Getting in Tune

Pete Townshend

About Getting in Tune

"Getting in Tune" is a song written by Pete Townshend and originally released by the Who on their 1971 album Who's Next. It was originally written as part of Townshend's abandoned Lifehouse project. Its lyrics describe the power of music, as well as reflect the inner contradictions Townshend was feeling at the time between his spiritual needs and his persona as a rock star. The music incorporates a number of changes in tempo and has been praised by critics for its use of dynamics.  


Year:
1991
124 
#3

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Pete Townshend

Peter Dennis Blandford "Pete" Townshend (born 19 May 1945) is an English rock guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and author, known principally as the guitarist and songwriter for the rock group The Who, as well as for his own solo career. His career with The Who spans more than 40 years, during which time the band grew to be considered one of the most influential bands of the 1960s and 1970s, and, according to Eddie Vedder, "possibly the greatest live band ever." more »

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12 facts about this song

Songwriter
"Getting in Tune" was written by Pete Townshend, the lead guitarist of the British rock band, The Who.
Album
The song is one of the tracks from The Who's critically acclaimed fifth studio album, 'Who's Next', which was released in 1971.
Song concept
Townshend wrote the song about his personal experience of searching for spiritual alignment and the struggle of articulating this through his music.
Chorus
The repetition of the line, "I'm in tune," in the chorus reflects Townshend's struggles with substance abuse and the fight to maintain balance in his life, which he expressed through music.
Performance
"Getting in Tune" was performed live by The Who's members including Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon, who were instrumental in shaping the overall sound of the song.
Music style
The song combines elements of hard rock, progressive rock, and pop, symptomatic of The Who’s sound in the early 70s.
Composition
Townshend initially composed a version in a different key, but eventually he thought a shift in key better represented the song's theme of enlightenment and transformation.
Original Title
The song was initially titled "Getting in Tune with the Straight and Narrow," representing the attempt to harmonize with the right path in life, but was eventually shortened to "Getting in Tune".
Inspiration
Townshend has mentioned in several interviews that the song (and the entire 'Who's Next' album) was greatly influenced by the teachings of a spiritual leader, named Meher Baba.
Instrumentation
Despite being known for his raw and powerful guitar riffs, Townshend opted for a more melodic, piano-driven composition in "Getting in Tune".
Legacy
"Getting In Tune" has been acclaimed recently as one of Townshend's finest compositions and, despite being often overshadowed by stronger, hits like "Baba O'Riley" and "Won't Get Fooled Again", it’s lauded as a key track which contributes to the overall strength and depth of the 'Who's Next' album.
Cover versions
While not being one of The Who's most commonly covered songs, "Getting in Tune" has been reinterpreted by a number of artists over the years, further demonstrating its impact and enduring appeal in the world of rock music.

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