overture
Michael Collins And His Orchestra Lyrics
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Didn't come home
His unborn child
Will never know him
Believe him missing
With a number of men
Don't expect
To see him again
The above lyrics are from the rock opera "Tommy" by The Who, specifically from the song "Overture" performed by Michael Collins And His Orchestra. The lyrics tell the story of Captain Walker, who did not return home and left behind an unborn child who may never know their father. There are a few different interpretations of the song's meaning, but one common interpretation is that it reflects the disillusionment and loss of the Vietnam War era. Captain Walker may be seen as a symbol of lost innocence or the many soldiers who never returned home from the war. The line "don't expect to see him again" may also symbolize the hopelessness and uncertainty of war.
Overall, the song "Overture" is an introduction to the story of Tommy, a boy who becomes deaf, blind, and dumb after witnessing a traumatic event. The rock opera explores themes of trauma, abuse, and personal redemption. While "Overture" primarily serves as an instrumental introduction to the story, the inclusion of the above lyrics adds an additional layer of meaning and sets the stage for the dark and introspective tone of the rest of the album.
Line by Line Meaning
Captain Walker
The singer of the story, Captain Walker
Didn't come home
Captain Walker did not return from war
His unborn child
Captain Walker had an unborn child who never got the chance to meet him
Will never know him
The child will never have the opportunity to get to know their father
Believe him missing
Captain Walker's whereabouts are unknown, leading others to believe he is missing
With a number of men
There were other soldiers who were also missing, not just Captain Walker
Don't expect
There is little hope that Captain Walker or any of the missing men will be found alive
To see him again
The chances of Captain Walker returning home are slim to none
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: PETER TOWNSHEND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind