The Who’s “A Quick One While He’s Away” is a rock opera with an interesting storyline. The song was written by Pete Townshend and released in 1966. It tells the story of a young man who goes away and leaves his girlfriend behind. While he is gone, his girlfriend cheats on him with his best friend. When the young man returns, he finds out about the affair and confronts his friend.
The Storyline
The song is divided into several parts, each with its own distinct melody and lyrics. The first part of the song is called “Her Man’s Been Gone,” and it sets the stage for the rest of the story. The second part of the song is called “Crying Town,” and it describes the young man’s feelings of sadness and betrayal.
The third part of the song is called “We Have a Remedy,” and it introduces the idea of revenge. The fourth part of the song is called “Ivor the Engine Driver,” and it tells the story of a train driver who witnesses the affair between the young man’s girlfriend and his best friend.
The fifth part of the song is called “Soon Be Home,” and it describes the young man’s journey home. The sixth part of the song is called “You Are Forgiven,” and it describes the young man’s forgiveness of his girlfriend and his friend. The final part of the song is called “The Quick One,” and it brings the story to a close.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “A Quick One While He’s Away” are quite complex, with multiple characters and plotlines. Some of the most memorable lines from the song include:
“Her man’s been gone / For nigh a year / He was due home yesterday / But he ain’t here”
“The crying town / The people all stare / The girls in their curls / The boys with their hair”
“You are forgiven / You are forgiven / You are forgiven / You are forgiven”
The Music
“A Quick One While He’s Away” is a rock opera with several distinct musical styles. The song begins with a slow, mournful melody, which is then followed by a fast-paced, upbeat section. The song also features a number of instrumental breaks, including a guitar solo and a drum solo.
The song’s musical complexity and storytelling have made it a popular choice for cover versions by other artists. Some of the most notable covers of the song include versions by The Jam, The Flaming Lips, and The Black Keys.
The Legacy
“A Quick One While He’s Away” is considered to be a classic of 1960s rock music. The song’s combination of complex storytelling, musical experimentation, and emotional depth has made it a favorite of fans and critics alike. The song has also influenced countless other artists, both in terms of its musical style and its approach to storytelling.
Overall, “A Quick One While He’s Away” is a masterpiece of 1960s rock music, and its legacy continues to live on today.
