Inspiration Behind Pinball Wizard:
Pinball Wizard was conceived out of 3 different events. First, this began with Pete Townshend’s spiritual vision for Tommy. This was followed by a bet with critic Nik Cohn. Finally, the Who felt the need to lighten the rock opera’s heavy overtones with a catchy, accessible hit. After accepting Cohn’s challenge, Townshend bet he could write a hit about anything, and Cohn suggested pinball be the topic. This is how Pinball Wizard came into existence.
Biblical Application:
Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. 13 You must be blameless before the Lord your God, Deuteronomy 18:10-13.
Exegesis of Pinball Wizard:
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 nothing like him
In any amusement hall
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball
A song about a boy who grew up in local arcades with pinball his specialty. This boy went all over the place to play. This is where he met his match. Despite his physical limitations, this prodigy could feel when to hit the flippers..
He stands like a statue
Becomes part of the machine
Feelin’ all the bumpers
Always playing clean
He plays by intuition
The digit counters fall
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball
Painting a vivid picture of this kid’s special abilities.
He’s a pinball wizard, there has to be a twist
A pinball wizard’s got such a supple wrist
Playing pinball over and over again has strengthened the power and touch in his wrists.
How do you think he does it? I don’t know!
Some people have skills that defy logic.
What makes him so good?
He is focused like a machine.
Ain’t got no distractions
Can’t hear no buzzers and bells
Don’t see no lights a-flashin’
Plays by sense of smell
Always gets a replay
Never seen him fall
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball
This wizard never gets over excited, staying in the moment as he plays.
I thought I was the Bally table king
Watching him makes Townsend look human.
But I just handed my pin ball crown to him
Realizing that he is the best.
Even on my favorite table
He can beat my best
This Pinball Wizard can go to any arcade and beat the best who is around.
His disciples lead him in
And he just does the rest
He’s got crazy flipper fingers
Never seen him fall
That deaf, dumb and blind kind
Sure plays a mean pinball
While he needs help getting around like someone with special needs, once the game begins, his instincts kick in and he plays by feel.
Final Thoughts:
This song reminds me of an old Bones episode where an autistic child played a perfect game. This game was videotaped by a top player who took credit for this boy’s perfect game. This gaming professional was murdered by the father of this autistic boy who wanted his son to get the recognition that he deserved. Some children are born with certain unique gifts that help them become modern-day arcade and or Pinball Wizards.
by Jay Mankus
