Somebody Saved Me

Zoo Freaks, you’re tuned into THE ZOO with the Zoo Crew, spinning the righteous vibes of Pete Townshend’s “Somebody Saved Me” from his 1982 solo gem, All The Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes. This track’s got a wild backstory, perfect for our hippie hearts. Originally penned for The Who’s 1981 album Face Dances, it got the boot because it didn’t quite jive with their sound after Keith Moon’s passing, when Kenney Jones took over the drums. Pete, being the soulful cat he is, saved it for his solo record, where it became a meditative confession. In a 2022 Audible Original, Pete shared how this song captured his raw emotions during a dark time—fresh off an Ativan detox and grappling with a crumbling marriage. He called it a reflection of feeling “alone, yet still yearning for lost emotions,” a vibe that hits deep for anyone who’s ever been lost in the haze.

[](https://ultimateclassicrock.com/pete-townshend-all-the-best-cowboys-have-chinese-eyes/)

Now, let’s talk about that album title—Pete admitted on a promotional LP he deserved the “Stupid Title of the Year” award for All The Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes. He told Rolling Stone it was inspired by a mental image of a gritty American hero, like Clint Eastwood, with “eyes like slits,” capable of anything to save his people, even if it meant getting his hands dirty. The song itself, “Somebody Saved Me,” is like a prayer of gratitude, with Pete singing about being pulled back from the edge. In a 2005 interview on his website, he revealed the album’s demos were recorded at his Meher Baba Oceanic studio, a place steeped in spiritual vibes from celebrating his guru’s life. That sacred space gave the song its poignant, almost tearful soul.

[](https://ultimateclassicrock.com/pete-townshend-all-the-best-cowboys-have-chinese-eyes/)[](https://petetownshend.net/musicals/all-the-best-cowboys-have-chinese-eyes)

Let’s rewind to how Pete Townshend became the legend we’re spinning today. Born May 19, 1945, in London, this English rock wizard is best known as the guitarist and songwriter for The Who, a band Eddie Vedder once called “possibly the greatest live band ever.” Pete’s journey kicked off in the early ‘60s when he formed The Who with Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon. His songwriting, fueled by a mix of teenage angst and art-school rebellion, turned anthems like “My Generation” into cultural lightning bolts. Before The Who, Pete was strumming in a skiffle band called The Detours, but it was his bold guitar-smashing stage antics and knack for crafting rock operas like Tommy that made him a rock god. His solo career, including albums like Empty Glass and Chinese Eyes, let him dig deeper into personal and spiritual themes, free from the band’s high-octane energy.

[](https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/33253284/Pete%2BTownshend/Somebody%2BSaved%2BMe)[](https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3498914/Pete%2BTownshend/Somebody%2BSaved%2BMe)

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Pete’s latest musings and projects on his official website, where he’s been sharing updates since the early 2000s. Catch him on Facebook, where he posts about new releases and reflections on his career. His Instagram is a treasure trove of throwbacks and studio shots, giving you a peek into his creative world. Over on X, Pete’s less active, but you’ll find fans buzzing about his work. For the real fanatics, check out The Who’s official site for tour news and archives. Join the Who Are You - The Who Fan Group on Facebook to trade stories and rare finds with fellow devotees. And don’t miss The Who Forum, a fan-run site packed with discussions and deep dives into Pete’s catalog. Keep it locked to THE ZOO, where we’re always spinning the truth for our Zoo Freaks!

[](https://petetownshend.net/musicals/all-the-best-cowboys-have-chinese-eyes)[](https://www.thewho.com/petes-blog/pete-townshend-fan-interview-part-2-of-2/) ```