Pete never received his just due as one of the premier singer song writers of our time. Pete wrote some masterpiece's that just never got recognized like McCartney/Lennon or any other contemporary who had their share of hits. The man invented the rock opera and was a prolific writer...with something to actually say!!!!! In my opinion he's right up there with the greats and when I say "greats" I mean Handel, Tchaikovsky, Liszt, Mozart...well you get my drift.
I played this song from a ghetto blaster as we scattered my Dad's ashes out to sea. It was a beautiful secluded cove, the sky over the ocean seemed to have a magical glow, and as the ocean waves made a mist it seemed peaceful. I was just glad my Dad was finally released from pain.
Some songs age well and some don't. This one is more perfect now than it ever was. Heartfelt lyrics and a sublimely devastating arrangement. It moves me more now than it did when I first heard it 26 years ago.
it's funny, to me - your comment, "mis-spelled" "sole" for "soul" when i went to Who in 1968, Philly, Electric Factory, the 1st Tommy tour - there was a guy holding a show sole, and a s sign: "sell my sole for a Who ticket". i hope he got in. was awesome.small club.
Totally agree. (slow nod) I feel like I know Pete more than most other people I personally know in real life, probably because of that sense of 'Oh. Me too, friend.' That's special. I find I can't listen to some Roger versions of songs after I've heard a Pete demo version. No offense to Roger, but he's just interpreting it. Pete's feeling it - and _you feel_ that difference.
I have had listening to music in nearly 40 years, visited a hundred (or so) concerts and collected a 1000 records over the years. I must admit that these is my number one-fav-song ever.
Tony butler bassist of big country loves this song I'm here because of him and I agree with Tony this is superb musically and lyrically . Thanks Mr butler
I remember being richer than a king The minutes of the day were golden I recall that when the joint passed round My body felt a little colder But now I'm like a sewer channel - running lime and scag Let me get at the master panel - let me at my stack The sea refuses no river And right now this river's banks are blown The sea refuses no river Whether stinking and rank Or red from the tank Whether pure as a spring There's no damned thing stops the poem The sea refuses no river And this river is homeward flowing I have seen a trace of strain In other's eyes not spoken I must admit that I enjoyed their pain But this time it's me that's broken I demand for you and His This must be the time When we decide what freedom is Turn water into wine For the sea refuses no river We're polluted now but in our hearts still clean The sea refuses no river We tried not to age But time had it's rage We're washed over stones From babes into clones of the mean The sea won't refuse this muddy river Nor deny the sulfurous stream There was a fool in a dressing robe Riding out the twilight hour Lonely and cold in an empty home Trying to assess his power But now he's like a stream in flood Swollen by the storm He doesn't care if he sheds his blood Let him be reborn For the sea refuses no river Remember that when the beggar buys a round The sea refuses no river And rain fills the gutters No time for stutters This is our chance To sing and to dance and to clown The sea refuses no river And rivers were sprung to drown The sea refuses no river No pecking code respected for the damned The sea refuses no river Whether starving or ill Or strung on some pill Just ''cause you own the land There's no unique hand plugs the dam The sea refuses no river And the river is where I am The river is where I am
I came on youtube to listen to Savoy Truffle, and somehow, a few clicks away, this song waited... It's the first time I've ever heard this song, and I've gotta say. Well done Pete Townsend. This has to be one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.
I am certain Pete mentioned this song being about addiction and that heroin does not discriminate. It can take anyone. Hence heroin refuses no-one if they choose to use it. Long live The Who and may pete Townshend continue to write classic music that will never sound jaded.
Epically brilliant. My mate and I were 15, I played this to him for the first time on one of our Saturday-afternoon music-update sessions, he'd never heard it before, he insisted on hearing it again and again... all afternoon :-)
It's kind of amazing how one tracks their life through the music they listened to. I remember where I was when I listened to this album at Northern Michigan U. for the fist time! WOW! Ahhh, the memories! Luigi, Morris, Wolski, and Sarah! Oh for that feeling again!
What a trip. Looked up Slit Skirts and now, while listening to Refuses No River, see North Country Girl, Exquisitely Bored, Stardom in Acton. Like a 3 year period of my life, from 20 years ago came rushing in. Thx for posting this song.
" when we decide what freedom is, turn water into wine ". That is one of my favorite Pete lyrics. I met Pete after a gig in Seattle. Got his autograph and then he was kind of pissed off. Don't matter ,he is still an amazing artist.
I used to listen to this song all the time in college. As the smoked swirled around our textbooks, this record spun n spun its entrancing web. Today in my middle-aged success, I know that Pete was right all those years ago!
"The sea" refers to death. No matter who you are, whatever you do with your life or whatever you do or don't have, we are all flowing towards the sea and it will accept each one of us without question. It's what we all have in common and every one of us will face it in the end. Period. It's the one thing that makes us all equal no matter what. Remember that when a beggar buys a round.
Now I'm like a sewer channel Running lime and scag Let me get at the master panel Let me at my stack One of the greatest lines about the redemptive power of music ever.
Nice analogy. I always thought this song was a metaphor for his life at the time that he wrote it. He had been doing some heavy duty drinking and drugs (heroin namely) and he had just gone through rehab and was clean. This song was basically about his family and how they forgave, supported and loved him even though he put them through so much. He's admitting he fucked up, has a bad problem and is trying to fix it...or maybe its about his last trip to the grocery store. Any way I LOVE PETE!
This is a perfect testimony of Pete Townshend's talent as a lyricist. He is good with melodies, but as a lyricist, NOBODY can touch him. People who say, as a blanket statement, rock is mindless garbage, haven't paid attention. There is a lot of garbage out there, but that only further proves Pete's obviously superior intellect.
Thanks for curing my ills! I've had this song in my head all night, and your posting of this song settled my mind! Nice photos too - thank you theseeker23!
Beautiful song and Pete's written many. Thankfully he's finally released his autobiography. I suggest you pick it up. Got it today at Costco for $18.59. No , this isn't an ad. An ad will say this title of the book. You can look it up yourself. I'm merely spreading the gospel that is Mr. Peter Townshend.
@fineali remember reading something about Pete saying that no matter what reactions his daughters may have had as they faced his drug/alcohol problems, he would never refuse them just as "the sea refuses no river." Why so many generations have to path the same pains repeatedly, again and again?
Remember reading something about Pete saying that no matter what reactions his daughters may have had as they faced his drug/alcohol problems, he would never refuse them just as "the sea refuses no river." Why so many generations have to path the same pains repeatedly, again and again?
@fineali Remember reading something about Pete saying that no matter what reactions were by his daughters about his drug/alcohol problems, he would never refuse them as "the sea resfuses no river".
There was a fool in a dressing robe, riding out the twilight hour. Lonely and cold in an empty home, trying to asses his power........ addicts kid themselves sometimes I guess
I think it has more of a spiritual connotation. He spoke about it in his ABCHCE video compilation (which only exist now on VHS). Although it does refer to his earlier days of turmoil and drug abuse, it's more about how everyone, anyone, regardless of who they are, ends up in the same place when all is said and done.
You may want to read the article on Hafez (Hafiz) that I wrote for Dutch Wikipedia a while ago, especially the Endnote. I'll translate it for you, if necessary.
@simplesecretof It is more about the experience of heroin, the addiction to heroin, and the experience of reconciling oneself to either staying clean or dying in a haze. It comes down on the side of getting clean, but only after it kind of gives away the similarity of recovery to addiction. You go in with delusions and back out with others. None of these things are unique. The "fool in a dressing robe" is trying to assess his power; that's why he's a fool. He has none.
"Beautiful Christian Music" is a thread in “Religion” subforum in Sciforums - it is a thread well worth the read. The thread used "The Sea Refuses No River - Pete Townshend" on page 1. It is the most incredible love story ever told. Google "Beautiful Christian Music" + Sciforums, and be amazed. Love will be a river ...
Pete never received his just due as one of the premier singer song writers of our time. Pete wrote some masterpiece's that just never got recognized like McCartney/Lennon or any other contemporary who had their share of hits. The man invented the rock opera and was a prolific writer...with something to actually say!!!!! In my opinion he's right up there with the greats and when I say "greats" I mean Handel, Tchaikovsky, Liszt, Mozart...well you get my drift.
Greatest songwriter that has ever lived.
My favorite of Pete's solo songs. Pete is the best songwriter rock has ever seen. There's absolutely no debate here. Period.
The best that has ever walked this planet ....period.
I consider Pete a composer. Each song a mini symphony.
... add to that he's a poet.
I played this song from a ghetto blaster as we scattered my Dad's ashes out to sea. It was a beautiful secluded cove, the sky over the ocean seemed to have a magical glow, and as the ocean waves made a mist it seemed peaceful. I was just glad my Dad was finally released from pain.
"The sea refuses no river, remember that when a beggar buys a round" - That line always hits me hard
Listening to this album rendered me speechless - Complete Masterpiece !
The instant harmonic feed back on the guitar has always amazed me on this exceptionable recording.
Some songs age well and some don't. This one is more perfect now than it ever was. Heartfelt lyrics and a sublimely devastating arrangement. It moves me more now than it did when I first heard it 26 years ago.
From his finest and most personal solo album..
All The Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes
"Jeanie never wears those slit skirts"
Pete writes from the sole, I experience each line as if a hammer hit me in the heart.The best rocker I have ever listened to in my life.
it's funny, to me - your comment, "mis-spelled" "sole" for "soul"
when i went to Who in 1968, Philly, Electric Factory, the 1st Tommy tour - there was a guy holding a show sole, and a s sign: "sell my sole for a Who ticket".
i hope he got in. was awesome.small club.
Totally agree. (slow nod) I feel like I know Pete more than most other people I personally know in real life, probably because of that sense of 'Oh. Me too, friend.' That's special. I find I can't listen to some Roger versions of songs after I've heard a Pete demo version. No offense to Roger, but he's just interpreting it. Pete's feeling it - and _you feel_ that difference.
special time form music indeed
Pete's writing is deep but easily accessible to the Listener. Always relatable. Genius, artist , Rock God.
I listened to this album about 100 times as I remodeled my house in the middle of many nights, 1985....Lubbock Texas.
At 3:13 Pete's stellar guitar playing comes in as this takes me back to 1982!
Man, when Pete hits it, he's better than anyone. ANYONE. I love him :)
I have had listening to music in nearly 40 years, visited a hundred (or so) concerts and collected a 1000 records over the years. I must admit that these is my number one-fav-song ever.
Really love the guitar solo. Amazing!
Yes! It is brilliant in its simplicity. Pete made the guitar cry.
Simple to play, but powerful to hear. The best from Pete!
This album is one of the best I have EVER heard...
One of his best, for sure.
The best PT solo album of all time - so underrated and this song means so much to me, in fact the whole album does!
Better than empty glass?
@@nutsack-1904 I didn’t think so at first, but then Chinese Eyes stole my heart.
Tony butler bassist of big country loves this song I'm here because of him and I agree with Tony this is superb musically and lyrically . Thanks Mr butler
I remember being richer than a king
The minutes of the day were golden
I recall that when the joint passed round
My body felt a little colder
But now I'm like a sewer channel - running lime and scag
Let me get at the master panel - let me at my stack
The sea refuses no river
And right now this river's banks are blown
The sea refuses no river
Whether stinking and rank
Or red from the tank
Whether pure as a spring
There's no damned thing stops the poem
The sea refuses no river
And this river is homeward flowing
I have seen a trace of strain
In other's eyes not spoken
I must admit that I enjoyed their pain
But this time it's me that's broken
I demand for you and His
This must be the time
When we decide what freedom is
Turn water into wine
For the sea refuses no river
We're polluted now but in our hearts still clean
The sea refuses no river
We tried not to age
But time had it's rage
We're washed over stones
From babes into clones of the mean
The sea won't refuse this muddy river
Nor deny the sulfurous stream
There was a fool in a dressing robe
Riding out the twilight hour
Lonely and cold in an empty home
Trying to assess his power
But now he's like a stream in flood
Swollen by the storm
He doesn't care if he sheds his blood
Let him be reborn
For the sea refuses no river
Remember that when the beggar buys a round
The sea refuses no river
And rain fills the gutters
No time for stutters
This is our chance
To sing and to dance and to clown
The sea refuses no river
And rivers were sprung to drown
The sea refuses no river
No pecking code respected for the damned
The sea refuses no river
Whether starving or ill
Or strung on some pill
Just ''cause you own the land
There's no unique hand plugs the dam
The sea refuses no river
And the river is where I am
The river is where I am
This is likely Townshend's best song.
Pete Townshend is a rare talent and a timeless musical genius.
However, Pete , is at his best lyrically, musically and vocally within this Album which just happens to be my favourite , All The Best Cowboys xx
"The Sea Refuses No River" -A Truism that is set in poetic verse. That can be applied to all manner of life.
This song is all about truth , remember that when a begger buys a round !
I came on youtube to listen to Savoy Truffle, and somehow, a few clicks away, this song waited... It's the first time I've ever heard this song, and I've gotta say. Well done Pete Townsend. This has to be one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.
We tried not to age, but time had its rage.
I am certain Pete mentioned this song being about addiction and that heroin does not discriminate. It can take anyone. Hence heroin refuses no-one if they choose to use it.
Long live The Who and may pete Townshend continue to write classic music that will never sound jaded.
RIP Alan Rogan, the inspiration for and quiet co-writer of this song .....
To call Pete Townshend a musical genius is an understatement. Thanks for over 40 years of music classics and I'm still listening !
Epically brilliant. My mate and I were 15, I played this to him for the first time on one of our Saturday-afternoon music-update sessions, he'd never heard it before, he insisted on hearing it again and again... all afternoon :-)
It's kind of amazing how one tracks their life through the music they listened to. I remember where I was when I listened to this album at Northern Michigan U. for the fist time! WOW! Ahhh, the memories! Luigi, Morris, Wolski, and Sarah! Oh for that feeling again!
I love you pete
This song and album is a gem 🎸
What a trip. Looked up Slit Skirts and now, while listening to Refuses No River, see North Country Girl, Exquisitely Bored, Stardom in Acton. Like a 3 year period of my life, from 20 years ago came rushing in. Thx for posting this song.
" when we decide what freedom is, turn water into wine ". That is one of my favorite Pete lyrics. I met Pete after a gig in Seattle. Got his autograph and then he was kind of pissed off. Don't matter ,he is still an amazing artist.
Pete lives semi-pissed-off, so don't take it personally.
I used to listen to this song all the time in college. As the smoked swirled around our textbooks, this record spun n spun its entrancing web. Today in my middle-aged success, I know that Pete was right all those years ago!
No one writes like Pete... He has always been my favorite... No one makes me feel emotions like listening to his words... Beautiful and poetic...
"... this must be the time, when we decide what freedom is...turn water into wine..." so much imparted in so few words.
Explain why
@bed The beauty of the line is that, though up to individual interpretation, it nonetheless conveys feeling that transcends intent…
...thanks Pete
This whole album is brilliant
Desert island album for me.
Pete, one of the greatest song writers in the world. Do non forget "Who's next"!
"The sea" refers to death. No matter who you are, whatever you do with your life or whatever you do or don't have, we are all flowing towards the sea and it will accept each one of us without question. It's what we all have in common and every one of us will face it in the end. Period. It's the one thing that makes us all equal no matter what. Remember that when a beggar buys a round.
so well done.... only as Pete can do! Long live Pete and the Who!
Now I'm like a sewer channel
Running lime and scag
Let me get at the master panel
Let me at my stack
One of the greatest lines about the redemptive power of music ever.
Nice analogy. I always thought this song was a metaphor for his life at the time that he wrote it. He had been doing some heavy duty drinking and drugs (heroin namely) and he had just gone through rehab and was clean. This song was basically about his family and how they forgave, supported and loved him even though he put them through so much. He's admitting he fucked up, has a bad problem and is trying to fix it...or maybe its about his last trip to the grocery store. Any way I LOVE PETE!
id echo that .. the lyrical content is fabulous and mark brzezickis drumming is perfection!
A beauty of a song by Pete Townsend.
My neighbor just gave me this album on vinyl and so I had to come here to listen to it. ;)
The best Pete in this World...thanks
Great ! Thanks for posting, theseeker23 .
Great, great, great. Thanks for posting!!
This is a perfect testimony of Pete Townshend's talent as a lyricist. He is good with melodies, but as a lyricist, NOBODY can touch him.
People who say, as a blanket statement, rock is mindless garbage, haven't paid attention. There is a lot of garbage out there, but that only further proves Pete's obviously superior intellect.
Thanks for curing my ills! I've had this song in my head all night, and your posting of this song settled my mind! Nice photos too - thank you theseeker23!
One possible interpretaion: God doesn't turn down anybody.
Such a beautiful song.
I'd never heard this song! Thanks for adding it...
Beautiful song and Pete's written many. Thankfully he's finally released his autobiography. I suggest you pick it up. Got it today at Costco for $18.59. No , this isn't an ad. An ad will say this title of the book. You can look it up yourself. I'm merely spreading the gospel that is Mr. Peter Townshend.
Stated perfectly. I always thought of the blood spilt for addiction was spiritual blood.
As good a song as he has ever written in my opinion.
Very much agreed! ' Now he's like a stream in flood....LET HIM BE REBORN!"
loveliness...
Just fabulous.
This song is like looking into his soul. He is saying, I am a human, nothing fucking matters.
this tune has always moved me..."HOME NOO CLOWNBOZ"..an off ah went!
Ha, Pete and Roger are superb writers singers and performers no matter what the critics say lol xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Even the title is great.
staying humble really goes a long way Pete ^_-
Heroine addiction? Even if that is partly true, your answeris an incredible reduction. This song is so deep!
@fineali
remember reading something about Pete saying that no matter what reactions his daughters may have had as they faced his drug/alcohol problems, he would never refuse them just as "the sea refuses no river."
Why so many generations have to path the same pains repeatedly, again and again?
Remember reading something about Pete saying that no matter what reactions his daughters may have had as they faced his drug/alcohol problems, he would never refuse them just as "the sea refuses no river."
Why so many generations have to path the same pains repeatedly, again and again?
2:45 i love that pic
Strong comment Erik. Thanks. This song is an obvious song that reveals Pete's deep sense of spiritualism. (Thanks to Baba)
a song only a real artist could relate to, like bird or Haden or moonie. comes the gift comes the Curse. one of pete s greatest songs. MODUlations
i read that "the sea refuses no river" is the townshend family motto
Addiction
@fineali
Remember reading something about Pete saying that no matter what reactions were by his daughters about his drug/alcohol problems, he would never refuse them as "the sea resfuses no river".
aT A CERTAIN POINT, THIS SOLO SONGS BECAME SUPERIOR TO WHAT THE wHO WAS DOING.
Great fucking song. 👍
Define success friend.
Ya know what its about? its about time everybody shut up and listen to the nice song.
!!! The Sea REFUSES No River!!!
There was a fool in a dressing robe, riding out the twilight hour. Lonely and cold in an empty home, trying to asses his power........ addicts kid themselves sometimes I guess
Cheers.
The Sea Refuses No River!
I think it has more of a spiritual connotation. He spoke about it in his ABCHCE video compilation (which only exist now on VHS). Although it does refer to his earlier days of turmoil and drug abuse, it's more about how everyone, anyone, regardless of who they are, ends up in the same place when all is said and done.
and life
Poetry.
Really great song, Not a "bad" song on this whole album.........:D
Remember that when the beggar buys a round
Roger Daltrey s' version of this song, is even better ! This song should have been recorded and included on "Its Hard".
Beautiful guitar solo, I presume/hope Pete played it himself?
You may want to read the article on Hafez (Hafiz) that I wrote for Dutch Wikipedia a while ago, especially the Endnote. I'll translate it for you, if necessary.
@simplesecretof It is more about the experience of heroin, the addiction to heroin, and the experience of reconciling oneself to either staying clean or dying in a haze. It comes down on the side of getting clean, but only after it kind of gives away the similarity of recovery to addiction. You go in with delusions and back out with others. None of these things are unique. The "fool in a dressing robe" is trying to assess his power; that's why he's a fool. He has none.
Few artists went through the 80's and survived. Clapton barely made it. Pete did it with brio. Great artist....
Townshend: fucking tenth muse. No higher honor. n
@fineali Water.
4:25/4:30 picture is from 1969...don't know the concert.
emily.did you do this artwork /? yes this album is timeless
"Beautiful Christian Music" is a thread in “Religion” subforum in Sciforums - it is a thread well worth the read. The thread used "The Sea Refuses No River - Pete Townshend" on page 1.
It is the most incredible love story ever told.
Google "Beautiful Christian Music" + Sciforums, and be amazed.
Love will be a river ...