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We're Not Gonna Take It (The Who song)

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Wikipedia article




"'We're Not Gonna Take It'" is the final track on the Who's rock opera 'Tommy'. Written by Pete Townshend, the song also contains the "See Me, Feel Me" anthem that is central to the structure of 'Tommy.'

Background



According to Pete Townshend, "We're Not Gonna Take It" was not originally written for the 'Tommy' storyline. He instead says that it was inspired by the people's reaction to politics.

In the storyline of Tommy, this song describes Tommy's followers' rejection of Tommy's new religion that bans drinking and drugs and centers around pinball. The song reprises the "See Me, Feel Me" and "Listening to You" themes that were seen previously throughout the album.

Release



In addition to being released on the Tommy album, "We're Not Gonna Take It" was released as a single in different forms. In America, it was the B-Side to "I'm Free", another album track. However, in 1970, the "See Me, Feel Me" portion was released as a single, backed with "Overture from Tommy". This version has been included on numerous compilation albums.

Personnel



*Roger Daltrey  lead vocals in the verse

*Pete Townshend  backing vocals, electric guitar, keyboards

*John Entwistle  lead vocals in the chorus, backing vocals, bass guitar

*Keith Moon  drums

References