On 24th March, rock legend Pete Townshend released his first solo single in 29 years, ‘Can’t Outrun The Truth’. The Who guitarist and composer is known for his complex production skills and poetic lyricism as seen through albums such as Quadrophenia and Tommy. Whilst the pandemic put the group on a hiatus, it seems like Townshend is ready to jump back into the music scene and reclaim his place as one of the greats.
On ‘Can’t Outrun The Truth’, Pete Townshend trades in his usual heavier rock sound for a subdued country folk track. For longtime fans, the song will most likely come as a shock and may not satiate their need for another classic single like his solo ‘Let My Love Open The Door’ or The Who’s ‘Who Are You’. However, the choice of using only a stripped-back acoustic guitar and strings seem right considering the song’s subject matter. The brutally honest track looks at the experience of lockdown, the effects of which we are still trying to understand to this day. Being composed and produced by Townshend’s partner, Rachel Fuller, it is unsurprising that it is different from what fans may be used to.
Whilst the lyrics may not be Townshend’s most profound, the track’s opening line of “This lockdown is bringing me down” is a sentiment that most of us felt over the past few years. The track discusses the feelings of isolation and hopelessness that were brought on by the pandemic and the difficulties that many faced with daily life returning to normal: “I gotta leave this room / I gotta shake this doom / Gotta break through all this gloom”. The earnestness that seeps through the mellow backing track matched with the honesty of the lyrics will bring a sense of comfort to those most affected by the pandemic.
Pete Townshend has collaborated with artist Damien Hirst to create the single’s artwork, making the vinyl an instant collectible for fans. The proceeds from the limited edition vinyl and a cut of the digital downloads will all be going to Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity that The Who have frequently shown support for through kick-starting the yearly charity concerts in 2000.
Whilst many may have drawn a line under COVID-19, ‘Can’t Outrun The Truth’ reminds us that the effects of the pandemic are still far from over. The country folk tone allows listeners to take a break for a moment and reflect on the last few years. It seems that Townshend is suggesting that this self-reflection is the key to moving forwards with life.
Words by Amy Britton
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