Meaning and Lyrics of 1921 by The Who
Song Lyrics meaning of 1921 by The Who
About The Who
The Who burst onto the music scene in the 1960s as one of the most influential and innovative rock bands of their era. Formed in London, the group’s classic lineup consisted of:
Roger Daltrey (vocals)
Pete Townshend (guitar, vocals)
John Entwistle (bass)
Keith Moon (drums)
Known for their explosive live performances and groundbreaking rock operas, The Who pioneered the concept of the “power trio” backed by a dynamic frontman. Their sound was characterized by Townshend’s aggressive guitar work, Moon’s frenetic drumming, and Daltrey’s powerful vocals.
The band’s discography includes seminal albums like “Who’s Next” and “Quadrophenia,” which showcased their ability to blend hard rock with intricate storytelling. Their 1969 rock opera “Tommy” revolutionized the album format and was later adapted into a film.
The song “1921” appears on “Tommy,” serving as a crucial narrative piece in the album’s storyline. It’s a prime example of The Who’s knack for weaving complex narratives into their music.
Despite the tragic losses of Moon in 1978 and Entwistle in 2002, Daltrey and Townshend have continued to tour and record as The Who, cementing their legacy as one of rock’s most enduring and influential acts.
Roger Daltrey (vocals)
Pete Townshend (guitar, vocals)
John Entwistle (bass)
Keith Moon (drums)
Known for their explosive live performances and groundbreaking rock operas, The Who pioneered the concept of the “power trio” backed by a dynamic frontman. Their sound was characterized by Townshend’s aggressive guitar work, Moon’s frenetic drumming, and Daltrey’s powerful vocals.
The band’s discography includes seminal albums like “Who’s Next” and “Quadrophenia,” which showcased their ability to blend hard rock with intricate storytelling. Their 1969 rock opera “Tommy” revolutionized the album format and was later adapted into a film.
The song “1921” appears on “Tommy,” serving as a crucial narrative piece in the album’s storyline. It’s a prime example of The Who’s knack for weaving complex narratives into their music.
Despite the tragic losses of Moon in 1978 and Entwistle in 2002, Daltrey and Townshend have continued to tour and record as The Who, cementing their legacy as one of rock’s most enduring and influential acts.
Meaning of 1921 by The Who
The song “1921” by The Who is rich with layers of interpretation. The lyrics seem to capture a sense of hope and optimism for the year 1921. The narrator expresses a feeling that this year holds promise for good things, especially if shared with a particular person. The theme of companionship and shared experiences runs throughout the song.
In the first verse, there is a dichotomy presented between the narrator’s optimism and the skepticism of others, particularly when it comes to a relationship involving another person. The mention of weather as a metaphor for challenges suggests that the narrator finds strength and courage in the presence of the other person.
The bridges in the song add complexity to the narrative. The repeated questioning of “What about the boy?” could suggest a hidden story or a secret that is being kept. The sense of secrecy and not speaking out about something witnessed or experienced adds a mysterious undertone to the song. The bridges also dwell on the concept of truth, proof, and the burden of knowing something significant but not being able to disclose it.
The repetition of the lyrics in the second verse reinforces the theme of unity and shared optimism for the new year. The narrator finds solace and inspiration in the presence of the other person, suggesting a deep connection that transcends mere surface-level interactions.
The outro brings back the question of “What about the boy?” which could serve as a metaphor for a hidden past or an unspoken truth that haunts the narrator. The unresolved nature of this question leaves the listener pondering about untold stories and concealed realities.
Overall, “1921” by The Who can be seen as a contemplative piece that explores themes of hope, companionship, hidden truths, and the complexities of human relationships. The repetition in the lyrics and the enigmatic references create a sense of mystery and intrigue that invites listeners to delve deeper into the narrative of the song.
In the first verse, there is a dichotomy presented between the narrator’s optimism and the skepticism of others, particularly when it comes to a relationship involving another person. The mention of weather as a metaphor for challenges suggests that the narrator finds strength and courage in the presence of the other person.
The bridges in the song add complexity to the narrative. The repeated questioning of “What about the boy?” could suggest a hidden story or a secret that is being kept. The sense of secrecy and not speaking out about something witnessed or experienced adds a mysterious undertone to the song. The bridges also dwell on the concept of truth, proof, and the burden of knowing something significant but not being able to disclose it.
The repetition of the lyrics in the second verse reinforces the theme of unity and shared optimism for the new year. The narrator finds solace and inspiration in the presence of the other person, suggesting a deep connection that transcends mere surface-level interactions.
The outro brings back the question of “What about the boy?” which could serve as a metaphor for a hidden past or an unspoken truth that haunts the narrator. The unresolved nature of this question leaves the listener pondering about untold stories and concealed realities.
Overall, “1921” by The Who can be seen as a contemplative piece that explores themes of hope, companionship, hidden truths, and the complexities of human relationships. The repetition in the lyrics and the enigmatic references create a sense of mystery and intrigue that invites listeners to delve deeper into the narrative of the song.
Lyrics of 1921 by The Who
Verse 1
Got a feeling '21 is gonna be a good year
Especially if you and me see it in together
So you think '21 is gonna be a good year?
Could be good for me and her
But you and her, no, never!
I had no reason to be over-optimistic
But somehow, when you smiled, I could brave bad weather
Bridge 1
What about the boy?
What about the boy?
What about the boy?
He saw it all!
Bridge 2
You didn't hear it (I heard it)
You didn't see it (I saw it)
You won't say nothing to no one
(I won't say nothing to no one)
Never in your life (Never in my life)
You never heard it (I heard it)
How absurd it all seems without any proof
(How absurd it all seems without any proof)
You didn't hear it (I heard it)
You didn't see it (I saw it)
You never heard it, not a word of it! (I heard it, every word of it)
You won't say nothing to no one (I won't say nothing to no one)
Never tell a soul what you know is the truth
(Never tell a soul what I know is the truth)
Verse 2
Got a feeling '21 is gonna be a good year
Especially if you and me see it in together
Got a feeling '21 is gonna be a good year
Especially if you and me see it in together
I had no reason to be over-optimistic
But somehow, when you smiled, I could brave bad weather
Outro
What about the boy?
Got a feeling '21 is gonna be a good year
Especially if you and me see it in together
So you think '21 is gonna be a good year?
Could be good for me and her
But you and her, no, never!
I had no reason to be over-optimistic
But somehow, when you smiled, I could brave bad weather
Bridge 1
What about the boy?
What about the boy?
What about the boy?
He saw it all!
Bridge 2
You didn't hear it (I heard it)
You didn't see it (I saw it)
You won't say nothing to no one
(I won't say nothing to no one)
Never in your life (Never in my life)
You never heard it (I heard it)
How absurd it all seems without any proof
(How absurd it all seems without any proof)
You didn't hear it (I heard it)
You didn't see it (I saw it)
You never heard it, not a word of it! (I heard it, every word of it)
You won't say nothing to no one (I won't say nothing to no one)
Never tell a soul what you know is the truth
(Never tell a soul what I know is the truth)
Verse 2
Got a feeling '21 is gonna be a good year
Especially if you and me see it in together
Got a feeling '21 is gonna be a good year
Especially if you and me see it in together
I had no reason to be over-optimistic
But somehow, when you smiled, I could brave bad weather
Outro
What about the boy?
Discography The Who
Who’s Next : Life House (Super Deluxe)
Release: 2023-09-15
Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Popularity: 👏👏
The Who With Orchestra: Live At Wembley
Release: 2023-03-31
Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Live 1970
Release: 2021-10-19
Label: London Calling
Upcoming Events for The Who
The Guess Who
Price Range: $40.5 – 85.5
Date: 2024-10-12
Location: Coronado Performing Arts Center
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Who’s Next : Life House (Super Deluxe)
Release: 2023-09-15
Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Popularity: 👏👏
The Who With Orchestra: Live At Wembley
Release: 2023-03-31
Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
l
Live 1970
Release: 2021-10-19
Label: London Calling
l
