Song meaning of Pictures of Lily by Pete Townshend

The song "Pictures of Lily" by Pete Townshend tells the story of a person who used to feel bad and have sleepless nights, but found comfort in pictures of a woman named Lily that they hung on their wall. The pictures of Lily made their life wonderful, helped them sleep at night, and solved their childhood problems. However, the person eventually falls in love with Lily, only to discover that she had been dead since 1929.

This song can be interpreted as a reflection on the power of memories and the past to bring comfort and solace during difficult times. The persona's attachment to the pictures of Lily symbolizes a longing for a simpler time when things seemed better. The revelation of Lily's death serves as a reminder that the past cannot be changed, but memories can still provide a sense of peace and happiness. In the end, the person finds solace in dreaming about Lily, even though she is no longer physically present.