Pete Townshend has made a film, Shown on WhoTV,
that shows how tricky it can be to work on music amongst a general domestic situation.
This lyric represents some aspects of that film, and uses direct quotes from Pete,
especially in the chorus.
But I guess, PT might not like the additions interposed, anymore than the direct quotes.
So don't forget to visit http://petetownshend.com and click on the little icon that says WhoTV
(a)The use of "Ol' Pete" refers not to age, but is more like "the same old me".
Perhaps a fix is to title it 'Good old Pete' ? I prefer "ol' " written as "ole"
but voting has it thus so far.
(b) Swapped to make nearly all of it first person, rather than swapping at the first chorus,
so the narrator's out of a job.
(c) Further adjusted for some timing.
The "< >" indicates a rest.
( but mostly it's based on fixed syllable count, rather than a short vs long syllable etc so its fairly crude. Also there is currently a verse which might need to go, as it's pace is a bit off.)
(d) In 2 cases, The is on a line before the verse. Its a little bit optional, but would overlap the prior bar
(e) Last lines may represent spoken/hanging comments and be deliberately out of pattern, although that can be annoying. Sorry, may hack them off later, or italicise when I'm in a formatting editor.
(f) When I work out how to do the Journal bit about this, I can split it up so it makes sense...
perhaps.
I'm ol' Pete, < >
feeling sick'ning,
percussion beating up my mind,
Watching films in private darkness,
headache stalls the daily grind.
Here is how to tinker drum fills
with TV screen harsh on the eyes
The headache shuts down useful thought
and tinnitus does it every time
Exercising some guitaring.
Echoes cross the studio. < >
will the next song,
please come rushing,
from the Ether. Musico. < >
(Chorus)
I'm not Ray High,
I'm not Roger,
I'm not a fan of the Who,
I'm not Jimmy,
I'm not Tommy,
I'm just ol' Pete,
and who knows who.
Delightful outside rainy day,
clear my desk so I can play, < >
chord and crib notes on display,
but no biography today. (no, no)
Blank page keeps on staring back
pick up blonde guitar and hack < >
recording room, stack, electronics
patching bay and eight track on it
backing tracks selected allright
re-tune strings so chords ring just right
(really that's about easier fretting
but rhymes like that are tougher getting)
I'm not Ray High,
I'm not Roger,
not a Who fan,
But I'm One,
I'm not Jimmy,
I'm not Tommy,
I'm just ol' Pete,
a story telling Man.
rock enrolling hall of fame,< >
introspection what a game < >
Have you seen the daily pain, < >
frequent stops to have a worry
then notes come inside a flurry
The
flow is stifled and so it goes
the headaches rack
the will to roll.
Percussion's noted
as the poison,
causing those blue eyes to tighten.
later springs a jamming session,
where the rhythm runs like lightnin'.
I'm not Ray High,
I'm not Roger,
not a Who fan,
But I'm Home,
I'm not Jimmy,
I'm not Tommy,
I'm just ol' Pete,
story telling done.
The
flow is stifled,
I'll accept no copy,
Reporters banned
for at least a time.
( Eventually, suppose I'll give in,
rattle on for quite a while).
Tried out my new strained voice, < >
unlike pure notes it sounds just hoarse.
Still natural to me, of course.
It fits the music like a greyhound,
runs along as I rehearse,
but I never catch the rabbit first
(not tempted by a rabid thirst)
There'll be more words fit in this verse
I'm not Ray High,
I'm not Roger,
not a Who fan,
But I'm One,
I'm not Jimmy,
I'm not Tommy,
I'm just ol' Pete,
the story is still going on.
Perhaps for a change, I will film this one.
