The Real Me [1973] - The Who

Many consider English rock legends The Who's sixth studio effort - Quadrophenia - as the last great Who record. And why not? The album is chock full of memorable songs from start to finish, and is the band's second rock opera after 1969's Tommy. Told from the perspective of British teenager Jimmy Cooper, the Who successfully captured teenage angst whilst commenting on the decline of Mod culture, a subculture from the 60s that the band themselves outgrew.

The Real Me is the first song to kick things off. It is an introduction to the album's protagonist who suffers from a condition known as "quadrophenia" (a play on the term schizophrenia), whereby he has  developed four distinct personalities. He visits his doctor, to no avail. He visits his mother, who tells him that craziness runs in the family. He has been alienated by those around him including the girl he once loved. In his desperation he turns to religion, only to be left answerless.

Musically, this is one of the heaviest songs in the Who's catalog. Jimmy's angst is perfectly captured by Roger Daltrey's strong vocals. Pete Townshend as always is solid on guitar, providing the driving rhythm for John Entwistle's lead bass. Yes, you read that right - lead bass. If one were to isolate the bassline, the song would be nothing but an extended bass solo and an amazing one no less. Keith Moon, is well, Keith Moon throughout the song. There is not a single moment of emptiness thanks to the relentless onslaught of drums, showcasing the Who as an extremely talented band, inspiring generations to come.

Can you see the real me?
Can ya?
Can ya?

I went back to the doctor
To get another shrink
I sit and tell him bout my weekend
But he never betrays what he thinks

Can you see the real me, Doctor?
Doctor?
Can you see the real me, Doctor?
Woah, Doctor!

I went back to my mother
I said "I'm crazy ma, help me"
She said "I know how it feels son
Cause it runs in the family"

Can you see the real me, Mama?
Mama?
Can you see the real me, Mama?
Woah, Mama!

Can you see
Can you see
Can you see the real me?
Can you see
Can you see the real me
The real me
The real me

The cracks between the paving stones
Look like rivers of flowing veins
Strange people who know me
Peeping from behind every window pane
The girl I used to love
Lives in this yellow house
Yesterday she passed me by
She doesn't want to know me now

Can you see the real me?
Can ya?
Can ya?
Can you see the real me?
Can ya?
Woah, yeah!

I ended up with a preacher
Full of lies and hate
I seemed to scare him a little
So he showed me to the golden gate

Can you see the real me, preacher?
Preacher?
Can you see the real me, preacher?
Preacher?

Can you see
Can you see
Can you see
Woah

Can you see the real me, Doctor?

Can you see the real me, Ma?

[Please Note: The above video is from 2002 and features Zak Starkey on drums. Keith Moon passed away in 1978]