Psychedelic Rock Music

The song was written by group member Pete Townshend. It was released on The Who’s 1967 album The Who Sell Out and as a single. In 1967, the song went to #9 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and #8 on Cash Box, making it their highest-charting single on the U.S. Charts. It also went to #10 in the U.K. and #4 in Canada. The track was part of the trend in the Sixties to use more and more studio techniques. “I Can See for Miles” was recorded in several sessions in several studios. This included backing tracks in London, vocals and overdubbing in New York, and mastering in Los Angeles. The complexity of the vocal harmonies and percussion made it a difficult number to perform live on stage.  The song has received high acclaim, including Pitchfork Media’s “The 200 Greatest Songs of the 1960s” and Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

The Who formed in London, England, in 1964. Their classic lineup was Roger Daltrey (lead vocals), Pete Townshend (guitar), John Entwistle (bass), and Keith Moon (drums). They have been a very influential rock band. Over the years there have been many membership changes, but they continue to tour and perform.

Here are the lyrics to “I Can See For Miles” by The Who:

“I know you’ve deceived me, now here’s a surprise
I know that you have ’cause there’s magic in my eyes

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles
Oh yeah

If you think that I don’t know about the little tricks you’ve played
And never see you when deliberately you put things in my way

Well, here’s a poke at you
You’re gonna choke on it too
You’re gonna lose that smile
Because all the while

I can see for miles and miles
I can see for miles and miles
I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles
Oh yeah

You took advantage of my trust in you when I was so far away
I saw you holding lots of other guys and now you’ve got the nerve to say

That you still want me
Well, that’s as may be
But you gotta stand trial
Because all the while

I can see for miles and miles
I can see for miles and miles
I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles
Oh yeah

I know you’ve deceived me, now here’s a surprise
I know that you have ’cause there’s magic in my eyes

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles
Oh yeah

The Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal are mine to see on clear days
You thought that I would need a crystal ball to see right through the haze

Well, here’s a poke at you
You’re gonna choke on it too
You’re gonna lose that smile
Because all the while

I can see for miles and miles
I can see for miles and miles
I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles
and miles and miles and miles

I can see for miles and miles
I can see for miles and miles
I can see for miles and miles
I can see for miles and miles”

For more songs by The Who:” “I Can’t Explain.” “Substitute,” and “My Generation.”

Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ free online songs there. The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope you enjoyed “I Can See for Miles” by The Who.