Tommy (1975) - full transcript
Nora Walker is told that her British fighter pilot husband is missing in action and presumed killed in World War II. On V.E. Day, Nora gives birth to their son, who she names Tommy. While Tommy is an adolescent, Nora marries Frank, a shifty camp counselor. Shortly thereafter, Tommy suffers an emotionally traumatic experience associated with his father and step-father, which, based on things told to him at that time, results in him becoming deaf, dumb and blind, a situation which several people exploit for their own pleasure. As Nora tries several things to bring Tommy out of his psychosomatic disabilities, Tommy, now a young man, happens upon pinball as a stimulus. Playing by intuition, Tommy becomes a pinball master, which in turn makes him, and by association Nora and Frank, rich and famous. Nora literally shatters Tommy to his awakening, which ultimately leads to both the family's rise and downfall as people initially try to emulate Tommy's path then rebel against it.
Captain Walker didn't come home
His unborn child will never know him
He's believed to be missing
With a number of men
Don't expect to see him again
It's a boy, Mrs. Walker
It's a boy
It's a boy, Mrs. Walker
It's a boy
A son
A son
A son
Hear the joyful celebrations
In the streets
It's a boy born
On this first day of peace
We've won
A son
We've won
I'm your friendly green coat
And I welcome you to
Bernie's Holiday Camp
One day and you'll be happy
It's Bernie you will thank
You must be little Tommy
Well, call me Uncle Frank
- Welcome you too, Mrs. Walker
- Did you know I had an Uncle Frank?
- You'll always find a helping hand
- I've never met him
Lookie, Mom, a cage of budgies
Swimming pool and donkey rides
- Oh, please
- A camp with the extras
I'm in Chateau Number 11
-it's all free, Morn
- When you come to Bernie's
You might think you're in heaven
Here we have the winner, folks
Have you ever seen a lovelier pair?
What a shapely ankle
What a perfect shin
If you could feel this silken thigh
You'd know who has to win
If you could feel this silken thigh
You'd know
You don't know
How much I've missed
To feel a man again
To dance, to kiss
Your eyes reveal you're lonely
This evening must pass slowly
Until we're one
My heart won't rest
Will Tommy share our happiness?
- Of course he will I'll make him smile
- You don't know
- I'll take him out to cinemas and fairs
- How much I've missed
To feel a man again
To dance, to kiss
Football and cricket
Never been a happier lad
I'll be more than an uncle
I'll be just like a dad
I will be a green coat too
And when I'm big
I'll own a holiday camp
A camp with a difference
Always be good weather
When you come to Tommy's
The holiday's forever
I'm glad you like your Uncle Frank
He'll surely love you too
Just like a dad
He's very nice, I think
Did he fight in the war?
- When he's got his green coat on
- When he's got his green coat on
- I love him even more
- I love him even more
Got a feeling '51 's
Going to be a good year
Especially if you and me
See it out together
So you think that '51
ls gonna be a good year
We'll marry now
And see it out together
I have no reason
To be overoptimistic
But somehow when you smile
I can brave bad weather
What about the boy?
What about the boy?
What about the boy?
He saw it all
You didn't hear it
You didn't see it
You won't say nothin' to no one
Ever in your life
You never heard it
How absurd it all seems
Without any proof
You didn't hear it
You didn't see it
You won't say nothin' to no one
Ever in your life
You never heard it
How absurd it all seems
Without any proof
You didn't hear it
You didn't see it
You never heard it
Not a word of it
You won't say nothin' to no one
Never tell a soul
What you know is the truth
Now he is deaf
Now he is dumb
Now he is blind
The guilty are safe
But always accused
By his empty eyes
Nothing to say
Nothing to hear
And nothing to see
Each sensation makes a note
In his symphony
Sickness will surely take the mind
Where minds can't usually go
Come on the amazing journey
And learn all you should know
A vague haze of delirium
Creeps up on him
Soaring and flying images spin
He is your leader
He is your guide
On the amazing journey
Together you'll ride
Sickness will surely take the mind
Where minds can't usually go
Come on the amazing journey
And learn all you should know
His eyes are the eyes
That transmit all they know
The truth burns so bright
It can melt winter snow
A towering shadow
So black and so high
A white sun burning
The Earth and the sky
Tommy.
Did you ever see the faces
Of the children?
They get so excited
Waking up on Christmas morning
Hours before
The winter's sun's ignited
They believe in dreams
And all they mean
Including heaven's generosity
Peeping 'round the door to see
What parcels are for free
In curiosity
And Tommy doesn't know
What day it is
He doesn't know who Jesus was
Or what praying is
How can he be saved
From the eternal grave?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
- Can you--? Can you hear me?
- Tommy, can you hear me?
How can he be saved?
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
How can he be saved?
Surrounded by his friends
He sits so silently
And unaware of anything
Crazy-eyed he picks his nose
He smiles, he cries
He pokes his tongue at everything
I believe in love
But how can men who've never
Seen light be enlightened?
Only if he's cured
Will his spirit's future level
Ever heighten
And Tommy doesn't know
What day it is
He doesn't know who Jesus was
Or what praying is
How can he be saved
From the eternal grave?
You talk about your woman
I wish you could see mine
You talk about your woman
I wish you could see mine
Every time she starts to love
She brings eyesight to the blind
Oh, yeah
You know,
Her daddy gave her magic
I can tell by the way she walks
You know,
Her daddy gave her magic
I can tell by the way she walks
Every time she starts to shake
The dumb begin to talk
Talk, talk, talk
She's got the power to heal you
Never fear
She has got the power to heal you
Never fear
Just one word from her lips
And the deaf can hear
She's got the power to heal you
Never fear
She's got the power to heal you
Never fear
One word from her lips
And the deaf can hear
Yeah
If your child
Ain't all he should be now
This girl will put him right
I'll show him
What he could be now
Just give me one night
I'm the Gypsy
The Acid Queen
Pay me before I start
I'm the Gypsy
And I'm guaranteed
To mend his aching heart
Give us a room
Close the door
Leave us for a while
You won't be a boy no more
Young but not a child
'Cause I'm the Gypsy
The Acid Queen
Pay me before I start
The Gypsy
I'm guaranteed
To tear your soul apart
Gather your wits
And hold on fast
Your mind must learn to roam
Just as the Gypsy Queen must do
You're gonna hit the road
My work's begun
Now look at him
He's never been more alive
His head it shakes
His fingers clutch
Watch his body writhe
I'm the Gypsy
The Acid Queen
Pay me before I start
I'm the Gypsy
I'm guaranteed
To break your little heart
If your child
Ain't all he should be now
This girl will put him right
I'll show him
What he could be now
Just give me one more night
I'm the Gypsy
The Acid Queen
Pay me before I start
I'm the Gypsy
I'm guaranteed
To tear his soul apart
Do you think it's all right
To leave the boy
With Cousin Kevin?
Do you think it's all right?
There's something 'bout him
I don't really like
Do you think it's all right?
I think it's all right
Yes, I think it's all right
We're on our own, cousin
All alone, cousin
Let's think of a game to play
Now the grownups
Have all gone away
You won't be much fun
Being blind, deaf and dumb
But I've no one to play with today
Do you know how to play
Hide-and-seek?
To find me
It would take you a week
But tied to that chair
You won't go anywhere
There's a lot I can do to a freak
How would you feel
If I turned on the bath?
Ducked your head under
And started to laugh?
Maybe a cigarette burn
On your arm
Would change your expression
To one of alarm
I'm the school bully
The classroom cheat
The nastiest play friend
You ever could meet
I'll put glass in your dinner
And spikes in your seat
I'll drag you around
By a lock of your hair
And give you a push
At the top of the stairs
What would you do
If I shut you outside
To stand in the rain
And catch cold so you die
I'm the school bully
The classroom cheat
The nastiest play friend
You ever could meet
I'll stick pins in your fingers
And tread on your feet
We're on our own, cousin
All alone, cousin
We've thought of
Some nice games to play
While the grownups
Had all gone away
You weren't too much fun
'Cause you're blind, deaf and dumb
But I'd no one to play with today
Do you think it's all right
To leave the boy with Uncle Ernie?
Do you think it's all right?
He's had a few too many tonight
Do you think it's all right?
Yes, I think it's all right
Yes, I think it's all right
I'm your wicked Uncle Ernie
I'm glad you won't see or hear me
As I fiddle about, fiddle about,
Fiddle about
Your mother left me here
To mind you
And I'm doing exactly
What I bleedin' well want to
Fiddling about, fiddling about,
Fiddle about
Down with your bedclothes
Up with your nightshirt
Fiddle about, fiddle about,
Fiddle about
You won't shite as I fiddle abite
Fiddle abite, fiddle abite
Fiddle abite
Do you think it's all right
Leaving Tommy by the mirror?
You would think he had sight
Been staring half the night
Do you think it's all right?
I think it's all right
Yes, I think it's all right
Extra, extra
Pinball bonanza
Deaf, dumb and blind kid
Makes the big game
Saturday, the final
He faces the champ
Extra, extra
Pinball, big time
A million in hand
You can rule the world
From a yacht in the bay
Champagne flowing
You're a popular man
Pinball, let's play
Tommy keeps on winning
He's a millionaire
Mama's got a brand-new Cadillac
Hurry to the show
We're nearly on the air
Extra, extra
Ever since I was a young boy
I played the silver ball
From Soho down to Brighton
I must have played them all
But I ain't seen nothin' like him
In any amusement hall
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball
He stands like a statue
Becomes part of the machine
Feelin' all the bumpers
Always playin' clean
He plays by intuition
The digit counters fall
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball
He's a pinball wizard
There has to be a twist
A pinball wizard
Got such a supple wrist
- How do you think he does it?
- I don't know
What makes him so good?
Well, he ain't got no distractions
Can't hear no buzzers and bells
Don't see lights a-flashing
He plays by sense of smell
Always has a replay
Never tilts at all
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball
He can't beat me now
I've always been the champ
I know every trick
No freak's gonna beat my hand
Even on my usual table
He can beat the best
His disciples lead him in
And he just does the rest
He's got crazy flipper fingers
I've never seen him fall
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball
He's a pinball wizard
There has to be a twist
A pinball wizard
Got such a supple wrist
He's a pinball wizard
He scores a trillion more
A pinball wizard
The world's new pinball lord
He's scoring more
He's scoring more
I thought I was
The Bally table king
But I just handed
My pinball crown to him
To him
To him
Take one lady totally demanding
Join the banquet
At her commanding
Eat no fat and eat no lean
Eat Rex Beans
Fit for a queen
Eat no fat and eat no lean
Eat Rex Beans
Fit for a queen
Today it rains champagne
A son was born again
A genius untamed
A life of wealth and fame
Wealth and fame
Champagne flowing down
Just like rain
Caviar breakfasts every day
Merchant banks
And yachts at Cannes
Servants and cars
And private sand
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
Heal me
They flock in, thousands strong
We'll just play along
A million in reserve
For a love
A just deserve
Just deserve
Francs and dollars
And peacock's wings
Sequined gowns
And birds that sing
Private planes
And fishing lakes
Bigger crowds
And bigger, bigger, bigger takes
But what's it all worth?
What's it all worth
When my son is blind?
He can't hear the music
Nor enjoy what I'm buying
His life is worthless
Affecting mine
Pd Pay any price
To drive his plight
From my mind
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
There's a man I've found
Could bring us all joy
There's a doctor I've found
Can cure the boy
A doctor I've found
Can cure the boy
There's a man I've found
Could remove his sorrow
He lives in this town
Let's see him tomorrow
Let's see him tomorrow
He seems to be
Completely unreceptive
The tests I gave him showed
No sense at all
His eyes react to light
The dial's detected
He hears but cannot answer
To your call
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
There is no chance
No untried operation
All hope lies with him
And none with me
Imagine, though, the shock
From isolation
When he suddenly can hear
And speak and see
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
His eyes can see
His ears can hear, his lips speak
All the time
The needles flick and rock
No machine can give
The kind of stimulation
Needed to remove his inner block
I often wonder
What it is he's feeling
Has he ever heard a word I've said
Look at him now
In the mirror, dreaming
- What is happening in his head?
- What is happening in his head?
- What is happening in his head?
- What is happening in his head?
- I wish I knew
- I wish I knew
- I wish I knew
- I wish I knew
Tommy, can you see me?
Can I hope to cheer you?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Can you feel me near you?
Oh, Tommy?
Tommy?
Tommy?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Can you feel me near you?
Oh, Tommy, can you see me?
Can I help to cheer you?
Oh, Tommy
Tommy
Tommy
Tommy?
Tommy
Tommy
Tommy
Tommy
Tommy
You don't answer my call
With even a nod or a twitch
But you gaze at your own reflection
You don't seem to see me
But I think you can see yourself
How can the mirror affect you?
Can you hear me
Or do I surmise
That you fear me
Can you feel my temper rise
Rise, rise, rise
Rise, rise, rise
Rise, rise, rise
Rise, rise, rise
Do you hear or fear or
Do I smash the mirror?
Do you hear or fear or
Do I smash the mirror?
I'm free
I'm free
And freedom
Tastes of reality
I'm free
I'm free
And I'm waiting
For you to follow me
If I told you what it takes
To reach the highest high
You'd laugh and say
Nothing's that simple
But you've been told
Many times before
Messiah's pointed to the door
No one had the guts
To leave the temple
I'm free
I'm free
And I'm waiting
For you to follow me
I'm free
I'm free
And I'm waiting
For you to follow me
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy?
Tommy?
Tommy?
Tommy?
Mother
Father
Touch me
Feel me
Who am I?
Where did I come from?
Have you known me?
Have you seen me?
Mother
You're a hero
You are famous
You're a champion of the young
You are rich
But it's so absurd to try
To explain all the things
You've done
You're adored and you're loved
Thousands watch you play
Pinball
It's a fever
And you're the master of the game
And now that you're whole
You'll be champion
Of their very souls
Yes, I'm healed
Delivered from silent darkness
No more locked doors
Or stifled screams
Pinball
What I see now before me
ls far beyond a game
Beyond your wildest dreams
Those who love me
Have a higher path to follow now
And you, dear Mother too
Must be prepared
Extra, extra, read all about it
The pinball wizard
In a miracle cure
Extra, extra, read all about it
Extra, extra
Right now, right now
Story and pictures
Pinball bonanza
A mother's joy
World tours, show times
Lessons and lectures
Extra, extra
Outside the house
Mr. Simpson announced
That Sally couldn't go
To the meeting
He went on cleaning
His black Rolls-Royce
She ran inside weeping
She got to her room
And tears splashed the picture
Of the new Messiah
She picked up a book
Of her father's life
And threw it on the fire
She knew from the start
Deep down in her heart
She and Tommy were worlds apart
But her mother said never mind
Your part is to be
What you'll be
The theme of the sermon was
Come unto me
Love will find a way
So Sally decided to ignore her dad
And sneak out anyway
She spent all afternoon
Getting ready
Decided she'd try to touch him
Maybe he'd see that she was free
And talk to her this Sunday
She knew from the start
Deep down in her heart
She and Tommy were worlds apart
But her mother said never mind
Your part is to be
What you'll be
She arrived at 6
And the place was swinging
To gospel music by 9
Group after group appeared
On the stage
But Sally just sat there sighing
She bit her nails
Looking pretty as a picture
Right in the very front row
And then one of the faithful
Came on-stage
- And shouted:
- Here we go!
The crowd went crazy
As Tommy hit the stage
Little Sally got lost
As the police bossed
The crowd back in a rage
Your happy welcome is like a favor
I must now return
The darkness of
My childhood passed
And flames of love now burn
The pinball game I play so well
Reflects a way of life
This meeting is just another game
Let's play to win tonight
She knew from the start
Deep down in her heart
She and Tommy were worlds apart
But her mother said never mind
Your part is to be
What you'll be
Her cheek hit a chair
And blood trickled down
Mingling with her tears
Try to walk the path I walk
Never mind the pain and fear
Each one of you has freedom
In your heart without my grace
Let me see you raise your hands
See joy upon your face
The crowd went crazy
As Tommy left the stage
Little Sally was lost
For the price of a touch
A gash across her face
Her pretty face
Sixteen stitches put her right
And her dad said
Don't say I didn't warn ya
Sally got married
To a rock musician
Who came from California
Tommy always talks about the day
The disciples all went wild
Sally still carries the scar
On her cheek
To remind her of his smile
She knew from the start
Deep down in her heart
She and Tommy were worlds apart
But her mother said never mind
Your part is to be
What you'll be
While Tommy flies
The world is turning
Life goes on for you and me
Our chief concern
ls money-earning
Why can't someone set us free?
Can't you feel him?
Can't you feel him?
Can't you feel him?
Can't you feel him?
You'll feel me coming
A new vibration
From afar you'll see me
I'm a sensation
I'm a sensation
I overwhelm as I approach you
Make your lungs hold breath inside
Grounded angels
Your wings are broken
Time to mend and learn to fly
They worship me and all I touch
Hazy-eyed
They catch my glance
Pleasant shudders
Shake their senses
My warm momentum
Throws their stance
You'll feel me coming
A new vibration
From afar you'll see me
I'm a sensation
I'm a sensation
Soon you'll see me
Can't you feel me, I'm coming
Send your troubles dancing
I know the answer
I'm coming
I'm coming
I'm a sensation
You'll feel me coming
A new vibration
From afar you'll see me
I'm a sensation
I'm a sensation
I leave a trail of rooted people
Mesmerized by just the sight
The few I touched
Now are disciples
Love as one
I am the light
I am the light
Come to my house
Be one of the comfortable people
Come to this house
We're drinking all night
Never sleeping
Milkman coming
And you, baker
Little old lady, welcome
And you, shoemaker
Come to this house
Into this house
- Come to this house
- Come to this house
- Be one of us
- Be one of us
- Make this your house
- Make this your house
- Be one of us
- Be one of us
You can help
To collect some more in
Young and old people
Let's get them all in
Come to this house
Into this house
Ask along that man
With the big, red carnation
Bring every single person
From Victoria Station
Go into a hospital
And bring the nurses and patients
Everyone go home
And fetch their relations
Come to this house
Be one of the comfortable people
Lovely, bright home
We're drinking all night
Never sleeping
Hold on, Tommy.
There's more at the door.
They'll come through the floor.
There's more at the door
There's more at the door
There's more at the door
There's more at the door
There's more at the door
There's more at the door
There's more at the door
There's more
We need more room
Build an extension
A colorful palace
Spare no expense, now
Come to me now
Come to me now
Welcome.
Welcome.
Welcome.
He'll raise
Your weary spirits high
My son will teach
Your silent hearts
To talk
Every home will have his picture
Pilgrims all will touch his hand
Pinball tables
Gold and silver
Altars to the master's plan
Rio, Paris
New York, London
Moscow, Peking, Tokyo
The world!
A Tommy camp in every city
Millions flocking in like sheep
What they want ain't cheap
It's a pity
But who am I
To upset their dreams?
Good morning, converts.
I'm your brother Ernie...
...and I welcome you
to Tommy's Holiday Camp.
The camp with the difference.
Never mind the weather.
When you come to Tommy's...
...the holiday's forever.
Welcome.
Get your Tommy T-shirts
and your stickers...
...and your Tommy mirrors
to smash!
Don't rush. Keep steady.
Have your money ready.
Buy your way to heaven.
That comes to one pound, seven.
Bless your heart.
Buy his shades and earplugs here.
Keep in line.
I've got a huge supply.
Get your Tommy records.
You can really hear him talk.
Tommy pics and badges,
half a nicker for the cork.
Keep in line, playmates!
You lucky people!
The camp with the difference,
so never mind the weather.
When you come to Tommy's,
the holiday's forever.
These pricey deals don't teach us
Your freedom doesn't reach us
Enlightenment escapes us
Awareness doesn't shape us
How can all this trivia
Take us to the goal you reached?
We came here to be like you
And find the world you've reached
These pricey deals don't teach us
Your freedom doesn't reach us
Enlightenment escapes us
Awareness doesn't shape us
How can all this trivia
Take us to the goal you reached?
We came here to be like you
And find the world you've reached
Welcome to the camp
I guess you all know
Why we're here
My name is Tommy
And I became aware this year
If you want to follow me
You've got to play pinball
And put in your earplugs
Put on your eyeshades
You know where to put the cork
Hey, you, gettin' drunk
So sorry
I got you sussed
Hey, you, smokin' mother nature
You missed the bus
Hey, old hung-up Mr. Normal
Don't try to gain my trust
'Cause you ain't gonna follow me
Any of those ways
Although you think you must
Now you can't hear me
Your ears are truly sealed
You can't speak either
'Cause your mouth is filled
You can't see nothin'
And pinball completes the scene
Here come willing helpers
To guide you to
Your very own machine
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
Never did and never will
We don't have to take it
Gonna break it
Gonna shake it
Let's forget it better still
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
Never did and never will
Don't want no religion
And as far as we can tell
We ain't gonna take you
Never did and never will
We're not gonna take you
We forsake you
Gonna break you
Let's forget you
Better still
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Hear me
See me
Feel me
Hear me
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Hear me
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Hear me
Hear me
Listening to you
I get the music
Gazing at you
I get the heat
Following you
I climb the mountain
I get excitement at your feet
Right behind you
I see the millions
On you
I see the glory
From you
I get opinions
From you
I get the story
Listening to you
I get the music
Gazing at you
I get the heat
Following you
I climb the mountain
I get excitement
At your feet
Oh, right behind you
I see the millions
On you, I see the glory
From you, I get opinions
From you, I get the story
Listening to you
I get the music
Gazing at you
I get the heat
Following you
I climb the mountain
I get excitement at your feet
Right behind you
I see the millions
On you, I see the glory
From you, I get opinions
From you, I get the story
Oh, listening to you
I get the music
Gazing at you
I get the heat
Following you
I climb the mountain
I get excitement at your feet
Right behind you
I see the millions
On you, I see the glory
From you, I get opinions
From you, I get the story
Listening to you
His unborn child will never know him
He's believed to be missing
With a number of men
Don't expect to see him again
It's a boy, Mrs. Walker
It's a boy
It's a boy, Mrs. Walker
It's a boy
A son
A son
A son
Hear the joyful celebrations
In the streets
It's a boy born
On this first day of peace
We've won
A son
We've won
I'm your friendly green coat
And I welcome you to
Bernie's Holiday Camp
One day and you'll be happy
It's Bernie you will thank
You must be little Tommy
Well, call me Uncle Frank
- Welcome you too, Mrs. Walker
- Did you know I had an Uncle Frank?
- You'll always find a helping hand
- I've never met him
Lookie, Mom, a cage of budgies
Swimming pool and donkey rides
- Oh, please
- A camp with the extras
I'm in Chateau Number 11
-it's all free, Morn
- When you come to Bernie's
You might think you're in heaven
Here we have the winner, folks
Have you ever seen a lovelier pair?
What a shapely ankle
What a perfect shin
If you could feel this silken thigh
You'd know who has to win
If you could feel this silken thigh
You'd know
You don't know
How much I've missed
To feel a man again
To dance, to kiss
Your eyes reveal you're lonely
This evening must pass slowly
Until we're one
My heart won't rest
Will Tommy share our happiness?
- Of course he will I'll make him smile
- You don't know
- I'll take him out to cinemas and fairs
- How much I've missed
To feel a man again
To dance, to kiss
Football and cricket
Never been a happier lad
I'll be more than an uncle
I'll be just like a dad
I will be a green coat too
And when I'm big
I'll own a holiday camp
A camp with a difference
Always be good weather
When you come to Tommy's
The holiday's forever
I'm glad you like your Uncle Frank
He'll surely love you too
Just like a dad
He's very nice, I think
Did he fight in the war?
- When he's got his green coat on
- When he's got his green coat on
- I love him even more
- I love him even more
Got a feeling '51 's
Going to be a good year
Especially if you and me
See it out together
So you think that '51
ls gonna be a good year
We'll marry now
And see it out together
I have no reason
To be overoptimistic
But somehow when you smile
I can brave bad weather
What about the boy?
What about the boy?
What about the boy?
He saw it all
You didn't hear it
You didn't see it
You won't say nothin' to no one
Ever in your life
You never heard it
How absurd it all seems
Without any proof
You didn't hear it
You didn't see it
You won't say nothin' to no one
Ever in your life
You never heard it
How absurd it all seems
Without any proof
You didn't hear it
You didn't see it
You never heard it
Not a word of it
You won't say nothin' to no one
Never tell a soul
What you know is the truth
Now he is deaf
Now he is dumb
Now he is blind
The guilty are safe
But always accused
By his empty eyes
Nothing to say
Nothing to hear
And nothing to see
Each sensation makes a note
In his symphony
Sickness will surely take the mind
Where minds can't usually go
Come on the amazing journey
And learn all you should know
A vague haze of delirium
Creeps up on him
Soaring and flying images spin
He is your leader
He is your guide
On the amazing journey
Together you'll ride
Sickness will surely take the mind
Where minds can't usually go
Come on the amazing journey
And learn all you should know
His eyes are the eyes
That transmit all they know
The truth burns so bright
It can melt winter snow
A towering shadow
So black and so high
A white sun burning
The Earth and the sky
Tommy.
Did you ever see the faces
Of the children?
They get so excited
Waking up on Christmas morning
Hours before
The winter's sun's ignited
They believe in dreams
And all they mean
Including heaven's generosity
Peeping 'round the door to see
What parcels are for free
In curiosity
And Tommy doesn't know
What day it is
He doesn't know who Jesus was
Or what praying is
How can he be saved
From the eternal grave?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
- Can you--? Can you hear me?
- Tommy, can you hear me?
How can he be saved?
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
How can he be saved?
Surrounded by his friends
He sits so silently
And unaware of anything
Crazy-eyed he picks his nose
He smiles, he cries
He pokes his tongue at everything
I believe in love
But how can men who've never
Seen light be enlightened?
Only if he's cured
Will his spirit's future level
Ever heighten
And Tommy doesn't know
What day it is
He doesn't know who Jesus was
Or what praying is
How can he be saved
From the eternal grave?
You talk about your woman
I wish you could see mine
You talk about your woman
I wish you could see mine
Every time she starts to love
She brings eyesight to the blind
Oh, yeah
You know,
Her daddy gave her magic
I can tell by the way she walks
You know,
Her daddy gave her magic
I can tell by the way she walks
Every time she starts to shake
The dumb begin to talk
Talk, talk, talk
She's got the power to heal you
Never fear
She has got the power to heal you
Never fear
Just one word from her lips
And the deaf can hear
She's got the power to heal you
Never fear
She's got the power to heal you
Never fear
One word from her lips
And the deaf can hear
Yeah
If your child
Ain't all he should be now
This girl will put him right
I'll show him
What he could be now
Just give me one night
I'm the Gypsy
The Acid Queen
Pay me before I start
I'm the Gypsy
And I'm guaranteed
To mend his aching heart
Give us a room
Close the door
Leave us for a while
You won't be a boy no more
Young but not a child
'Cause I'm the Gypsy
The Acid Queen
Pay me before I start
The Gypsy
I'm guaranteed
To tear your soul apart
Gather your wits
And hold on fast
Your mind must learn to roam
Just as the Gypsy Queen must do
You're gonna hit the road
My work's begun
Now look at him
He's never been more alive
His head it shakes
His fingers clutch
Watch his body writhe
I'm the Gypsy
The Acid Queen
Pay me before I start
I'm the Gypsy
I'm guaranteed
To break your little heart
If your child
Ain't all he should be now
This girl will put him right
I'll show him
What he could be now
Just give me one more night
I'm the Gypsy
The Acid Queen
Pay me before I start
I'm the Gypsy
I'm guaranteed
To tear his soul apart
Do you think it's all right
To leave the boy
With Cousin Kevin?
Do you think it's all right?
There's something 'bout him
I don't really like
Do you think it's all right?
I think it's all right
Yes, I think it's all right
We're on our own, cousin
All alone, cousin
Let's think of a game to play
Now the grownups
Have all gone away
You won't be much fun
Being blind, deaf and dumb
But I've no one to play with today
Do you know how to play
Hide-and-seek?
To find me
It would take you a week
But tied to that chair
You won't go anywhere
There's a lot I can do to a freak
How would you feel
If I turned on the bath?
Ducked your head under
And started to laugh?
Maybe a cigarette burn
On your arm
Would change your expression
To one of alarm
I'm the school bully
The classroom cheat
The nastiest play friend
You ever could meet
I'll put glass in your dinner
And spikes in your seat
I'll drag you around
By a lock of your hair
And give you a push
At the top of the stairs
What would you do
If I shut you outside
To stand in the rain
And catch cold so you die
I'm the school bully
The classroom cheat
The nastiest play friend
You ever could meet
I'll stick pins in your fingers
And tread on your feet
We're on our own, cousin
All alone, cousin
We've thought of
Some nice games to play
While the grownups
Had all gone away
You weren't too much fun
'Cause you're blind, deaf and dumb
But I'd no one to play with today
Do you think it's all right
To leave the boy with Uncle Ernie?
Do you think it's all right?
He's had a few too many tonight
Do you think it's all right?
Yes, I think it's all right
Yes, I think it's all right
I'm your wicked Uncle Ernie
I'm glad you won't see or hear me
As I fiddle about, fiddle about,
Fiddle about
Your mother left me here
To mind you
And I'm doing exactly
What I bleedin' well want to
Fiddling about, fiddling about,
Fiddle about
Down with your bedclothes
Up with your nightshirt
Fiddle about, fiddle about,
Fiddle about
You won't shite as I fiddle abite
Fiddle abite, fiddle abite
Fiddle abite
Do you think it's all right
Leaving Tommy by the mirror?
You would think he had sight
Been staring half the night
Do you think it's all right?
I think it's all right
Yes, I think it's all right
Extra, extra
Pinball bonanza
Deaf, dumb and blind kid
Makes the big game
Saturday, the final
He faces the champ
Extra, extra
Pinball, big time
A million in hand
You can rule the world
From a yacht in the bay
Champagne flowing
You're a popular man
Pinball, let's play
Tommy keeps on winning
He's a millionaire
Mama's got a brand-new Cadillac
Hurry to the show
We're nearly on the air
Extra, extra
Ever since I was a young boy
I played the silver ball
From Soho down to Brighton
I must have played them all
But I ain't seen nothin' like him
In any amusement hall
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball
He stands like a statue
Becomes part of the machine
Feelin' all the bumpers
Always playin' clean
He plays by intuition
The digit counters fall
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball
He's a pinball wizard
There has to be a twist
A pinball wizard
Got such a supple wrist
- How do you think he does it?
- I don't know
What makes him so good?
Well, he ain't got no distractions
Can't hear no buzzers and bells
Don't see lights a-flashing
He plays by sense of smell
Always has a replay
Never tilts at all
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball
He can't beat me now
I've always been the champ
I know every trick
No freak's gonna beat my hand
Even on my usual table
He can beat the best
His disciples lead him in
And he just does the rest
He's got crazy flipper fingers
I've never seen him fall
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball
He's a pinball wizard
There has to be a twist
A pinball wizard
Got such a supple wrist
He's a pinball wizard
He scores a trillion more
A pinball wizard
The world's new pinball lord
He's scoring more
He's scoring more
I thought I was
The Bally table king
But I just handed
My pinball crown to him
To him
To him
Take one lady totally demanding
Join the banquet
At her commanding
Eat no fat and eat no lean
Eat Rex Beans
Fit for a queen
Eat no fat and eat no lean
Eat Rex Beans
Fit for a queen
Today it rains champagne
A son was born again
A genius untamed
A life of wealth and fame
Wealth and fame
Champagne flowing down
Just like rain
Caviar breakfasts every day
Merchant banks
And yachts at Cannes
Servants and cars
And private sand
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
Heal me
They flock in, thousands strong
We'll just play along
A million in reserve
For a love
A just deserve
Just deserve
Francs and dollars
And peacock's wings
Sequined gowns
And birds that sing
Private planes
And fishing lakes
Bigger crowds
And bigger, bigger, bigger takes
But what's it all worth?
What's it all worth
When my son is blind?
He can't hear the music
Nor enjoy what I'm buying
His life is worthless
Affecting mine
Pd Pay any price
To drive his plight
From my mind
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
There's a man I've found
Could bring us all joy
There's a doctor I've found
Can cure the boy
A doctor I've found
Can cure the boy
There's a man I've found
Could remove his sorrow
He lives in this town
Let's see him tomorrow
Let's see him tomorrow
He seems to be
Completely unreceptive
The tests I gave him showed
No sense at all
His eyes react to light
The dial's detected
He hears but cannot answer
To your call
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
There is no chance
No untried operation
All hope lies with him
And none with me
Imagine, though, the shock
From isolation
When he suddenly can hear
And speak and see
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Heal me
His eyes can see
His ears can hear, his lips speak
All the time
The needles flick and rock
No machine can give
The kind of stimulation
Needed to remove his inner block
I often wonder
What it is he's feeling
Has he ever heard a word I've said
Look at him now
In the mirror, dreaming
- What is happening in his head?
- What is happening in his head?
- What is happening in his head?
- What is happening in his head?
- I wish I knew
- I wish I knew
- I wish I knew
- I wish I knew
Tommy, can you see me?
Can I hope to cheer you?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Can you feel me near you?
Oh, Tommy?
Tommy?
Tommy?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Can you feel me near you?
Oh, Tommy, can you see me?
Can I help to cheer you?
Oh, Tommy
Tommy
Tommy
Tommy?
Tommy
Tommy
Tommy
Tommy
Tommy
You don't answer my call
With even a nod or a twitch
But you gaze at your own reflection
You don't seem to see me
But I think you can see yourself
How can the mirror affect you?
Can you hear me
Or do I surmise
That you fear me
Can you feel my temper rise
Rise, rise, rise
Rise, rise, rise
Rise, rise, rise
Rise, rise, rise
Do you hear or fear or
Do I smash the mirror?
Do you hear or fear or
Do I smash the mirror?
I'm free
I'm free
And freedom
Tastes of reality
I'm free
I'm free
And I'm waiting
For you to follow me
If I told you what it takes
To reach the highest high
You'd laugh and say
Nothing's that simple
But you've been told
Many times before
Messiah's pointed to the door
No one had the guts
To leave the temple
I'm free
I'm free
And I'm waiting
For you to follow me
I'm free
I'm free
And I'm waiting
For you to follow me
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy, can you hear me?
Tommy?
Tommy?
Tommy?
Tommy?
Mother
Father
Touch me
Feel me
Who am I?
Where did I come from?
Have you known me?
Have you seen me?
Mother
You're a hero
You are famous
You're a champion of the young
You are rich
But it's so absurd to try
To explain all the things
You've done
You're adored and you're loved
Thousands watch you play
Pinball
It's a fever
And you're the master of the game
And now that you're whole
You'll be champion
Of their very souls
Yes, I'm healed
Delivered from silent darkness
No more locked doors
Or stifled screams
Pinball
What I see now before me
ls far beyond a game
Beyond your wildest dreams
Those who love me
Have a higher path to follow now
And you, dear Mother too
Must be prepared
Extra, extra, read all about it
The pinball wizard
In a miracle cure
Extra, extra, read all about it
Extra, extra
Right now, right now
Story and pictures
Pinball bonanza
A mother's joy
World tours, show times
Lessons and lectures
Extra, extra
Outside the house
Mr. Simpson announced
That Sally couldn't go
To the meeting
He went on cleaning
His black Rolls-Royce
She ran inside weeping
She got to her room
And tears splashed the picture
Of the new Messiah
She picked up a book
Of her father's life
And threw it on the fire
She knew from the start
Deep down in her heart
She and Tommy were worlds apart
But her mother said never mind
Your part is to be
What you'll be
The theme of the sermon was
Come unto me
Love will find a way
So Sally decided to ignore her dad
And sneak out anyway
She spent all afternoon
Getting ready
Decided she'd try to touch him
Maybe he'd see that she was free
And talk to her this Sunday
She knew from the start
Deep down in her heart
She and Tommy were worlds apart
But her mother said never mind
Your part is to be
What you'll be
She arrived at 6
And the place was swinging
To gospel music by 9
Group after group appeared
On the stage
But Sally just sat there sighing
She bit her nails
Looking pretty as a picture
Right in the very front row
And then one of the faithful
Came on-stage
- And shouted:
- Here we go!
The crowd went crazy
As Tommy hit the stage
Little Sally got lost
As the police bossed
The crowd back in a rage
Your happy welcome is like a favor
I must now return
The darkness of
My childhood passed
And flames of love now burn
The pinball game I play so well
Reflects a way of life
This meeting is just another game
Let's play to win tonight
She knew from the start
Deep down in her heart
She and Tommy were worlds apart
But her mother said never mind
Your part is to be
What you'll be
Her cheek hit a chair
And blood trickled down
Mingling with her tears
Try to walk the path I walk
Never mind the pain and fear
Each one of you has freedom
In your heart without my grace
Let me see you raise your hands
See joy upon your face
The crowd went crazy
As Tommy left the stage
Little Sally was lost
For the price of a touch
A gash across her face
Her pretty face
Sixteen stitches put her right
And her dad said
Don't say I didn't warn ya
Sally got married
To a rock musician
Who came from California
Tommy always talks about the day
The disciples all went wild
Sally still carries the scar
On her cheek
To remind her of his smile
She knew from the start
Deep down in her heart
She and Tommy were worlds apart
But her mother said never mind
Your part is to be
What you'll be
While Tommy flies
The world is turning
Life goes on for you and me
Our chief concern
ls money-earning
Why can't someone set us free?
Can't you feel him?
Can't you feel him?
Can't you feel him?
Can't you feel him?
You'll feel me coming
A new vibration
From afar you'll see me
I'm a sensation
I'm a sensation
I overwhelm as I approach you
Make your lungs hold breath inside
Grounded angels
Your wings are broken
Time to mend and learn to fly
They worship me and all I touch
Hazy-eyed
They catch my glance
Pleasant shudders
Shake their senses
My warm momentum
Throws their stance
You'll feel me coming
A new vibration
From afar you'll see me
I'm a sensation
I'm a sensation
Soon you'll see me
Can't you feel me, I'm coming
Send your troubles dancing
I know the answer
I'm coming
I'm coming
I'm a sensation
You'll feel me coming
A new vibration
From afar you'll see me
I'm a sensation
I'm a sensation
I leave a trail of rooted people
Mesmerized by just the sight
The few I touched
Now are disciples
Love as one
I am the light
I am the light
Come to my house
Be one of the comfortable people
Come to this house
We're drinking all night
Never sleeping
Milkman coming
And you, baker
Little old lady, welcome
And you, shoemaker
Come to this house
Into this house
- Come to this house
- Come to this house
- Be one of us
- Be one of us
- Make this your house
- Make this your house
- Be one of us
- Be one of us
You can help
To collect some more in
Young and old people
Let's get them all in
Come to this house
Into this house
Ask along that man
With the big, red carnation
Bring every single person
From Victoria Station
Go into a hospital
And bring the nurses and patients
Everyone go home
And fetch their relations
Come to this house
Be one of the comfortable people
Lovely, bright home
We're drinking all night
Never sleeping
Hold on, Tommy.
There's more at the door.
They'll come through the floor.
There's more at the door
There's more at the door
There's more at the door
There's more at the door
There's more at the door
There's more at the door
There's more at the door
There's more
We need more room
Build an extension
A colorful palace
Spare no expense, now
Come to me now
Come to me now
Welcome.
Welcome.
Welcome.
He'll raise
Your weary spirits high
My son will teach
Your silent hearts
To talk
Every home will have his picture
Pilgrims all will touch his hand
Pinball tables
Gold and silver
Altars to the master's plan
Rio, Paris
New York, London
Moscow, Peking, Tokyo
The world!
A Tommy camp in every city
Millions flocking in like sheep
What they want ain't cheap
It's a pity
But who am I
To upset their dreams?
Good morning, converts.
I'm your brother Ernie...
...and I welcome you
to Tommy's Holiday Camp.
The camp with the difference.
Never mind the weather.
When you come to Tommy's...
...the holiday's forever.
Welcome.
Get your Tommy T-shirts
and your stickers...
...and your Tommy mirrors
to smash!
Don't rush. Keep steady.
Have your money ready.
Buy your way to heaven.
That comes to one pound, seven.
Bless your heart.
Buy his shades and earplugs here.
Keep in line.
I've got a huge supply.
Get your Tommy records.
You can really hear him talk.
Tommy pics and badges,
half a nicker for the cork.
Keep in line, playmates!
You lucky people!
The camp with the difference,
so never mind the weather.
When you come to Tommy's,
the holiday's forever.
These pricey deals don't teach us
Your freedom doesn't reach us
Enlightenment escapes us
Awareness doesn't shape us
How can all this trivia
Take us to the goal you reached?
We came here to be like you
And find the world you've reached
These pricey deals don't teach us
Your freedom doesn't reach us
Enlightenment escapes us
Awareness doesn't shape us
How can all this trivia
Take us to the goal you reached?
We came here to be like you
And find the world you've reached
Welcome to the camp
I guess you all know
Why we're here
My name is Tommy
And I became aware this year
If you want to follow me
You've got to play pinball
And put in your earplugs
Put on your eyeshades
You know where to put the cork
Hey, you, gettin' drunk
So sorry
I got you sussed
Hey, you, smokin' mother nature
You missed the bus
Hey, old hung-up Mr. Normal
Don't try to gain my trust
'Cause you ain't gonna follow me
Any of those ways
Although you think you must
Now you can't hear me
Your ears are truly sealed
You can't speak either
'Cause your mouth is filled
You can't see nothin'
And pinball completes the scene
Here come willing helpers
To guide you to
Your very own machine
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
Never did and never will
We don't have to take it
Gonna break it
Gonna shake it
Let's forget it better still
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
We're not gonna take it
Never did and never will
Don't want no religion
And as far as we can tell
We ain't gonna take you
Never did and never will
We're not gonna take you
We forsake you
Gonna break you
Let's forget you
Better still
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Hear me
See me
Feel me
Hear me
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Hear me
See me
Feel me
Touch me
Hear me
Hear me
Listening to you
I get the music
Gazing at you
I get the heat
Following you
I climb the mountain
I get excitement at your feet
Right behind you
I see the millions
On you
I see the glory
From you
I get opinions
From you
I get the story
Listening to you
I get the music
Gazing at you
I get the heat
Following you
I climb the mountain
I get excitement
At your feet
Oh, right behind you
I see the millions
On you, I see the glory
From you, I get opinions
From you, I get the story
Listening to you
I get the music
Gazing at you
I get the heat
Following you
I climb the mountain
I get excitement at your feet
Right behind you
I see the millions
On you, I see the glory
From you, I get opinions
From you, I get the story
Oh, listening to you
I get the music
Gazing at you
I get the heat
Following you
I climb the mountain
I get excitement at your feet
Right behind you
I see the millions
On you, I see the glory
From you, I get opinions
From you, I get the story
Listening to you