The Kids Are Alright

Song ratings

Rating	Comments	Author	Date
	I came to know this song in reverse order, via Meaty Beaty Big & Bouncy's slightly edited version (the single version). In the My Generation version, the guitar lead-in to the final verse repeats, and repeats, and repeats, masterfully building up the momentum to a fever pitch before launching into the song's climax, making for perhaps the finest moment in this remarkable debut album. "The Kids Are Alright" (I always liked that title, given that in America the proper spelling is "All right") is one of the most beautiful songs Pete Townshend ever wrote, and demonstrates an impressive level of growth for the Who in the year 1965, when in January a vocal trio needed to be called in to provide backing vocals for the single "I Can't Explain", not to mention the obvious maturation of Townshend's songwriting skills. In an album when The Who self-consciously declare themselves to be card-carrying members of the "Mod" youth gang, this song stands apart as the group of 20-year olds are observing this identification through adult eyes and expressing their recognition that it's time to move away from that crowd. Not, however, with an attitude of condescension or disgust, but with a level of affection which is felt throughout the song. Roger Daltrey offers a beautiful, sensitive vocal, and is buttressed by some gorgeous backing vocals from Pete and John, and John's booming bass and Keith's usual frantic drumming, resulting in one of the cornerstone songs in the Who's canon.	Bruce Beatlefan	December 6, 2007

Lyrics

I don't mind other guys dancing with my girl
That's fine, I know them all pretty well
But I know sometimes I must get out in the light
Better leave her behind with the kids, they're alright
The kids are alright

Sometimes, I feel I gotta get away
Bells chime, I know I gotta get away
And I know if I don't, I'll go out of my mind
Better leave her behind with the kids, they're alright
The kids are alright

I know if I go things would be a lot better for her
I had things planned, but her folks wouldn't let her

I don't mind other guys dancing with my girl
That's fine, I know them all pretty well
But I know sometimes I must get out in the light
Better leave her behind with the kids, they're alright
The kids are alright

Sometimes, I feel I gotta get away
Bells chime, I know I gotta get away
And I know if I don't, I'll go out of my mind
Better leave her behind with the kids, they're alright
The kids are alright

Print version