Pete Townshend's Writing

[LAURIWHO@aol.com]

In a message dated 6/3/98 1:43:26 AM, Mark Leaman wrote:

M>Laurie:
M>Not to disagree, but any good writer does...HAS to. If five people
M>witness an event, they will have five different stories...this MUST be
M>taken into account when describing something.

Yes there are as many sides to a story as witnesses but we were talking about
why Pete was inconclusive in his writing and I was pointing to the way that
*he* seems to view things differently at different times...and no I'm not in
his head...just going by his lyrics and interviews...and my perceptions.  The
many facets of Pete's writings is not a MUST it is a result of the man's
genius!

M>You may be right on target about PT's indecisiveness...although from the
M>"outside," it appears more that he makes up his mind (and makes
M>statements about it as if it's the most important information in
M>history), then changes his mind (and makes statements about THAT etc.).

Sounds like indecisiveness to me :) Well put!!  He does make it sound like the
most important info.... 'cause it is ;)

    > "Nothing is Everything, Everything is Nothing is",

M>This, at least, should be credited to Meher Baba...not Pete.
 
Ok... but Pete saw fit to incorporate it into a song that is meaningful to me
and an example of his use of contradiction.  

	> I relate to Pete's writings because I think it shows his humanness,
	> his confusion, his weakness.

M>I find it interesting how many women are attracted to weakness even as
M>others are to strength in a man. However, the fact that Pete is willing
M>to show his "white underbelly" is definitely one thing that makes his
M>writing more interesting.

Many people(and I won't be sexist and say men but ...) put on a façade of
strength when in fact they are the most insecure and weak.  Being aware and
honest about those weaknesses is truly the sign of a REAL person.  So, I'm not
necessarily attracted to weakness as much as I am to honesty and sincerity of
feelings.  Being in touch with emotions and not being afraid to share them is
the turn on!

	> I think Pete, being the genius that he is, leaves open doors for the
audience
	> to surmise meaning for themselves.

M>Yes, and I appreciate that too. Those who prefer their stories all
M>worked out neat and nice are fans of OTHER bands...no names
M.neccessary...

LOL.... we definately don't like it nice and neat!!  We like it how?....
Obscure and Oblique.....  meaningful and LOUD!..... 

	> Then of course he denies any hidden meaning in the things he's saying....
:)

M>Don't they all? Perhaps Pete is emulating his inspiration Dylan here. It
M>also absolves him from all responsibility, which I've noticed he tends
M>to seek.

Absolutely true! Pete wants no responsibility, it seems.  But on the other
hand recognizes how very influential he can be.
	
	> I can understand that Pete might not be able
	> to deal with the fact that his life will end... not exactly my favorite
	> thought.

M>Right, but one every adult must face. At some point.

at some point....

M>However, it is symbolic enough...especially in regard to `60's
M>attitudes. You have Tommy, the "hippie" (eternal optimist who can show
M>the world the greatness he's discovered) and the rest of the characters
M>real life beating him to the ground.

Nicely said.  Life, An Amazing Journey....  

M>Now it may be odd, but for me...hearing the album in 1973...I knew
M>nothing of Mod, other than the incorrect definition of a fashion...but I
M>completely identified with the story, because the then-current youth
M>movement was similar enough.

I was only ten... didnt have much teen-aged angst then :)

M>Sure...they are the emotions other songwriters weren't mentioning. Pete
M>never minded revealing the things not talked about, be it masturbation
M>or encroaching alcoholism. I mean...what other songwriter would have the
M>balls to write: "It's clear to all my friends that I'm truly a liar..."?

must correct :).... "It's clear to all my friends that I habitually lie."
Pete is a Coolwalkingsmoothtalkingstraightsmokingfirestoking kind of man!!
The finest kind!

LauriWho

"You at home can easily decide what's right, by glancing very briefly at the
songs I write" PT

"Don't listen to the words I say, weighing up if I'm enlightened, Don't shiver
as you pass me by, 'cause mister I'm the one who's frightened" PT