Pete Townshend

Now and Then

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Now and Then Lyrics

Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
You can't do a thing about it
[repeat 3 times]

In you I saw someone that I recognized
Had no idea what was in your mind
I met your eyes and I was hypnotized
I let our lives become entwined

Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
You can't do a thing about it
Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
You can't do a thing about it

I feel so badly Darlin' all the time
I have tortured you so long
But I am helpless in this pantomime
I am aware that I was wrong

Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
You can't do a thing about it
(Can't do a thing about it)
[repeat 3 times]

You can't do a thing about it

For though you knew that I was twice your age
To make you laugh seemed youth enough
I thought we'd love and then you'd turn the page
I'd have to suffer your rebuff

And it was me who had the most to gain
Despite the fact that I now have lost
The only love that ever caused me pain
I feel like a double head was tossed

Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love

Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
And you can't do a thing about it
(You can't do a thing about it)
Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
You can't do a thing about it
(Can't do a thing about it, no no no)
Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
You can't do a thing about it
Can't do a thing about it

Submitted by

butneveroutgunned On May 21, 2006

Let My Love Open The Door

Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
You can't do a thing about it
[repeat 3 times]

In you I saw someone that I recognized
Had no idea what was in your mind
I met your eyes and I was hypnotized
I let our lives become entwined

Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
You can't do a thing about it
Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
You can't do a thing about it

I feel so badly Darlin' all the time
I have tortured you so long
But I am helpless in this pantomime
I am aware that I was wrong

Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
You can't do a thing about it
(Can't do a thing about it)
[repeat 3 times]

You can't do a thing about it

For though you knew that I was twice your age
To make you laugh seemed youth enough
I thought we'd love and then you'd turn the page
I'd have to suffer your rebuff

And it was me who had the most to gain
Despite the fact that I now have lost
The only love that ever caused me pain
I feel like a double head was tossed

Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
 
Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
And you can't do a thing about it
(You can't do a thing about it)
Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
You can't do a thing about it
(Can't do a thing about it, no no no)
Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love
You can't do a thing about it
Can't do a thing about it

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When in doubt, ask the crowd

Not sure what they’re singing in that fuzzy bridge? Drop a question in the comments and let the music nerds swarm. Someone always knows.

EmeraldFox

2013-02-27 07:54:18

ButNeverOutgunned

Submitter

2006-05-21 22:19:23

2 Meanings

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by Xarex

17y ago

This is an amazing song. Unfortunately, it's very a underrated song by Pete Townshend which just contains a powerful message. It can be interpreted in a few ways. The song is about finding that one soul or person you come across and you are absolutely in love with, you know there is an instant connection. However, there are two separate ways to interpret the message: One is finding that soul... falling in love and you have no control over what you feel, and you let your lives become entwined (the happiness interpretation) .. and/or either losing that soul at one point and that is where great pain comes in, either because you didn't say the words you wanted to say and let it pass.. or something like that (the sadness interpretation). Another interpretation is the fact that you come across a soul that you fall in love with and that soul is already in love with another soul and thus, you are left with only pain. "For though you knew that I was twice your age" can even be meant that you find a younger love... and you had a wonderful time with that love, but unfortunately, it didn't last. Also it seems in the message that the singer has a lot to gain but lost because he didn't express himself to the other soul. THIS SONG IS A MUST LISTEN TO! It holds a great interpretation for those who listen to it.

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by EmeraldFox 13y ago

I completely agree, and that I think the whole Psychoderelict album doesn't get enough love. Just look how few comments there are. I also love your interpretations!

by EmeraldFox

13y ago

In his Autobiography, I believe Pete mentioned this was about his wife, and a new, younger girlfriend at the time. So the first two verses are about the wife, and last two are about the new girfriend. Hence, another meaning to the title "Now and Then."
"I feel so badly Darlin' all the time. I have tortured you so long. But I am helpless in this pantomime. I am aware that I was wrong." This is to the wife. He felt like he tortured her by being on the road touring, or in his studio working, and being an overall 'workaholic.' Many times he wished he could drop it all and be at home, becoming a better husband and father. But he couldn't, and that's the "pantomime" - The rock star he can't help but being. Then on top of that, falling in love with another.

"Despite the fact that I now have lost the only love that ever caused me pain" Only a love that is strong and meaningful can actually cause you pain. So, Pete's acknowedging that being with the new girlfriend that he's madly in love with, he's also losing his wife - someone he loved deeply for a good portion of his life. He's conflicted, but acknowledging the fact that sometimes "you fall in love, and you can't do a thing about it."

I believe he said that his wife felt sick hearing the song.

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