Circles (The Who song)

"Circles" is a song written by Pete Townshend of The Who. It exists in several distinct versions, spanning the band's early career from 1965 to 1968. The song is notable for its multiple recordings and evolutions in arrangement and lyrical content, reflecting the band's experimental phase.

The initial version of "Circles" was recorded in 1965, intended as a follow-up single to "My Generation." This original version features a relatively straightforward, energetic performance characteristic of The Who's early sound.

A significantly different, more experimental version was recorded in 1966. This version, sometimes referred to as the "Instant Party" version, is characterized by its heavy use of phasing effects, unconventional song structure, and a generally more psychedelic sound. This version was part of the aborted "Instant Party" EP.

A later version, featuring re-recorded vocals, was included on the album Magic Bus: The Who on Tour in 1968. This rendition is perhaps the most widely known, benefiting from improved recording quality and a tighter, more polished performance compared to the earlier versions.

Lyrically, "Circles" explores themes of inevitability, cyclical patterns in life, and the feeling of being trapped or going nowhere. The recurring motif of "circles" symbolizes a sense of repetition and a lack of forward progress. The lyrics also touch upon themes of disillusionment and the search for meaning.