About the song
Background
- Origin: The song is a central part of The Who’s groundbreaking rock opera Tommy (1969).
- Inspiration: Pete Townshend drew inspiration from real-life pinball champion Roger Sharpe, and Nik Cohn, rock critic and Tommy’s creator for the album’s concept story.
- Musicality: While still driven by The Who’s signature power chords and Keith Moon’s wild drumming, the song has a surprising acoustic guitar opening and showcases different musical textures throughout.
Themes
- Overcoming Adversity: The main character, Tommy, is a deaf, dumb, and blind boy who finds an escape and becomes a master at pinball, symbolically overcoming his disabilities.
- Fame and Stardom: Pinball Wizard depicts the fleetingness of fame and the potential for exploitation. Tommy, despite his talent, is used by others for financial gain.
- Sensory Deprivation & Connection: While Tommy is physically isolated, his victory in pinball suggests a triumph of inner awareness and his ability to find a space to succeed despite his limitations.
Overall
“Pinball Wizard” is more than just a catchy song. It’s a pivotal point in the Tommy narrative about a character finding a unique way to thrive against seemingly impossible odds. The music and lyrics cleverly evoke the chaos and excitement of a pinball machine itself.
Video
Lyrics
Ever since I was a young boyI’ve played the silver ballFrom Soho down to BrightonI must have played ’em allBut I ain’t seen nothing like himIn any amusement hallThat deaf, dumb and blind kidSure plays a mean pinball
He stands like a statueBecomes part of the machineFeeling all the bumpersAlways playing cleanHe plays by intuitionThe digit counters fallThat deaf, dumb and blind kidSure plays a mean pinball
He’s a pinball wizardThere has got to be a twistA pinball wizard’sGot such a supple wrist
How do you think he does it? I don’t knowWhat makes him so good?
Ain’t got no distractionsCan’t hear no buzzers and bellsDon’t see no lights a-flashin’Plays by sense of smellAlways gets a replayNever seen him fallThat deaf, dumb and blind kidSure plays a mean pinball
I thought I wasThe Bally table kingBut I just handedMy pinball crown to him
Even on my favorite tableHe can beat my bestHis disciples lead him inAnd he just does the restHe’s got crazy flipper fingersNever seen him fallThat deaf, dumb and blind kidSure plays a mean pinball