Bell Boy

The Who

About Bell Boy

"Bell Boy" is a song recorded by the Who for the 1973 album Quadrophenia and 1979 movie of the same name. It was never released as a single.


Year:
1974
45 
#2

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The beach is a place where a man can feel
He's the only soul in the world that's real
Well I see a face coming through the haze
I remember him from those crazy days
Crazy days, crazy days

Ain't you the guy who used to set the paces
Riding up in front of a hundred faces
I don't suppose you would remember me
But I used to follow you back in sixty-three

I've got a good job, and I'm newly born
You should see me dressed up in my uniform
I work in hotel, all gilt and flash
Remember the place where the doors were smashed?

Bell Boy, I got to get running now
Bell Boy, keep my lip buttoned down
Bell Boy, carry this baggage out
Bell Boy, always running at someone's pleading heel
You know how I feel
Always running at someone's heel

Some nights I still sleep on the beach
Remember when stars were in reach
I wander in early to work
Spend my day licking boots for my perks

A beach is a place where a man can feel
He's the only soul in the world that's real

Well I see a face coming through the haze
I remember him from those crazy days (crazy days, crazy days, crazy days, crazy days)

Ain't you the guy who used to set the paces
Riding up in front of a hundred faces
I don't suppose you would remember me
But I used to follow you back in sixty-three

People often change
But when I look in your eyes
You could learn a lot from
A job like mine
The secret to me
It ain't flown on a flag
I carry it behind
This pretty little badge
What says

Bell Boy I got to get running now
Bell Boy, keep my lip buttoned down
Bell Boy, carry the bloody baggage out
Bell Boy, always running at someone's heel
You know how I feel
Always running at someone's heel

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The Who

The Who are an English rock band formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey (lead vocals, guitar, harmonica), Pete Townshend (vocals, guitar, keyboards), John Entwistle (vocals, bass) and Keith Moon, (drums, vocals). They became known for energetic live performances which often included instrument destruction. The Who have sold about 100 million records, and have charted 27 top forty singles in the United Kingdom and United States, as well as 17 top ten albums, with 18 Gold, 12 Platinum and 5 Multi-Platinum album awards in the United States alone. more »

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Written by: PETER DENNIS BLANDFOR TOWNSHEND

Lyrics © Abkco Music Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Band Formation
"Bell Boy" is a song by The Who, a British rock band formed in 1964 renowned for their energetic performances and trendsetting music.
Album Placement
This song is a part of The Who's sixth studio album, "Quadrophenia," which was released in 1973.
Theme
"Bell Boy" further emphasizes the theme of 'Quadrophenia,' chronicling the story of Jimmy, a disillusioned Mod, a subculture popular in Britain in the 1960s.
Composer
Acclaimed guitarist Pete Townshend, the primary songwriter for The Who, wrote this song.
Vocals
Both Roger Daltrey and Keith Moon, the group's drummer, share vocal responsibilities on "Bell Boy," a relatively rare occurrence in The Who's discography.
Lyrics
In "Bell Boy," Moon's character, who Jimmy looked up to, is portrayed as a bell boy, symbolizing the degradation of his idol, further amplifying Jimmy's disillusionment.
Characters
The song is actually a dialogue between Jimmy and Ace, his idol, where Jimmy is voiced by Daltrey and Ace by Moon.
Critical Reaction
"Bell Boy" is often cited as an example of Keith Moon's unique vocal talent and its harmonious fusion with the band's overall sound.
Live Performances
The song featured prominently in The Who's live performances during their 1973-1974 Quadrophenia tour. However, it was dropped after 1974, due to the difficulty of performing it live.
Movie Connection
"Bell Boy" is included in the soundtrack of the 1979 film adaptation of 'Quadrophenia,' where Sting played the role of Ace, the bell boy.
Posthumous Recognition
The song is a poignant reminder of Moon's contribution to The Who, as he tragically passed away just five years after the album's release. His role in "Bell Boy" continues to be celebrated as a testament to his talents outside of drumming.

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