl while the Rolling Stones actually played for 10 embarrassing minutes during halftime of the Super Bowl, Walmart, Target, doctors' offices, sporting events, China Grove, Layla, Freebird, Stairway to Heaven. So when we hear these songs occasionally on Radio Paradise and we roll our eyes, and we don't take the advice of a fellow listener who cleverly advises us to PSD or change the station, please know that if we do change the station we're probably going to hear the same song elsewhere.
You are so right. I came of age in the 70's and if I never hear Hotel California again, that will be just fine with me. I truly think that there is a saturation point. When you know every note by heart, there are no more surprises.
Time to move along, nothing more to see here.
Getting to that point with this song too.
Agreed! We loved the classic albums when they were released and we wore them out. And then progressive FM radio held on to these gems a bit longer and we listened patiently for a few more years. And then there was the proliferation of Classic Rock 102.whatever so we were subjected to them again, and then Muzak at work became progressive and we heard the songs again, and again and again, and then Lite FM, restaurants, TV commercials, reunion tours, more radio, more TV, movie soundtracks, TV soundtracks, more products being sold during halftime of the Super Bowl while the Rolling Stones actually played for 10 embarrassing minutes during halftime of the Super Bowl, Walmart, Target, doctors' offices, sporting events, China Grove, Layla, Freebird, Stairway to Heaven. So when we hear these songs occasionally on Radio Paradise and we roll our eyes, and we don't take the advice of a fellow listener who cleverly advises us to PSD or change the station, please know that if we do change the station we're probably going to hear the same song elsewhere.
so tired of hearing this whining song ! I'm sorry but hard as I try, I can't find the "beauty" in this piece...
megaboogieman wrote:
Everybody in my mushrooming mulititude of elevators has hard nipples from this song... we be dancing like happy hippies... love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll... hope you are having a blast, megaboogieman...
Are your nipples still hard?
Everybody in my mushrooming mulititude of elevators has hard nipples from this song... we be dancing like happy hippies... love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll... hope you are having a blast, megaboogieman...
Rock Gods
heyjoe3577 wrote:
Exactly! Just noticed the harmonies during the "if I swallow anything evil" section. A good set of Bose headphones will do that!
@Colt4x5 - you're so right about finding new things - especially true when one has an excellent set of speakers/phones.
Exactly! Just noticed the harmonies during the "if I swallow anything evil" section. A good set of Bose headphones will do that!
bronorb wrote:
You are so right. I came of age in the 70's and if I never hear Hotel California again, that will be just fine with me. I truly think that there is a saturation point. When you know every note by heart, there are no more surprises.
Time to move along, nothing more to see here.
Getting to that point with this song too.
I'm with you on Hotel California. But this song still gives me goosebumps, after all these years.
You are so right. I came of age in the 70's and if I never hear Hotel California again, that will be just fine with me. I truly think that there is a saturation point. When you know every note by heart, there are no more surprises.
Time to move along, nothing more to see here.
Getting to that point with this song too.
I'm with you on Hotel California. But this song still gives me goosebumps, after all these years.
No way not to crank up this one. Sorry, neighbours, sunday and all.
This was my 'Nirvana' back in the day.
Slow them slammin
Slow them slammin
Behind ice blue Eyes, and coverart is just a coincidence..
hempmandan wrote:
by?b;?f
Piss on the wall
,gbc _űg*?g:-< -5u76
,gbc _űg*?g:-< -5u76
by?b;?f
hempmandan wrote:
b
Piss on the wall
b
Posted: Jun 13, 2015 - 13:34
bronorb wrote:
The best music keeps revealing new values as you experience it in your new frames of mind and reference.
It's only second-tier work that wears out.
< Reply >
bronorb wrote:
... I truly think that there is a saturation point. When you know every note by heart, there are no more surprises.
Time to move along, nothing more to see here. ...
colt4x5 wrote:Time to move along, nothing more to see here. ...
The best music keeps revealing new values as you experience it in your new frames of mind and reference.
It's only second-tier work that wears out.
@Colt4x5 - you're so right about finding new things - especially true when one has an excellent set of speakers/phones.
One of the best songs (ballads?) ever. Thank you RP!
I'm all for Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy! 
On_The_Beach wrote:
This gets my vote as best Who album, with Quadrophenia solidly in second.
On_The_Beach wrote:
This gets my vote as best Who album, with Quadrophenia solidly in second.
Geez...this band (whoever they are) sure could used a drummer.
maybe the Foo Fighter drummer is available! Ha!
maybe the Foo Fighter drummer is available! Ha!
OH YEAH!!! 
Skydog wrote:
Yeah...no.
Yeah...no.
Daltrey had/has the perfect rock and roll pipes.
hempmandan wrote:
More like a monolith, or a plinth, or an obelisk, or that thing from 2001:
Piss on the wall
More like a monolith, or a plinth, or an obelisk, or that thing from 2001:
bronorb wrote:
The best music keeps revealing new values as you experience it in your new frames of mind and reference.
It's only second-tier work that wears out.
... I truly think that there is a saturation point. When you know every note by heart, there are no more surprises.
Time to move along, nothing more to see here. ...
Time to move along, nothing more to see here. ...
The best music keeps revealing new values as you experience it in your new frames of mind and reference.
It's only second-tier work that wears out.
Piss on the wall
BerkeleyAlice wrote:
Think about changing the station?!
I'm all for appreciating the classics, but I'm so tired of some of these songs! One of my employees asked why I didn't like listening to the 70's or 80's. Been there during those years. Done that and don't need to repeat for a long, long time.
Think about changing the station?!
The only drummer in the world who played with three arms. No other way to explain it.
Love the classic song thrown into the mix!
ccjemmett wrote:
I'm with you.
Yup, only heard this one about 9,000 times too many.
I'm with you.
BerkeleyAlice wrote:
'Kin right!
I'm all for appreciating the classics, but I'm so tired of some of these songs! One of my employees asked why I didn't like listening to the 70's or 80's. Been there during those years. Done that and don't need to repeat for a long, long time.
'Kin right!Favorite song in High School - a million years ago...
my youth ... a frenchie 62 years almost 63
John STARCZEWSKI
John STARCZEWSKI
Is this the face of a sad man?
I could write a long story about a special moment in my younger days when this song came on the radio. I'm afraid my writing skills would never do it justice and I'll just have to settle for the smile that hearing this gem always gives me. And that it reminds to call an old friend.
Yup, only heard this one about 9,000 times too many.
BerkeleyAlice wrote:
It kind of HAS been a long time! Been there, done that too. Still gets a 10! Tempus Fugit
I'm all for appreciating the classics, but I'm so tired of some of these songs! One of my employees asked why I didn't like listening to the 70's or 80's. Been there during those years. Done that and don't need to repeat for a long, long time.
It kind of HAS been a long time! Been there, done that too. Still gets a 10! Tempus Fugit
BerkeleyAlice wrote:
I feel the same way at the beginning of this song (and some others, like Stairway to Heaven, for instance). But somewhere about halfway through I'm loving it. Hotel California I hope I never hear again.
I'm all for appreciating the classics, but I'm so tired of some of these songs! One of my employees asked why I didn't like listening to the 70's or 80's. Been there during those years. Done that and don't need to repeat for a long, long time.
I feel the same way at the beginning of this song (and some others, like Stairway to Heaven, for instance). But somewhere about halfway through I'm loving it. Hotel California I hope I never hear again.
BerkeleyAlice wrote:
You are so right. I came of age in the 70's and if I never hear Hotel California again, that will be just fine with me. I truly think that there is a saturation point. When you know every note by heart, there are no more surprises.
Time to move along, nothing more to see here.
Getting to that point with this song too.
I'm all for appreciating the classics, but I'm so tired of some of these songs! One of my employees asked why I didn't like listening to the 70's or 80's. Been there during those years. Done that and don't need to repeat for a long, long time.
You are so right. I came of age in the 70's and if I never hear Hotel California again, that will be just fine with me. I truly think that there is a saturation point. When you know every note by heart, there are no more surprises.
Time to move along, nothing more to see here.
Getting to that point with this song too.
I'm all for appreciating the classics, but I'm so tired of some of these songs! One of my employees asked why I didn't like listening to the 70's or 80's. Been there during those years. Done that and don't need to repeat for a long, long time.
rgabriel wrote:
Please replace with the Limp Bizkit version...
rgabriel wrote:
Fuck. and No.
Please replace with the Limp Bizkit version...
Fuck. and No.
rgabriel wrote:
Please replace your ears.
Please replace with the Limp Bizkit version...
Please replace your ears.
Please replace with the Limp Bizkit version...
RIP The Ox, 12 years ago today.
Jannne wrote:
Godlike - for providing the foundation of our generation
Godlike - for providing the foundation of our generation Godlike - for providing the foundation of our generation Stingray wrote:
They're all three pretty awesome. I wore out Quadrophenia (on vinyl) and then did same to Tommy.
Hard to believe this is the same group responsible for "Squeeze Box."
Disagree. I vote for TOMMY - clearly!
Some riffs of "TOMMY" are already developing in this song!
They're all three pretty awesome. I wore out Quadrophenia (on vinyl) and then did same to Tommy.
Hard to believe this is the same group responsible for "Squeeze Box."
I've often thought the lyrics of this song perfectly capture a passive-aggressive personality.
Love it - anything less than "Godlike" is a crime against musicOne of the best rock n roll songs of all-time.
On_The_Beach wrote:
This gets my vote as best Who album, with Quadrophenia solidly in second.
Disagree. I vote for TOMMY - clearly!
This gets my vote as best Who album, with Quadrophenia solidly in second.
Disagree. I vote for TOMMY - clearly!
Some riffs of "TOMMY" are already developing in this song!
True - nobody knows it!!!
Ask "Lazarus", ask Obama and Cheney!
Ask me!
coloradojohn wrote:
This gets my vote as best Who album, with Quadrophenia solidly in second.
THIS album, and perhaps THIS better than any one Who source, although Quadrophenia & Who Are You as well both come very close, to both defining & supporting my passage through those inexplicably difficult teenage years, when all holy hell was breaking loose around me
This gets my vote as best Who album, with Quadrophenia solidly in second.
THIS album, and perhaps THIS better than any one Who source, although Quadrophenia & Who Are You as well both come very close, to both defining & supporting my passage through those inexplicably difficult teenage years, when all holy hell was breaking loose around me
unclehud wrote:
hahahahaha.... so true..!
A rock'n'roll staple like this catches me in one of two ways ... when I have time to really listen, it's great; for this morning, it's comfortable background music that flows easily across the synapses and doesn't disrupt conscious thought.
Back in the day, would have never figured The Who as "comfortable background music".
Back in the day, would have never figured The Who as "comfortable background music".
hahahahaha.... so true..!
Always and instant adrenalin flow.
kicks ass
these words chronicled those feelings of my adolescence, the edge of anger and all...
these words chronicled those feelings of my adolescence, the edge of anger and all...
Wow I'm old - I saw the Who when this record can out
A rock'n'roll staple like this catches me in one of two ways ... when I have time to really listen, it's great; for this morning, it's comfortable background music that flows easily across the synapses and doesn't disrupt conscious thought.
Back in the day, would have never figured The Who as "comfortable background music".
Back in the day, would have never figured The Who as "comfortable background music".
Townsend's demo of this on the Scoop album is wonderful.
A monumental album...
RoelantSiekman wrote:
I really like the Limp Bizkit version...probably the only song they've done that I've liked (so far).
For me its one of those VERY rare scenarios where I like both the original and the cover.
Well this song was thoroughly ruined by Limp Bizkit... Job well done. 
I really like the Limp Bizkit version...probably the only song they've done that I've liked (so far).
For me its one of those VERY rare scenarios where I like both the original and the cover.
Roll on Rodger.
yah man toller song
Love this song... love this whole album... here is a photo that my dead best friend's younger brother's girlfriend took at a recent show, in Manchester, NH, on February 24—
Beavis and Butthead voice: heh, heh, heh, they peed on the concrete. heh, heh, heh.
The year prior to the release of this album, the Who played the Isle of Wight festival. As others have commented, they were at the peak of their Who power during this era. Check out video to see a truly transcendent live band!
johnjconn wrote:
Try 41 years
Noooo...ouch!
It was some years after that I heard of this song. I was 16, went to see Tommy on the theatre and it was such a shake, both aesthetic and musical. I'm time travelling each time I get to hear it. It's a very nice state actually.
Try 41 years
Noooo...ouch!
It was some years after that I heard of this song. I was 16, went to see Tommy on the theatre and it was such a shake, both aesthetic and musical. I'm time travelling each time I get to hear it. It's a very nice state actually.
yawn.
With the benefit of decades of hindsight, this (album) really was their high-water mark. Sure, Tommy and Quadrophenia were strong efforts but Who's Next was near-perfect. One of the great rock bands at the peak of their powers. This song in particular kicks some serious butt.
(former member) wrote:
This song is soooo good my nipples get hard when I hear it...
Are your nipples still hard?
This song is soooo good my nipples get hard when I hear it...
Are your nipples still hard?
Awsome a well deserved 9 for me.
Honestly, it just doesn't get any better than this!!!
Well this song was thoroughly ruined by Limp Bizkit... Job well done.
Possibly the best song on this brilliant album....
I saw The Smithereens cover this about two weeks ago, it was truly awesome.
Never get tired, even after 20 years.
lemmoth wrote:
Back in the eighties, I knew a guy in Miami who said he had been Keith's boyfriend (manfriend?). Holy crap, did he have stories, including Keith driving a limo into the pool at the Beverly Hill Wilshire. Crazy, funny, sad stuff...
The distinction I always found in the Who's performances is that they had in the dearly departed Moon and Entwhistle a lead drummer and a lead bass player, if you get my drift.
Back in the eighties, I knew a guy in Miami who said he had been Keith's boyfriend (manfriend?). Holy crap, did he have stories, including Keith driving a limo into the pool at the Beverly Hill Wilshire. Crazy, funny, sad stuff...
Not only an epic song on an epic album but one of the best covers ever. Think it pissed off Kubrick? (pun intended)
The distinction I always found in the Who's performances is that they had in the dearly departed Moon and Entwhistle a lead drummer and a lead bass player, if you get my drift.
vandal wrote:
I still get shivers when I hear this. . .
Me too.
I still get shivers when I hear this. . .
Me too.
calypsus_1 wrote:
Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle & The Chieftains - Behind Blue Eyes:
https://youtu.be/muONonvhmvI
Carnegie Hall 1994 (includes John Entwistle acoustic bass solo)
At 2.40 does Moloney say "Up me arse?"
Nah, probably not.
Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle & The Chieftains - Behind Blue Eyes:
https://youtu.be/muONonvhmvI
Carnegie Hall 1994 (includes John Entwistle acoustic bass solo)
The world lost a great bass player and a better man when John passed. R.I.P. SuperDiddzz
At 2.40 does Moloney say "Up me arse?"
Nah, probably not.
A true album from the days when 'album' meant something.
I still get shivers when I hear this. . .
Proclivities wrote:
Who?
On first. Whats on second.
Who?
On first. Whats on second.
ofanansky wrote:
Who?
too much Who lately
Who?
ofanansky wrote:
Too what? Too Who? To you?
too much Who lately
Too what? Too Who? To you?
too much Who lately
Great song, great album.
daveshel4 wrote:
I still like this, but it is actually one of my least-favorite Who tunes.
by far the best Who song. by far.
I still like this, but it is actually one of my least-favorite Who tunes.
daveshel4 wrote:
agree.
by far the best Who song. by far.
agree.
That warble in their voices when they sing "But my dreeeeeeeams aren't as empty.." has always bugged me. Now I can't help but hear it every time.