What began as Jumbo’s lament now becomes the anthem of every blue-eyed sociopath.
Kronomyth 6.1: Dr. Jeykll and Mr. Hide
This is one of my favorite jekyll & hyde songs—those that start out like a lamb on the first half, and roar like a lion on the second half. “In The End” (Rush), “Over The Hills And Far Away” (Led Zeppelin) and “I Lost My Head” (Gentle Giant) are further, favored illustrations. Originally intended for a pivotal place in Lifehouse, “Behind Blue Eyes” still works remarkably well as a standalone and autobiographical song, with Townshend in place of the original villain, Jumbo. (And we all have a little villain in us.) Personally, this song has always informed my perception of Pete Townshend—perhaps more than it should—as a man struggling with the dual forces of dark and light within himself. The B side, “My Wife,” is one of my favorite Entwistle songs (it would be down to this and “905”). Not intended for Lifehouse, “My Wife” is typical of John’s dark humor but has been viewed by many as the light moment on Who’s Next, a role better reserved for “Going Mobile.”
Original 7-inch single version
A1. Behind Blue Eyes (Peter Townshend) (3:40)
B1. My Wife (John Entwistle) (3:36)
7-inch EP single version (Thailand)
A1. The Who: Behind Blue Eyes (3:40)
A2. The Moody Blues: Nights In White Satin (4:20)
B1. Buddy Miles: Down By The River (6:20)
The Plastic
Released on 7-inch single in October 1971 in the US (Decca, 32888); reached #34 on the US charts (charted on November 6, 1971 for 11 weeks).
- Re-released on three-track 7-inch EP single in Thailand (First, FT 938) with picture sleeve.
