Epic Rock Ballads-Episode 4: The Who/Limp Bizkit-Behind Blue Eyes

This episode of Epic Rock ballads, you will get 2 for the price of one. The original by the Who and the cover version by Limp Bizkit.

“Behind Blue Eyes” is a song by the English rock band the Who, recorded in 1971. It was the second single from their fifth album Who’s Next and was originally written by Pete Townshend for his Lifehouse project.[3][4] The song is one of the Who’s best-known recordings and has been covered by many artists, including Limp Bizkit and Tokio Hotel.

Behind Blue Eyes” originated after a Who concert in Denver on 9 June 1970.[5] Following the performance, Townshend became tempted by a female groupie, but he instead went back to his room alone, possibly as a result of the teachings of his spiritual leader, Meher Baba.[6] Upon reaching his room, he began writing a prayer, the first words being “When my fist clenches, crack it open…” These words later appeared as lyrics in the “climactic rocking section” of “Behind Blue Eyes.”

[Verse 1]
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

[Chorus]
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
[Verse 2]
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

[Chorus]
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

[Bridge]
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

[Outro]
No one knows what it’s like
To be the bad man, to be the sad man
Behind blue eyes.