About the song
Background:
- Released in 1965 as the title track of their debut album.
- Written by guitarist Pete Townshend, the band’s primary songwriter.
- Became a defining anthem of the burgeoning Mod subculture in the UK.
- Reached number two on the UK charts and was a top ten hit in several other countries.
Lyrics (excerpt):
People try to put us d-down (Talkin’ ’bout my generation) Just because we get around (Talkin’ ’bout my generation) Things they do look awful c-c-cold (Talkin’ ’bout my generation) I hope I die before I get old (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
This is my generation This is my generation, baby
Why don’t you all f-fade away (Talkin’ ’bout my generation) Don’t try to dig what we all s-s-say (Talkin’ ’bout my generation) I’m not trying to cause a big s-s-sensation (Talkin’ ’bout my generation) I’m just talkin’ ’bout my g-g-g-generation This is my generation This is my generation, baby
Themes:
- Generational rebellion: The song embodies the frustration and defiance of a young generation feeling misunderstood and marginalized by older generations.
- Youthful angst and energy: The raw, energetic sound and defiant lyrics capture the spirit of adolescent rebellion.
- Individuality and self-expression: The song celebrates a youthful rejection of conformity and a desire to forge one’s own path.
- Anti-establishment sentiment: The lyrics express a disdain for authority and a desire to challenge the status quo.
Legacy:
- “My Generation” is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
- It has been covered by numerous artists and remains a staple of classic rock radio.
- The song’s iconic opening line, “I hope I die before I get old,” is a cultural touchstone.
- The song continues to resonate with listeners of all ages as a timeless expression of youthful rebellion and the desire for individuality.
Video
Lyrics
People try to put us d-down (talkin’ ’bout my generation)Just because we get around (talkin’ ’bout my generation)Things they do look awful c-c-cold (talkin’ ’bout my generation)I hope I die before I get old (talkin’ ’bout my generation)
This is my generationThis is my generation, baby
Why don’t you all f-fade away (talkin’ ’bout my generation)And don’t try dig what we all s-s-say (talkin’ ’bout my generation)I’m not trying to cause a big s-s-sensation (talkin’ ’bout my generation)I’m just talkin’ ’bout my g-g-generation (talkin’ ’bout my generation)
My generationThis is my generation, baby
Why don’t you all f-fade away (talkin’ ’bout my generation)And don’t try d-dig what we all s-s-say (talkin’ ’bout my generation)I’m not trying to cause a big sensation (talkin’ ’bout my generation)I’m just talkin’ ’bout my g-generation (talkin’ ’bout my generation)
This is my generationThis is my generation, babyMy, my g-generationMy, my, my, my, my generation
People try to put us d-down (talkin’ ’bout my generation)Just because we g-g-get around (talkin’ ’bout my generation)Things they do look awful c-c-cold (talkin’ ’bout my generation)Yeah, I hope I die before I get old (talkin’ ’bout my generation)
This is my generationThis is my generation, babyMy, my, my, my, my generation (generation)
Talkin’ ’bout my generation (talkin’ about)Talkin’ ’bout my generation (my generation)Talkin’ ’bout my generation (my generation)Talkin’ ’bout my generation (this is my generation, baby)
Talkin’ ’bout my generation (this is my generation)Talkin’ ’bout my generation (generation)Talkin’ ’bout my generation (this is my generation)Talkin’ ’bout my generation (this is my generation)