Baba O’Riley

song by Townshend

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July 22, 2026

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"Baba O'Riley" is a song by the British rock band The Who, released in 1971 on their album Who's Next. It was primarily written by Pete Townshend, the band's guitarist and songwriter. The song is known for its innovative use of synthesizers and its powerful rock sound, featuring anthemic lyrics and a driving rhythm. It has become one of The Who's most recognizable and enduring songs, often cited as a classic example of their musical style and Townshend's songwriting prowess.12

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Pete Townshend
The Who
…Get Fooled Again” and “Baba O’Riley,” and the double-album rock opera Quadrophenia (1973), featuring the tracks “The Real Me” and “Love, Reign o’er Me.” Townshend released his first solo album, Who Came First, in 1972, opening with the track “Pure and Easy,” which also appeared on the Who’s 1974…
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…Get Fooled Again” and “Baba O’Riley,” and the double-album rock opera Quadrophenia (1973), featuring the tracks “The Real Me” and “Love, Reign o’er Me.” Townshend released his first solo album, Who Came First, in 1972, opening with the track “Pure and Easy,” which also appeared on the Who’s 1974…
Read More

the Who
…(“Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “Baba O’Riley”) and sensitive romances (“Behind Blue Eyes,” “Love Ain’t for Keeping”), all reflecting Townshend’s dedication to his “avatar,” the Indian mystic Meher Baba. That same year, Entwistle released a solo album, the darkly amusing Smash Your Head Against the Wall; Townshend issued his first…
Read More
…(“Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “Baba O’Riley”) and sensitive romances (“Behind Blue Eyes,” “Love Ain’t for Keeping”), all reflecting Townshend’s dedication to his “avatar,” the Indian mystic Meher Baba. That same year, Entwistle released a solo album, the darkly amusing Smash Your Head Against the Wall; Townshend issued his first…
Read More