My generation(s)

In a seminal episode of the (already) classic TV show Girls, Lena Dunham’s heroin is seen telling her parents: “I might be the voice of my generation; or at least a voice of a generation”. That line is particularly hilarious, given that the character does not necessarily match her ambition in the actions we see otherwise. The line is, however, quite relevant when talking about cult British band The Who, and the single that made them skyrocket to the forefront of the 1960’s rock stage — the aptly named “My Generation“…

The story, as often, is one of lucky accidents and random, semi-mythified occurrences. In 1965, The Who were just one of those aspiring rock bands that largely populated London at the time. Early — and massive — success by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones fuelled many ambitious artists, including Who singer Roger Daltrey and, perhaps more importantly, Who guitarist and principal composer Pete Townshend. Intent on making a dent in this already crowded market (if you will), Townshend was looking for a hook that would make the band stand out. And a hook he then found…

The inspiration reportedly came to Townshend on a train as he was ruminating the fact that his hearse had — also reportedly — been disposed of by the Queen herself as she felt it looked unpleasant on her daily drive through Belgravia. We don’t really know if that’s true, and the latter is likely even less of a reality than the former, but the point here is that the song did come about, including a few interesting words: “I hope I die before I get old”, Townshend has Daltrey sing. And then he has him stutter, as if he were on drugs. And then there’s the nervousness of the rhythmic section as well as frequent key changes: all those clues come together to create a distinct sound, one of angst, raw energy… and desire for a change. Right what the people needed.

Released on October 29th 1965 — again, 56 years ago to the day, the song shot straight to #2 on the UK charts. By far their highest charting single at the time — and their highest period through the course of their entire career. Which makes one appreciate the historic nature of the track. Also, it quickly became a defining tune of the era, rightly mustering the aspirations of a new generation, one that wanted more from life than merely living, the way their parents did before them, following the gigantic traumas caused by World War II. In other words, the song came at the right place and the right time indeed.

Today, “My Generation” ranks with “Satisfaction” and “Let It Be” or “Hey Jude” as one of the titular songs of a generation. Or generations? As it stands, many subsequent listeners have readily embraced the song, making almost current now as 56 years ago. And making The Who a band that defined not only a generation — but generations…