Who's Next (Deluxe Edition)
Behind Blue Eyes
The Who
Album:
Who's Next (Deluxe Edition)
Genre:
Hard rock
Release date:
1971-08-14
Lyrics
No one knows what it's like
To be the bad man
To be the sad man
Behind blue eyes
And no one knows what it's like
To be hated
To be fated to telling only lies

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

No one knows what its 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

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

No one knows what its like
To be mistreated, to be defeated
Behind blue eyes
An no one know how to say
That they're sorry and don't worry
I'm not telling lies

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

No one knows what its like
To be the bad man
To be the sad man
Behind blue eyes

Song's meaning
The song's opening line, "No one knows what it's like to be the bad man," sets the tone for the song's exploration of the protagonist's inner turmoil. He speaks of his regrets and his struggles with his own darker impulses, singing, "If I swallow anything evil / Put your finger down my throat / If I shiver, please give me a blanket / Keep me warm, let me wear your coat."

The song's title refers to the protagonist's eyes, which are described as being "blue" but "sunlight fails to penetrate." This metaphorical description speaks to his emotional state of being closed off and unable to connect with others.

Overall, "Behind Blue Eyes" is a poignant and introspective song that speaks to the universal experience of feeling misunderstood and alone. Its haunting melody and emotive lyrics have made it a classic of the rock genre, and it continues to resonate with listeners today as a powerful expression of the human condition.