In addition to his own music, Simon has produced artists both in London and New York. He has performed with numerous established acts ranging from Jeff Beck to Pearl Jam, and including elder brother Pete Townshend, with notable song writing and vocal contributions to Iron Man and Psychoderelict. Other credits include 15 years as guitarist and vocalist in The Who, playing sold out tours of Europe, Asia and North America, and a monumental performance at the 2010 Super Bowl. He was referred to by one U.S. newspaper as The Who’s “secret weapon.” In 2004 Simon served as producer for The Who’s first new, original studio recordings in more than 20 years and in 2006 contributed his talents to their highly anticipated album, Endless Wire. Since 2009, Simon has accompanied Roger Daltrey on tours of the United Kingdom and North America, including a stint with Eric Clapton. A highpoint of these shows features Simon’s electrifying performance of The Who classic, Goin’ Mobile, which consistently brings the cheering crowd to their feet. Simon once again is touring with The Who during the band's 2012-2013 "Quadrophenia and More" US Tour.
Simon Townshend’s own music is his priority and it has made a significant impact. As brother Pete Townshend told London’s Daily Mail, “he’s brilliant.” British and American papers have variously described his songs and performances as …
◦“supercharged hard rock…Mr. Townshend pushes the band to climax upon climax” (The New York Times)
◦“buoyant melodies…soaring vocal harmonies,… irresistible chorus hooks pushed and pulled by the refreshing optimism of Simon’s voice” (The Washington Post)
◦“impressive” (Billboard)
◦“really pushes the envelope and is highly recommended” (Amplifier)
◦“wonderful melodic punch…truly enjoyable listening” (Goldmine)
◦a “catharsis” (The Los Angeles Times)
In short, as London’s Gig Guide said, “you would be a fool to miss them.”
A prolific composer over the last decade and Who sideman, Simon Townshend continues to write, create and perform his unique and charismatic work as well as provide support to some of rock music’s ultimate legends. He can regularly be found interacting on his web site, www.SimonTownshend.com, Facebook and Twitter.
Experience
Simon Townshend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Give me your word, you'll have your mind set to receive
Hear the voice, hear the word of a child delirious
Shadow of doubt under a sigh
Promise me this much, you'll keep me in touch
You've got all I have to give
Now do you realize just why I'm holding on
Now do you see why, see why I must go on
With all that's inside me
I give you my word, there'll be a chance in the life after this
They can be heard under the earth and over the sea
So throw down your gun don't let the government interfere with us
If we're to fight we'll use our bare hands
Promise me this much you'll keep me in touch
You've got all I have to give
So now do you realize, just why I'm holding on
Now do you see why see why I must go on
Now do you realize, I just wanna fly into your mind
With all that's inside me
Promise me this, promise me you could enjoy the experience
The song "Experience" by Simon Townshend is a plea to let go of fear and to fully embrace life. The main message of the song is to promise to enjoy life, to embrace the unknown experiences that come with it, and to let go of societal constraints that hold people back. The lyrics call for listeners to hear the word of a child delirious, suggesting a need to tap into the childlike wonder and openness to experience that is often lost as people age. The shadow of doubt under a sigh is a reference to the fear and hesitation that can arise when contemplating the unknown or stepping outside of one's comfort zone.
The song has a sense of urgency to it, as the lyrics implore the listener to promise to keep the singer in touch and to understand why they must go on. The references to life after this and fighting with bare hands suggest a need to focus on what is truly important in life and to let go of societal constructs that restrict and confine people. The final plea to promise to enjoy the experience emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest and embracing all that comes with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Promise me this, promise me you could enjoy the experience
Agree with me that you can take pleasure in the journey ahead
Give me your word, you'll have your mind set to receive
Assure me that you'll be open and prepared to learn
Hear the voice, hear the word of a child delirious
Listen carefully to the message of someone with a child-like enthusiasm
Shadow of doubt under a sigh
A faint feeling of uncertainty lurking beneath a breath
Promise me this much, you'll keep me in touch
Make a vow to stay connected with me
You've got all I have to give
You possess everything I can offer
Now do you realize just why I'm holding on
Do you understand the reason why I'm persevering?
Now do you see why, see why I must go on
Can you comprehend why I need to keep pushing forward?
Now do you realize, I just wanna fly into your mind
Do you see that I desire to enter your thoughts and be understood?
With all that's inside me
With every fiber of my being
I give you my word, there'll be a chance in the life after this
I promise you that there will be an opportunity beyond this existence
They can be heard under the earth and over the sea
Their voices can be heard everywhere and anywhere
So throw down your gun don't let the government interfere with us
Discard your weapon and don't allow the authorities to intervene in our lives
If we're to fight we'll use our bare hands
If we need to struggle, we'll rely only on our own strength and willpower
Promise me this much you'll keep me in touch
Commit to staying in contact with me
You've got all I have to give
Everything I have to offer is in your possession
So now do you realize, just why I'm holding on
Do you now understand why I am continuing to hold on?
Now do you see why see why I must go on
Can you comprehend why I must persist?
Now do you realize, I just wanna fly into your mind
Do you understand that I desire to connect with you on a deep level?
With all that's inside me
With my innermost thoughts and feelings
Contributed by Taylor B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@royvanzadel2987
Dear Simon and friends as One, wishing you all a happy start of our day
Our house is open and free 4FOR everyone to bake creative soul music in the heart of our soul kitchen
So come and join together
You are most all welcome here in Holland(notpark road😊) dear greetings Roy
BROTHER Pete knows, see lnside notes life house chronicles... The gold of the Inca's 97 ahoy Rotterdam Quad. Tour ❤
💙💚💛💜📖🎂Pete
Donation €121 for TCT made lasl wednesday❤
@francesbarrineau4045
The Celtic quality of this and the combination of Eddie's voice is just great.
@ItsSeanTheProducer
I think that guy singing with Simon may have a bit of a future in music.
I love to see Simon and his music being appreciated so much when he comes to the U.S., he deserves it. He and his son Ben are such nice guys... they used to appear on the show I co-hosted and we'd all go out after when he was here in Connecticut back in the 90's.
@vincentprice8130
Perfect pairing for Simon style, Eddie harmonies really beautifully AWESOME
@HiItsSmeee
How cool to hear Eddie Vedder singing one of my favorites, "I'm the Answer" along with Simon Townshend!
@Username89039
Really nice guitar work here in She Asked Me, strong fingers! I'm so stoked to have bought some guitar stuff of Simon recently. I'd never heard of him till a few weeks ago - finding his music now is like finding a hidden diamond, top notch.
@trevormiller8990
HEY! It's Simon Townshend with that guy from Portlandia! Cool, he has an OK Voice... :)
@royvanzadel2987
💙💚💛💜❤️♾️🫂great and small humane being 2Together gathering here without fear,takes one heart courage❤😊
@petwog
Wow Eddie I just listened to this via your new PJ web site.....I'm a huge 61 yo fan.....keep rocking!
@krisskool4u
Thank you for sharing awesome music moments with us! <3 you Simon!
@whofanextraordinaire2672
It was a lovely room and a great show. Worth the trip to Seattle!