Lyrics for singles by The Who

Long Live Rock
After the Fire



Long Live Rock

Down at the Astoria the scene was changing
Bingo and rock were pushing out x-rating
We were the first band to vomit at the bar
And find the distance to the stage too far
Meanwhile it's getting late at ten o'clock
"Rock is dead" they say
Long live rock

Long live rock! I need it every night
Long live rock! Come on and join the line
Long live rock! Be it dead or alive

People walk in sideways pretending that they're leaving
We put on our makeup and work out all the lead-ins
Jack is in the alley selling tickets made in Hong Kong
Promoter's in the pay box wondering where the band's gone
Back in the pub the governor stops the clock
"Rock is dead" they say
Long live rock

[chorus]

Landslide
Rocks are falling
Falling down upon our very heads
We tried but you were yawning
Look again
Rock is dead
Rock is dead
Rock is dead

The place is really jumping to the high watt amps
'Til a twenty inch cymbal fell and cut the lamps
In the blackout they danced right into the aisle
And as the doors fly open even the promoter smiles
Someone takes his pants off and the rafters knock
"Rock is dead" they say
Long live rock

[chorus]




After the Fire

After the fire, the fire still burns
The heart grows older but never ever learns
The memories smoulder and the soul always yearns
After the fire . . . the fire still burns

I heard a voice asking "What happens after the fire?"
And then the sound of a breaking window and the scream of a tire
And then the sound of a distant gun and the cry of a hungry child
The night is hot
But nothing's gonna stop
This gang going wild

[chorus]

I saw Matt Dillon in black and white there ain't no colour in memories
He rode his brother's Harley across the TV while I was laughing at Dom deLuise
Now I'm cycling all my video tapes, I'm crying and I'm joking
I've gotta stop drinking
I've gotta stop thinking
I've gotta stop smoking

[chorus]

The fire still burns, raging through the pain
Blackening the promises the tears and the rain
The fire will burn
'Til the wind begins to turn
And it all begins again

[chorus]