The Who: "I'm a Boy"

"I'm a Boy"

Songwriters:	Pete Townshend
Performers:	The Who: Roger Daltry (lead vocal), Pete Townshend (lead & backing vocals), John Entwistle (bass & horn), & Keith Moon (drums)
Production:	Kit Lambert with Chris Stamp (executive producer).
Recorded:	IBC Studios, London, 31 July-1 August 1966
Details:	Two versions released
UK release:	Reaction 591004, 26 August 1966. Charts 1 September 1966: RR #2. [2:31]
US release:	Decca 32058, 10 December 1966

Section	Meas.	Description	Text
Intro	4+4	vocal line over ensemble (continues into first verse)	—
verse 1	4+4+4+6	solo vocal over ensemble	a
verse 2	6+5+5+4	solo agitated vocal version of verse	b
chorus	4+4+4+4	repeat of hook with vocal harmonies	c
verse 1	4+4+4+4+6	as verse 1 above with extended tag	d
chorus	4+4+4+8	as above with extended tag	c
bridge	4+4+6+4+4	vocal dissonances and resolutions with French horn over a drone settling on a V	—
verse 1	4+4+4+10	as in verse 1 above with descant	e
chorus	4+4+4+7	as in choruses above with a tag as coda	c

Text
One girl was called Jean Marie, another little girl was called Felicity, Another little girl was Sally Joy, the other was me, and I'm a boy.	a
My name is Bill and I'm a head case. They practice making up on my face. Yeah, I feel lucky if I get trousers to wear. Spend evenings taking hairpins from my hair.	b
I'm a boy, I'm a boy, but my ma won't admit it. I'm a boy, I'm a boy, but if I say I am, I get it.	c
Put your frock on, Jean Marie. Plait your hair, Felicity. Paint your nails, little Sally Joy. Put this wig on, little boy.	d
I want to play cricket on the green. Ride my bike across the street. Cut myself and see my blood. I want to come home all covered in mud.	e