What is Townshendentalism?

Townshendentalism is a made up word and a made up faux religion. Just for fun let's explore what we can learn from rock music's genius composer and lyricist. Pete Townshend is the creator of most of the The Who's music. Like many of his contemporaries, Townshend said goodbye to traditional Christianity and began to follow eastern philosophical religion of the Hindi persuasion. He believes in Meher Baba. Disciples of Meher Baba call him Lord and believe him to be the incarnation of God on earth, much like my faith in Jesus of Nazareth. Transcendental meditation is a common practice among such religions. (Learn more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meher_Baba)

Meher Baba

Pete Townshend

I'm not interested in pushing religion really. I'm more interested in the wisdom and humor and life questions and searching I find so appealing in Pete Townshend's music. This blog is about loving the music and lyrics of Pete Townshend, both with the Who and as a solo artist. I don't know how often I will post, but I have a passion for the Who and Townshend, so I aim to write about what I love and find interesting. If you care to join me, that'd be alright.

If I had to summarize Pete Townshend's lyrical content I'd say that it's a search for meaning and identity. In his struggle with sexual identity as a young man, and search for meaning in the craziness of being a member of one of the greatest rock bands of all time, I'd say we can identify, at the very least, with his search. Perhaps we might even be edified by a deeper look into his lyrics and what nuggets of truth might lie there waiting.