How Smokey Robinson Inspired a Who Song

Tracks of My Tears In Who Are You: The Life of Pete Townshend, author Mark Wilkerson recounts how Pete Townshend came to write “Substitute” for The Who. Musically, Townshend was inspired to write the song after hearing a rough mix of “19th Nervous Breakdown” by The Rolling Stones. But lyrically, he came up with the title word because of the way Smokey Robinson sang the word in “The Tracks of My Tears.”

The Miracles released “The Tracks of My Tears” as a single in 1965. In one of the verses of the song — which was written by group members Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarpli — Smokey Robinson sings:

“Since you left me if you see me with another girl,
Looking like I’m having fun;
Although she may be cute, she’s just a substitute,
‘Cause you’re the permanent one.”

The song made a big impression on Townshend. In a 1987 interview, Townshend explained that “The Tracks of My Tears” was his favorite song of all time.

Bur more than that, when Townshend heard the song back in 1965, he could not help focusing on the way that Robinson sang one word. “Smokey Robinson sang the word “Substitute” so perfectly,” he later explained, “that I decided to celebrate the word with a song all its own.” So, he sat down and wrote “Substitute” for The Who “very quickly.”

Townshend also explained that when he wrote “Substitute,” he merely wrote it as a play on words. But the song and lyrics went on to have a life of their own, becoming one of the Who’s most quoted lyrics as listeners found a deeper meaning in the song. Without revealing much, Townshend also explained that the song came to have a deeper meaning for him over the years too.

“The Tracks of My Tears” is not the only song that influenced “Substitute.” Townshend also noted that he took the riff from a song called “Where Is My Girl?” by Robb Storme & the Whispers. Townshend said that although “Where Is My Girl?” was not a hit, it had an “electrifying riff” and he “pinched it.” You may hear “Where Is My Girl?” below, and you may be tempted to sing “Substitute” over it.

One year after The Miracles released “The Tracks of My Tears,” The Who released “Substitute” as a single in 1966, and it would later appear on the compilation album Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy (1971).

Although “Substitute” only made it to number five on the UK charts, it continues to be a fan favorite through the years. Like “The Tracks of My Tears,” The Who’s song often appears on lists of greatest songs of the era.

And that is the story behind the song.

Leave your two cents in the comments.

  • The Groundbreaking Rock and Roll Movie, “The T.A.M.I. Show”
  • Who Are You . . . Pete Townshend?
  • What Is the Murder Ballad That Holly Hunter Sings to Nathan Jr. in “Raising Arizona”?
  • Who Sang “Change in My Life” In the Steve Martin Movie “Leap of Faith”?
  • “Last Train to Clarksville” as a Protest Song?
  • How Farah Fawcett Inspired “Midnight Train to Georgia”
  • (Some related Chimesfreedom posts.)

    The Groundbreaking Rock and Roll Movie, “The T.A.M.I. Show”

    TAMI Show

    On December 31, 1964, American International Pictures released The T.A.M.I. Show in theaters as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” This early rock concert film gave rock and roll fans a snapshot of some of the biggest bands of the time and was groundbreaking.

    “T.A.M.I.” stands for “Teenage Awards Music International,” although some promotional materials also used “Teen Age Music International.” But the important part of The T.A.M.I. Show is the music, filmed from the standpoint of the audience.  The technique made viewers feel like they were at the show recorded at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on October 28 and 29, 1964.

    Below is the trailer for the film.

    The general consensus is that James Brown gives his greatest filmed performance here, an outstanding display of passion and performing experience that made the Rolling Stones regret they had to follow him. But there are other highlights throughout the concert, including the 18-year-old Lesley Gore and a surprisingly loose performance by The Beach Boys.

    Although producer Bill Sargent lost the rights to the film and it disappeared for decades, it is now available for your viewing on DVD (with extras) and with various performances on YouTube.  Below, James Brown performs “Please, Please, Please.”

    Performers include Jan and Dean (over the credits), Chuck Berry, Gerry & the Pacemakers, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, Lesley Gore, The Beach Boys, Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas, The Supremes, The Barbarians, James Brown and The Famous Flames, and The Rolling Stones.

    Artists are still making great music today, but it is hard to imagine people agreeing on so many great performers in one film now. So, travel back to another time, and check out the Rolling Stones closing the show, joined by others on the stage.

    Some trivia tidbits: The opening credits list The Blossoms with the performers, but they are not introduced when they appear as the backing singers for Marvin Gaye (or when later they appear to encourage James Brown to return to the stage). The Blossoms were used to not getting credit, having recorded the 1962 hit “He’s a Rebel” without credit.

    Also, future actress Teri Garr and future recording star Toni Basil appear as background dancers in the film, and singer Glen Campbell and musician Leon Russell played in the show’s backing band, The Wrecking Crew. Reportedly, filmmaker John Landis and future Partridge Family star David Cassidy, who were seventh grade classmates at the time, were in the audience for the show.

    What are your favorite parts of The T.A.M.I. Show? Leave your two cents in the comments.

  • Song of the Day: “You Don’t Own Me”
  • Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Ain’t No Valley Low Enough
  • James Brown Records Live at the Apollo: Oct. 24, 1962
  • How Smokey Robinson Inspired a Who Song
  • Who Had a Hit with “He’s a Rebel”?
  • The Big Chill Released in 1983
  • (Some related Chimesfreedom posts.)