The Who, “A Quick One While He’s Away” (1968)
I. Her Man’s Been Gone
Her man’s been gone / For nigh a year / He was due home yesterday / But he ain’t here (2x)
II. Crying Town
Down your street your crying is a well-known sound / Your street is very well known, throughout your town / Your town is very famous for the little girl(s) / Whose cries can be heard all around the world
III. We Have A Remedy
We have a remedy / You’ll appreciate / No need to be so sad / He’s only late / We’ll bring you flowers and things / Help pass your time / We’ll give him eagle’s wings / Then he can fly to you
[Spoken] We have a remedy. We have! Little girl guide, why don’t you stop your crying? Here comes Ivor the engine driver to make you feel much better
IV. Ivor The Engine Driver
My name is Ivor / I’m an engine driver / I know him well /I know why you feel blue / Just ’cause he’s late / Don’t mean he’ll never get through / He told me he loves you / He ain’t no liar, I ain’t either / So let’s have a smile for an old engine driver / So let’s have a smile for an old engine driver
V. Soon Be Home
We’ll soon be home / We’ll soon be home / We’ll soon / We’ll soon, soon, soon be home [Come on, old horse]
VI. You Are Forgiven
Dang, dang, dang, dang, dang, dang, dang, dang, dang / Cello, cello, cello, cello, cello, cello (etc.)
I can’t believe it / Do my eyes deceive me? / Am I back in your arms? / Away from all harm? / It’s like a dream to be with you again / Can’t believe that I’m with you again
I missed you and I must admit / I kissed a few and once did sit / On Ivor the Engine Driver’s lap / And later with him, had a nap / You are forgiven, you are forgiven, you are forgiven.
This mini-opera is long, and totally worth it. Of course there’s a story, but don’t bother with it. The clip is from the Rolling Stones’ Rock and Roll Circus, circa 1968. The Who had just perfected this on a long tour, and totally ripped through it, causing the embarrassed Stones to shelve the whole project. Watch Pete Townshend knock down a cymbal stand early on in the performance, then proceed to take his frustrations out on the rest of the song. The band totally knows it’s swingin’ on this. Only sections IV and V drag a bit, but that’s what makes the conclusion so exciting. This is a legendary band at its peak.
