One of my all-time favorites since I was about 9-years-old, Tommy by The Who.
"Tommy tells the story of a fictional character named Tommy Walker. The following synopsis of
Tommy was published following the original album's release.
British Army Captain Walker goes missing during an expedition and is believed dead ("
Overture"). His wife, Mrs. Walker, gives birth to their son, Tommy ("
It's a Boy"). Years later, Captain Walker returns home and discovers that his wife has found a new lover. The Captain kills the lover in front of Tommy. Tommy's parents coerce Tommy into believing he did not see or hear anything. Tommy begins to disassociate and becomes deaf, dumb and blind to the outside world ("1921"). Tommy now relies on his sense of touch and imagination, developing an inner
psyche ("Amazing Journey/Sparks").
A doctor claims his wife can cure Tommy ("
The Hawker"). Tommy's parents are increasingly frustrated that he will never find religion in the midst of his isolation ("Christmas"). Tommy's parents neglect him, leaving him to be tortured by his
sadistic "Cousin Kevin" and
sexually abused by his uncle Ernie ("
Fiddle About"). The Hawker's drug-addicted wife, "
The Acid Queen", gives Tommy a dose of
LSD, causing a
psychedelic experience that is expressed musically ("Underture").
As Tommy grows older, he discovers that he can feel vibrations sufficiently well to become an expert
pinball player ("
Pinball Wizard"). His parents take him to a respected doctor ("There's a Doctor"), who determines that the boy's disabilities are
psychosomatic rather than physical. Tommy is told by the Doctor to "
Go to the Mirror!", and his parents notice he can stare at his reflection. After seeing Tommy spend extended periods staring at a mirror in the house, his mother smashes it out of frustration ("Smash the Mirror"). This removes Tommy's
mental block, and he recovers his senses, realising he can become a powerful leader ("Sensation"). He starts a religious movement ("
I'm Free"), which generates fervour among its adherents ("Sally Simpson") and expands into a
holiday camp ("Welcome" / "Tommy's Holiday Camp"). However, Tommy's followers ultimately reject his teachings and leave the camp ("
We're Not Gonna Take It"). Tommy retreats inward again ("
See Me, Feel Me") with his "continuing statement of wonder at that which encompasses him".
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPUDqqINVXE&list=PL1PFeUii2egesbBFdLYu9gkWW1XbJLPkH
