Drowned Lyrics By The Who

“Drowned” is a song by British rock band The Who, originally released on their album “Quadrophenia” in 1973. “Quadrophenia” is a concept album that explores four distinct personalities within the main character, Jimmy, a young mod struggling with his identity. Each personality reflects a different member of the band. The narrative touches on themes of angst, rebellion, and the search for belonging, which were pertinent to British youth culture at the time.

“Drowned,” written by Pete Townshend, one of the founding members of The Who, is a pivotal song in this narrative. The lyrics are deeply introspective, reflecting a sense of longing and the desire for immersion, possibly as a form of escape from the complexities of life. Given the maritime themes of “Quadrophenia,” “Drowned” can also be interpreted quite literally, as the character in the song seeks solace in the ocean.

Lyrics

There are men high up there fishing
Haven’t seen quite enough of the world
I ain’t seen a sign of my hero
And I’m still diving down for pearls

Oh, let me flow into the ocean
Yeah, let me get back to the sea
Let me be stormy and let me be calm
Let the tide in, and set me free

I’m flowing under bridges
Then flying through the sky
I’m traveling down cold metal
Just a tear in baby’s eye

Oh, let me flow into the ocean
Oh, let me get back to the sea
Let me be stormy and let me be calm
Let the tide in and set me free
Set me free

I am not the actor
This can’t be the scene
But I am in the water
As far as I can see

Oh, I’m remembering distant memories
Recalling other names
Rippling over canyons
And boiling in the train

Oh, let me flow into the ocean
Let me get back to the sea
Let me be stormy and let me be calm
Let the tide in and set me free

Set me free
Set me free
I wanna drown
In cold water

Useful Links

Spotify – Deezer