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Townsend is musical hero to me as well- as much for his direct influence on me as for his influence on another of my musical heroes, Paul Weller.

I didn't fall for all the no-nukes brouha in the early 80s and thought Peace through Strength was an excellent strategy. I could never quite get my head around the lyrics to Athena (pro v. anti nuke). I felt they were pro-deployment and that Townsend may have realized that Europe was indeed safer because of the US buildup and defense. I believe history may have proved them to be correct:

Athena, I had no idea how much I'd need her
In peaceful times I'd hold her close and I'd feed her
But my heart starts palpatating when I think my guess is wrong
But I think I'll get along
She's just a girl- she's a bomb
Athena, all I ever wanted to do is please her
My life has been so settled and she's the reason
Just one word from her and my troubles are long gone
But I think I'll get along
She's just a girl- she's the bomb