The real title and meaning of the classic song by the Who

As a young kid I was on the fast track to a life filled with a soundtrack of Hot 103 and QX 104 auto-tuned, Making the Band-esque music. While I still enjoy the occasional Rihanna guilty pleasure (and the occasional blasting of “Liquid Dreams”), I consider myself a little more sophisticated in my musical tastes today.

While some label me as a pretentious hipster for my musical appreciations, I like to consider myself merely, well, correct in my music tastes. Because, let’s face it, I knew about these bands before you, and now they are just too mainstream.

I attribute my swing in musical direction to my father and one important song: “Baba O’Riley” by the Who. This song became a classic to blast while driving with my father with the sunroof down as a young kid. It became the open window to an oasis of artists such as Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, the Band, and Mark Knopfler. These bands opened my eyes to all different types of music ranging from folk to the blues to bluegrass to classic rock.

While many may know this song—incorrectly referred to—as “Teenage Wasteland,” (these may also be those who only know the song from the CSI: New York opening) the correct title, “Baba O’Riley,” illustrates the complex and fascinating story behind a song that is quite often misunderstood.

Pete Townshend of the Who composed the song to be included in a never-completed rock opera, entitled Lifehouse. The rock opera was intended to be about a man who builds the Lifehouse, a building that enables individuals to escape what the world has become. In this production, the perceived reality of life is actually merely an illusion under a tyrannical government, never in touch with nature or actual reality. The Lifehouse brings individuals back to the raw, natural basics of living.

The song depicts a couple, Ray and Sally, who are living on a farm­­—evident in the lyrics, “out here in the fields, I fight for my meals, I get my back into my living”—when their daughter leaves their dwelling in search of a simplier, “real” life in the Lifehouse.

Ray and Sally then decide to make the pilgrimage to find their daughter at this mysterious Lifehouse.

This is not the only alleged story behing the complex song. There are also claims that the story behind the song is set in a wasted and polluted version of England. Ray and Sally are said to be farmers in Scotland who, again, are in search of their daughter who has gone to attend an intense and mind-altering concert event called the Lifehouse.

Knowing this, it may seem that the name of the song still doesn’t fit into the story behing the song. The title is a combination of Meher Baba, an Indian spiritual guru that Townshend admired and followed, and Terry Riley, a minimalist composer who influenced the composition of this song.

Meher Baba proved to be an integral component and inspiration for “Baba O’Riley.” His teachings have been known to focus on the concept of reality and illusion.

While it never made it to the stage, The Lifehouse Chronicles were eventually released in 2000, a box set that features songs compiled onto six discs, all of which were intended to be included in the rock opera.

“Baba O’Riley” has become an anthem for many throughout the ages, including myself. While all who listen may not know the real meaning, it still seems to impact many who love the song.

The iconic phrase “teenage wasteland” has often allowed me to lament the state of society, and the state of my life at times. The first few seconds of “Baba O’Riley” immediately raise my spirits and, by the time that drums emerge at 47 seconds into the song, I am brought back to days driving with my father, getting my first real taste of rock music.