Many famous philosophers and writers spoke about the destructive power of jealousy, but creative people know that it can be creative. Many magnificent works were written by jealous people who suspected the infidelity of their beloved.
The same feeling prompted Pete Townshend to write I Can See for Miles, one of the biggest hits of the rock band The Who.
The story of creation and the meaning of the song I Can See for Miles
Pete Townsend wrote I Can See for Miles shortly after meeting his future wife, Karen Astley. Often leaving on tour, he left her at home and suspected that her lover might be cheating on him. Tormented by jealousy, the musician composed a song in which he warned the girl that she would not be able to hide anything from him.
When asked about the song’s history, Townsend responded with his characteristic sense of humor:
I sat down and wrote it from the beginning.
Rolling stone
He also explained what I Can See for Miles is about:
The words, which aging senators have called “dr@g-oriented,” speak of a jealous man with exceptionally good eyesight. Honestly.
Rolling stone
Pete composed I Can See for Miles in 1966. Two years later, she and Karen were married, married for over forty years, and divorced in 2009.
Recording and release
The Who recorded the composition in the summer of 1967, when the musicians were actively touring the United States. There was almost no time left for studio work, so they took on I Can See for Miles as soon as they had a free minute. Separate parts of the work were recorded in London, New York and Los Angeles.
The song was released as the only single from the album The Who Sell Out. It climbed to number ten on the UK Singles Chart. In the US, the track peaked at number nine, the band’s highest charting achievement in the US in its history.
Pete Townsend expected more success, as he considered I Can See for Miles their best work:
For me it was the most important record of The Who, but it didn’t sell. I spat on the British record buyer.
Readers of Rolling Stone and New Musical Express shared Townsend’s opinion of the track and included it in their lists of the five hundred greatest songs of all time. It is also included in the list of five hundred songs that shaped rock and roll.
Video of I Can See for Miles
Let’s watch the unofficial video clip of I Can See for Miles – The Who, dedicated to the “summer of love”.
Cover versions
The song has been performed by several famous musicians. Listen to Tina Turner’s version of I Can See for Miles.
Styx covered I Can See for Miles for their album Big Bang Theory.
Interesting Facts
- The song was included on the Easy Rider album with songs from the Easy Rider soundtrack.
- The word “miles” is used fifty-seven times in the song.
I Can See for Miles Lyrics
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 miles and miles and miles and miles and miles
If you think that I don’t know about the little tricks you’ve played
And never see you when you deliberately 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 miles and miles
I can see miles and miles
I can see miles and miles and miles and miles and miles
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 miles and miles
I can see miles and miles
I can see miles and miles and miles and miles and miles
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 miles and miles and miles and miles and miles
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 miles and miles
I can see miles and miles
I can see miles and miles and miles and miles and miles
and miles and miles and miles
I can see miles and miles
I Can See for Miles Lyrics Alternate
I know you fooled me, so here’s a surprise for you
I know that you did it because I have magic eyes
I see for miles, miles, miles, miles and miles
If you think I don’t know about your little pranks
And I don’t understand when you deliberately put spokes in my wheels …
So here’s a kick for you
You will suffocate from it
The smile will leave your face
After all, all this time…
I can see for miles
I see for miles
I see for miles, miles, miles, miles and miles
You took advantage of my trust in you when I was so far away
I’ve seen you hugging many other guys and now you dare to speak…
that you still want me
Well, maybe so
But you must pass the test
After all, all this time…
I can see for miles
I can see for miles
I see for miles, miles, miles, miles and miles
I know you fooled me, so here’s a surprise for you
I know that you did it because I have magic eyes
I see for miles, miles, miles, miles and miles
On clear days I can see the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal
You thought I’d need a crystal ball to see through the mist
So here’s a kick for you
You will suffocate from it
The smile will leave your face
After all, all this time…
I can see for miles
I see for miles
I see for miles, miles, miles, miles and miles
Miles, miles and miles
I see for miles
I Can See for Miles quotes
I lose my head when I hear this sound.
Pete Townshend, Rolling Stone
