I Can See For Miles

No, I don't think that's right. In the song he's accusing his girlfriend of being decietful/cheating...that doesn't seem right that Pete would do that as a "warning" or whatever. I think it's just about a guy knowing that his significant other is cheating on him. Nothing extraordinary.

Another who song that seems to describe Townshend's failed issues with women. Had a relationship with a cheater, sounds like.

The drum work is easily top 10 all time for a single. It underachieved as a single, which is too bad. The US wasn't ready for a song like this, I guess. It is timeless, sounds good decades later.

What if they had used the Metric system? Thank God they hadn't! This song proves imperial system all the way!

It seems as if the woman cheated on him and resents it. but perhaps now hes giving her another chance and just watching her very closly or maybe its like OpinionHead said where its a promise that to his next lover he will be watch over her a lot because hes been cheated on before. I don't know that just what I get out of it...

I never understood why Pete loved this song so much until I realised it applied to someone I know. Once you start feeling that way about someone else, the song suddenly has so much more power.

The failure of the song to sell actually prompted Townshend to focus more on albums than singles, resulting in the masterpieces Tommy, Quadrophenia and (from Lifehouse) Who's Next.

I believe it's ironic and is about jealousy. He has these images of what his partner might do when he's away or not looking but he also knows it's probably his own jealous mind playing tricks on him. Ironic in the way that he can't see for miles...

don't be like I was folks ... for 40 years I just laughed without a second thought. Just give it 2 hours research ....

"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 ... 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 "

Ignore the girlfriend / other guys - that's misdirection for the masses - no this song is quiet literal and it's a message to "them" that Pete has it worked out -- the earth id flat folks - yep laugh if you want to but not before doing the two hours research -- it will blow your mind

This song was written by Pete Towshend for his future wife Karen. It was saying that even though he was away for long periods, he would always keep a watchful eye on her.

Both of your opinions make sense. Maybe it was about a woman other than Karen who cheated on Pete?

I think this song is about anybody whose been cheated on in the past and this is there promise to their next lover that he or she will watch the other an eagle eye. It seems to simple for a song meaning, but many songs have face value meanings.