About The Song
(Watch the video below)
Pinball Wizard is a song written by Pete Townshend and originally performed by The Who in their rock opera Tommy (1969). The song tells the story of a deaf, dumb and blind boy who becomes a master of pinball, despite his disabilities. The song has been covered by many artists, including Rod Stewart, who recorded it for the album Tommy, as performed with the London Symphony Orchestra (1972).
Rod Stewart’s cover of Pinball Wizard is a faithful rendition of the original, with some minor changes in the lyrics and arrangement. Stewart sings the song with his distinctive raspy voice, adding a touch of soul and emotion to the character of the pinball wizard. He is accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra, which provides a rich and dramatic musical backdrop for the song. The orchestra also adds some new elements, such as a harp intro, a flute solo, and a horn section.
The cover was well received by critics and fans, who praised Stewart’s vocal performance and the orchestral arrangement. The cover also charted well, reaching number 4 on the UK Singles Chart and number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The cover was also included in the film adaptation of Tommy, directed by Ken Russell, where Stewart played the role of the pinball wizard.
The cover of Pinball Wizard by Rod Stewart is a classic example of how a song can be reinterpreted and enhanced by a different artist and a different musical style. Stewart’s cover preserves the essence and the message of the original, while adding his own flair and personality to it. The cover also showcases Stewart’s versatility and talent as a singer, as well as the London Symphony Orchestra’s skill and creativity as a musical ensemble. The cover of Pinball Wizard by Rod Stewart is a tribute to one of the most iconic songs in rock history, and a testament to the power and the beauty of music.
Video
Lyrics
Let's sing along with the lyrics!
Ever since I was a young boy,
I played the silver ball;
From Soho down to Brighton
I must have played 'em all.
But I ain't seen nothin' like him
In any amusement hall
That deaf, dumb an' blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball.
He stands like a statue,
Becomes part of the machine.
Feelin' all the bumpers
Always playin' clean.
Plays by intuition,
The digit counters fall.
That deaf, dumb an' blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball!
He's a pinball wizard
There has to be a twist,
A pinball wizard,
Not such a supple wrist.
How do you think he does it?
What makes him so good?
Ain't got no distractions,
Can't hear those buzzes and bells,
Don't see lights a-flashin'
plays by sense of smell.
Always gets a replay,
Never tilts at all
That deaf, dumb an' blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball.
Even my usual table,
He can beat my best,
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 kid
Sure plays a mean pinball.