Still can't believe he's gone. American RnR legend. Please check out Learning to Fly - live in concert, with the crowd singing (he's wearing a green shirt) Great version 👌
@@robbob5302 He was greatly influenced by Roger McGuinn and The Byrds. The 12 string Ricks, the nasal voice. All of it. Nothing to do with grunge or Neil Young.
@My Dixie Wrecked🔧 Yeah, outdoor Tom Petty concerts in the Summertime used to be a staple in my life, but he’s no one I would listen to outside of that. His shows were fun though!
If you liked this, consider checking out Tom Petty "Running Down a Dream." Or, if you are looking for something a bit different from Tom Petty, try "Don't Come Around Here No More."
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers made their move from their southern roots in Gainesville, Florida and went to Los Angeles to get their big break. In the land of Jackson Browne and The Eagles they found their sound, a perfect fusion of Southern and laid back Southern California rock. They were preeminent for decades.
When this song hit in 1977, people didn't know what Tom Petty was - if he was New Wave, pop rock, folk rock, etc. He really didn't fit in one of those silos, but this was a huge hit, and things got rolling for him.
Interesting that you said that because I discovered Petty in the late 80s when in high school and always thought of his early stuff in "classic rock terms" (for lack of a better description) and a few years ago I came across a music magazine issue from 1978 or so with a Petty interview and judging by the interviewer's questions I was blown away because I could tell that at the time he was seen more as having something in common with new wave and punk bands and such as far as his impact than with him being just a continuation of the original rock bands (or at least by the interviewer). So never realized he had shaken things up when he came on the scene.
@@8to5oncleveland27 Yeah, "Breakdown" came first in 1976 and was a huge hit, but it was slower-paced, and although it sounded different, it wasn't regarded as "New Wave". When this song, "American Girl", hit the charts, critics and fans alike said, "Oh, that's New Wave, definitely. All that jangly energy!" Then, a few years later, everyone just sort of said, "Well, the Tom Petty song catalog is varied, and we should just leave it at that." (smile)
I have sang this song in multiple bands over the last 20 plus years so have really pondered these lyrics a lot. The best way I can explain it would be...a pure and innocent girl growing up in a fairly sheltered environment (in the Gainesville, Florida area where the band grew up by the way because of the lyric "She could hear the cars roll by out on 441 like waves crashing on the beach" which Tom Petty explained in their Gatorville Live DVD) with a sense of longing to leave and explore the world. The most concise explanation is it is a song about a precocious young girl with wanderlust.
Seeing Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers live is like taking a master class in Rock Stars being Rock Stars. They just seem like they belong right where they are, doing exactly what the should be doing.
My brother saw him line numerous times including at Purdue University. He even dressed up as him for Halloween. He told me one of the best live concerts.
I only saw him once backing Bob Dylan and when Bob needed a break, Tom and the boys would play a few of their songs. Great concert. Two legends, one more up and coming and the other already written into history.
I saw them in...'83?? TP was like an Energizer Bunny on stage, as were the Heartbreakers! That concert STILL stands as one of my very favorites of all time! I love him....
Tom Petty's unique voice is just part of what made him a great artist. With a few exceptions, his songs just don't sound right with a more "traditional" voice. He also wasn't afraid to blur the lines between genres and was a pioneer in the world of video. He was also remarkably good at conveying emotion in his singing, something not all artists do very well.
When I hear this song I am reminded of the film "Silence of the Lambs" and the girl that was cruising down the street in an old Gremlin. This same girl ends up being kidnapped by a psychopath. The most memorable line in the film is when he lowers a basket with lotion and says "it rubs lotion on it's skin or it gets the hose again"
His unique voice was part of his charm and who he was. His songs wouldn't sound right if anyone else sang them. Saw him live in early 80's. To this day, his voice and energy that night STILL stands as one of the best concerts I've ever been to! Love TP so much!
Since Lex is so smitten with Fleetwood Mac, you should check out the song, “Stop draggin’ my heart around”. It’s Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Stevie Nicks. Great Song! 🤘
Positive: just a great tune, probably my third favorite Tom Petty song after You Got Lucky and Running Down a Dream. Negative: I can't hear it without thinking of the kidnapping scene in Silence of the Lambs that it played during.
Me too. It's such a perfect song for that scene though. This was also in the beginning of Fast Times at Ridgemont High! Maybe try to think of that instead.
the thing about Tom's lyrics is they are so generalized to "fit" for anyone. People can relate to his lyrics. It is a talent few have, to be able to write so many songs that so many different people can relate to.
No, The Waiting wasn't his first big hit. It was from Hard Promises, the follow-up to his smash Damn the Torpedoes (which Refugee was on). Don't Do Me like That, Here Comes My Girl and Even the Losers were all big hits from Damn the Torpedoes as well.
To me, this song is about a man reminiscing on his first love, who was a typical American girl. Probably beautiful, bright and loving but with ambition and a desire for more than she had which was stronger than her first love. She moved on to pursue the bigger life she imagined but they both still remember each other fondly. It sounds nostalgic because nostalgia is the spirit of the song. It always brings me back to that feeling I had when I was coming of age, when I thought anything was possible if I worked hard enough but I also wanted to experience love and youth.
This song never was a chart hit, but, became his iconic song, played at every show throughout their career. It was the last song that he ever sang live.
Yes on certain songs tho..didn't notice it much in songs like free fallin` and Learning to fl..but I guess I never just fully focused only on the voice but I for some reason just listen to the music
@@jadejj7948 Initially, I and one of my friends were a little distracted by Tom’s unusual voice (he was a little more harsh in his criticism than I)…it was when Refugee was playing on the radio….we really hadn’t heard anything from the first two albums at that point. Some years later another couple of friends and I saw him on his Southern Accents tour…great show!
The song that introduced us to Petty in 1976. Among his finest -- Rolling Stone ranked it his No. 1 song, for what it's worth (my choice would be "A Woman in Love (It's Not Me)." "Free Fallin' " is a great companion song.
She's a woman in love. Definitely the best !! I don't understand the world today. I don't understand what she needed. Gave her everything she threw it all away on nothing!!
Ironically, American Girl didn't chart well when it first came out, but it has grown in popularity over the years and could be considered Petty's signature song, although that is subjective, since he has so many great songs.
When I was a teen in the 80s, I used to take comfort in "adult-oriented" rockers like Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Nick's, and John Cougar Mellencamp. I always figured when I grew up, there would be either them, or somebody else like them, I could still rock out to. Now that I got here, they all seem to have vanished.... 🤔☹
Tom didn't have a great singing voice but he had the perfect voice for great Tom Petty songs. The same goes for many singer-songwriters performing their own music.
I don’t know about 90’s bands but Tom Petty openly and proudly admitted he was doing everything he could to write and record a song that sounded like his heroes ‘The Byrds’ ff the 60’s. In fact when Roger McGuinn of the the Byrds heard it he said “When did I write this?”
As a Londeoner, I have been to the states many times...LOVE the place and the people.And this song is just such a representation of the USA. I once drove in an open top Mustang from Las Vegas to San Diego, CA...and this song played...followed by 'Wouldn't it be nice' by the Beach Boys...2013...LIVING THE DREAM!
I remember pulling up to a concert late and this song was blasting from the stage. It felt like an amazing movie scene running up in excitement to watch. Such a feel good song
More Tom Petty please!!! I'm positive you guys will love some of his stuff. He's a fantastic songwriter with lots of music out there. Lots of good suggestions in comments already. Wildflowers album is one of my all time favorites.
Great observation about the nostalgia aspect, Lex! I think I read somewhere that Tom's singing style was influenced by Bob Dylan and Roger McGuinn. Check out "Breakdown", and "Mary Jane's Last Dance" next. Tom was also in The Traveling Wilburys with Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, George Harrison (The Beatles), Jeff Lynne (ELO), and Jim Keltner on drums. Check out "She's My Baby", "End of the Line", and "Handle With Care" 😎
absolutely correct! It is precisely Dylan crossed with McGuinn. And I like Petty a lot. Still, you can't say he has a "unique" voice. In fact, this song in particular made McGuinn so angry at the thought Petty was ripping his sound off that he punched Tom in the stomach on stage! Later they became good friends and McGuinn understood Petty was doing an homage to him, not just stealin'. RIP Tom, a great rocker.
Tom Petty had a long career. He started with the band Mudcrutch, which he reformed before he died, became famous with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, formed the Supergroup the Traveling Wilburys with Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, George Harrison and Jeff Lynne, and also had an active solo career. Even though he lived in California for most of his life, he was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, and yes, his voice is very distinctive.
That song is about a girl that was at the University of Florida, she couldn't take the pressure of college, climbed out on the roof of the dorm, and jumped, 441 runs through the center of the University, her statue is in the sidewalk today. I was up there when they were playing dives, they also were the band Mudcrunch.
it is sooo American!! I was born in 86 so and I agree for some reason it's nostalgic for me too. I remember songs like free falling and learning to fly as a kid but I checked this song out live on a Friday something show. check it out so good, so good!! deff good old classic American rock! y'all are cool.
This song always lifted me up after a bad day. Makes me think of my highschool sweetheart (now wife of almost 30yrs❤️) Seen him twice........ great showman
This song always reminds me of “Silence of the Lambs”. That poor girl in the pit was singing this in her car right before Buffalo Bill grabbed her😢. It’s a great song anyway 🌺✌️
Petty takes a Bo Diddly beat, and writes a song that will never be like anything else... experiencing this live is unreal, the joy in this rhythm is amazing..
I love Tom petty so much. My favorite Song from Tom Petty and the heartbreakers is Mary Jane’s last dance. When I heard about his death I couldn’t help but cry.
A lot of people my age (48) and even older couldn't get past his voice. I even know people who like the music but can't listen to the songs because of Tom Petty's voice. I have commented on other videos that you guys have done about how I like "good singing" but I make an exception for Tom lol.
I went to The Univ of Florida in Gainesville ( The band’s hometown) I started there about 5 yrs after this song was released. The legend always was that it was a bout a girl that committed suicide over a lost love. The lyrics say, “she stood alone on a balcony. She could hear the cars out on 441, like the waves breaking on the beach. And for one desperate moment, he crept back in her memory.. “. Hwy 441 is a major road that runs along and through the edge of campus..no idea if it based on real events, or if that’s really what it’s based on. But, to me, that’s the story forevermore
He was one smooth dude. Many happy times with his music. One line from his song nearly summer we sat on your roof...I actually sat on a roof listening to that song 🎵
Tom Petty is just timeless. He's the greatest songwriter of his generation. Some may say Springsteen or Mellencamp, and who could argue with them. Tom's definitely 1A, 1B, or 1C.
Tom Petty is the definition of Americana. Check out "Free Fallin"", "You Don't Know How It Feels", "Leave Virginia Alone", "Learning to Fly" and many many more 🙂
You need to react to The Travelling Willburys. They were a super group consisting of Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, George Harrison (Beatles) and Jeff Lynne (ELO). Handle Me With Care and End Of The Line are 2 of their best known songs.
Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, George Harrison of the Beatles and Jeff Lynne of ELO formed a super group named The traveling Wilburys. Such a great band that only did one album before Roy Orbison died, but it had 4 great songs. The story goes; George Harrison was visiting Jeff Lynne and Jeff played him a song he wrote and wanted to know if George would help him record it, but his favorite guitar was at Tom Petty's house. So they went to Tom's house to get it and got to talking about doing it as a trio and then Tom suggested that they go to Bob Dylans house because he had a better studio. Once there they all started talking about how much they all admired Roy Orbison so Bob Dylan called him up and the rest is history. Please do a reaction to the Traveling Wilburys and you won't be disappointed.
I had a long gap away from listening to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. A couple of years ago, I dove back in and "caught up" on all of the music that Tom and the rest of the guys had released after "Full-Moon Fever". "Echo" is a solid album, but I became obsessed with "Swingin'" I listened to it so much, watched the video, invented a back story for the song's main character. I even dreamed about the song.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers always sounded ahead of their time. Good observation. They were kind of folk rock, garage rock, New wave ish, hard rock, southern rock (from Florida), etc. Lots of blending. Depending on the songs and decade. They made music for decades. 🎶. Lots of songs and videos. Silence of the Lambs movie has this song. Modern day post-punk, indie/garage rock, band The Strokes has songs that sound similar to them. Influenced. Check out The Strokes!
I saw tom petty and the heartbreakers at the Univ. or Riverside in California sitting on a tarp ( to protect the wood floor) in the school's gym. It was 1976 and I had heard it on the radio (album oriented station). I haven't forgotten it. Their performance was exhilarating.
To hear his influence, listen to Mudcrutch's 'Lost in Your Eyes' (1974) and compare it with Kings of Leon's' 'Sex on Fire' (2009). When I learned of Tom Petty's death on the radio, I had to pull over the car while dropping my daughter to school and have a good 'ol cry - seeing him perform live was life-changing for me!
In the last verse Tom gives a nod to his hometown of Gainesville Fl, by mentioning U.S. Rt 441 ("Yeah she could hear the cars roll by, out on 441 like waves crashing on the beach'), a main highway that runs north to south right down the center of town. Great songwriter who is sorely missed.
This song always makes me think of the movie Silence of the Lambs, the scene where the girl is singing this in the car before she gets kidnapped by Buffalo Bill.
I like Tom Petty since I`ve heard his album "T.P. And The Heartbreakers". At this time nobody knows him here in germany but a few month later it has change and his career was goin on. What a great musicion !
Legend has it, Tom was referencing his days in Gainesville, Fla, when he sung about 441 : US 441 goes thru Gainesville, bordering one edge of the university of Florida. Lots of people think he is also talking about students living in Beatty Towers - it is a tall dorm adjacent to 441 - but I don’t think it has balconies.
Another home run Brad! Your reactions are amazing and insightful. You feel good music right to your soul and bring so much to the conversation. The other side of the couch? Not so much
My fave Tom Petty song! Also if you've ever seen Silence of the Lambs this was the song playing when you are introduced to the Senator's daughter who Buffalo Bill kidnaps.
This is EARLY song by Tom Petty... he broke into mainstream radio with a bang with this album. He was a GREAT artist that was just beginning with this song.
Tom is truly a legend in music. You guys need to deep dive into him.
Still can't believe he's gone. American RnR legend. Please check out Learning to Fly - live in concert, with the crowd singing (he's wearing a green shirt) Great version 👌
Right 💔 I will Love Tom Petty Forever 💙
One of the all time greatest American songwriters. His music will live on for generations.
Tom Petty is a rock legend. His nasally voice fits his music perfectly.
I agree. But I think he's intentionally accentuating his nasally tone on this track for affect.
If Neil Young was the Godfather of Grunge, Tom Petty was the Great Uncle.
@@robbob5302 He was greatly influenced by Roger McGuinn and The Byrds. The 12 string Ricks, the nasal voice. All of it. Nothing to do with grunge or Neil Young.
@My Dixie Wrecked🔧
Yeah, outdoor Tom Petty concerts in the Summertime used to be a staple in my life, but he’s no one I would listen to outside of that. His shows were fun though!
Nasally voice? What nasally voice? ; )
If you liked this, consider checking out Tom Petty "Running Down a Dream." Or, if you are looking for something a bit different from Tom Petty, try "Don't Come Around Here No More."
80s classic
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers made their move from their southern roots in Gainesville, Florida and went to Los Angeles to get their big break. In the land of Jackson Browne and The Eagles they found their sound, a perfect fusion of Southern and laid back Southern California rock. They were preeminent for decades.
When this song hit in 1977, people didn't know what Tom Petty was - if he was New Wave, pop rock, folk rock, etc. He really didn't fit in one of those silos, but this was a huge hit, and things got rolling for him.
You’re right. I forgot that.
Interesting that you said that because I discovered Petty in the late 80s when in high school and always thought of his early stuff in "classic rock terms" (for lack of a better description) and a few years ago I came across a music magazine issue from 1978 or so with a Petty interview and judging by the interviewer's questions I was blown away because I could tell that at the time he was seen more as having something in common with new wave and punk bands and such as far as his impact than with him being just a continuation of the original rock bands (or at least by the interviewer). So never realized he had shaken things up when he came on the scene.
@@8to5oncleveland27 Yeah, "Breakdown" came first in 1976 and was a huge hit, but it was slower-paced, and although it sounded different, it wasn't regarded as "New Wave". When this song, "American Girl", hit the charts, critics and fans alike said, "Oh, that's New Wave, definitely. All that jangly energy!"
Then, a few years later, everyone just sort of said, "Well, the Tom Petty song catalog is varied, and we should just leave it at that."
(smile)
@@8to5oncleveland27 Kinda forgot about that. The song “I Need to Know” is kinda along those lines.
I have sang this song in multiple bands over the last 20 plus years so have really pondered these lyrics a lot. The best way I can explain it would be...a pure and innocent girl growing up in a fairly sheltered environment (in the Gainesville, Florida area where the band grew up by the way because of the lyric "She could hear the cars roll by out on 441 like waves crashing on the beach" which Tom Petty explained in their Gatorville Live DVD) with a sense of longing to leave and explore the world. The most concise explanation is it is a song about a precocious young girl with wanderlust.
Yeah, same here. I think she jumped off the balcony..
"God it's so painful for something that's so close but still so far out of reach" one of my all time favorite lyrics.
Seeing Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers live is like taking a master class in Rock Stars being Rock Stars. They just seem like they belong right where they are, doing exactly what the should be doing.
My brother saw him line numerous times including at Purdue University. He even dressed up as him for Halloween. He told me one of the best live concerts.
I only saw him once backing Bob Dylan and when Bob needed a break, Tom and the boys would play a few of their songs. Great concert. Two legends, one more up and coming and the other already written into history.
I saw them in...'83?? TP was like an Energizer Bunny on stage, as were the Heartbreakers! That concert STILL stands as one of my very favorites of all time! I love him....
Tom Petty's unique voice is just part of what made him a great artist. With a few exceptions, his songs just don't sound right with a more "traditional" voice. He also wasn't afraid to blur the lines between genres and was a pioneer in the world of video.
He was also remarkably good at conveying emotion in his singing, something not all artists do very well.
When I hear this song I am reminded of the film "Silence of the Lambs" and the girl that was cruising down the street in an old Gremlin. This same girl ends up being kidnapped by a psychopath. The most memorable line in the film is when he lowers a basket with lotion and says "it rubs lotion on it's skin or it gets the hose again"
Me too!
His unique voice was part of his charm and who he was. His songs wouldn't sound right if anyone else sang them. Saw him live in early 80's. To this day, his voice and energy that night STILL stands as one of the best concerts I've ever been to! Love TP so much!
Since Lex is so smitten with Fleetwood Mac, you should check out the song, “Stop draggin’ my heart around”. It’s Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Stevie Nicks. Great Song! 🤘
Yes!!! That’s one of my all time favorite songs!
@@debbiechang5781 You really can’t go wrong with Stevie or Tom Petty. Great Stuff!🤘
As well as "Insider."
They already did that song
@@Hixlol Cool beans man!
I’m glad, it’s a great tune.
God Bless😇🤘
Totally invokes nostalgia in me as well. Not based off actual old feelings or events, just gives me that same feeling.
Where ?
I love everything Tom has done! Breakdown is my personal favorite 🤗
There's no less than two dozen absolute bangers, and many more great songs by Petty.
Where ?
Positive: just a great tune, probably my third favorite Tom Petty song after You Got Lucky and Running Down a Dream.
Negative: I can't hear it without thinking of the kidnapping scene in Silence of the Lambs that it played during.
I can't hear "The Waiting" without thinking of the Simpsons episode where Homer buys a gun either!
Yes!!! I just mentioned that in my comment!
Put the lotion in the basket!
Me too. It's such a perfect song for that scene though. This was also in the beginning of Fast Times at Ridgemont High! Maybe try to think of that instead.
@@peterhineinlegen4672
“Mister! Don’t make me hurt your dog!”
the thing about Tom's lyrics is they are so generalized to "fit" for anyone. People can relate to his lyrics. It is a talent few have, to be able to write so many songs that so many different people can relate to.
He drew from his own emotions and experiences,and,created songs that were universal anthems. You're right,that's a rare skill.
Tom Petty's first 2 decades of music is epic. He is that rare songsmith who can play and sing, too. Go deep, Brad and Lex, go deep!
Refugee Tom Petty 1980. First big hit was "The Waiting" . Both are fantastic!
No, The Waiting wasn't his first big hit. It was from Hard Promises, the follow-up to his smash Damn the Torpedoes (which Refugee was on). Don't Do Me like That, Here Comes My Girl and Even the Losers were all big hits from Damn the Torpedoes as well.
To me, this song is about a man reminiscing on his first love, who was a typical American girl. Probably beautiful, bright and loving but with ambition and a desire for more than she had which was stronger than her first love. She moved on to pursue the bigger life she imagined but they both still remember each other fondly. It sounds nostalgic because nostalgia is the spirit of the song. It always brings me back to that feeling I had when I was coming of age, when I thought anything was possible if I worked hard enough but I also wanted to experience love and youth.
I so miss Tom Petty .. TY so much for doing this one!! Love you guys. Great show as always!! ♥
Tom Petty LIVE is another experience!! I admit after at TP concert, I went out and got this song tattooed on my back! TP forever!!
This song never was a chart hit, but, became his iconic song, played at every show throughout their career.
It was the last song that he ever sang live.
From just up I-75 from you. Gainesville boy. One of the best concerts I ever went to.
Toms voice is something that grows on you.
Yes on certain songs tho..didn't notice it much in songs like free fallin` and Learning to fl..but I guess I never just fully focused only on the voice but I for some reason just listen to the music
@@jadejj7948
Initially, I and one of my friends were a little distracted by Tom’s unusual voice (he was a little more harsh in his criticism than I)…it was when Refugee was playing on the radio….we really hadn’t heard anything from the first two albums at that point.
Some years later another couple of friends and I saw him on his Southern Accents tour…great show!
Petty was a high school dropout from Florida who was inspired by the Beatles and the Stones to do it his way. 😉♥
He went back and finished,though.
The song that introduced us to Petty in 1976. Among his finest -- Rolling Stone ranked it his No. 1 song, for what it's worth (my choice would be "A Woman in Love (It's Not Me)." "Free Fallin' " is a great companion song.
She's a woman in love. Definitely the best !! I don't understand the world today. I don't understand what she needed. Gave her everything she threw it all away on nothing!!
Ironically, American Girl didn't chart well when it first came out, but it has grown in popularity over the years and could be considered Petty's signature song, although that is subjective, since he has so many great songs.
When I was a teen in the 80s, I used to take comfort in "adult-oriented" rockers like Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Nick's, and John Cougar Mellencamp.
I always figured when I grew up, there would be either them, or somebody else like them, I could still rock out to.
Now that I got here, they all seem to have vanished....
🤔☹
One of my favorite artists. Love him. His best song for me. And guitarist Mike Campbell.
Tom didn't have a great singing voice but he had the perfect voice for great Tom Petty songs. The same goes for many singer-songwriters performing their own music.
Like Brad's beloved Alanis.
I think he was a great singer
Petty, Zeppelin and the Allman Brothers all in one day ? Thanks! You guys are killing it today ☘️✌️
This song always reminds me of the movie "silence of the lambs".
This band was clean and on time ,so underrated because they made their own carefree individual sound and stayed true to their style.
Song girl was singing before getting abducted in movie "Silence of the Lambs"🐑😲
such a classic...brings me back to my teenage years...you should watch some if earliest stuff live... flawless
RIP Tom Petty. Rocked with him for 40 plus yrs. My main man
I don’t know about 90’s bands but Tom Petty openly and proudly admitted he was doing everything he could to write and record a song that sounded like his heroes ‘The Byrds’ ff the 60’s. In fact when Roger McGuinn of the the Byrds heard it he said “When did I write this?”
LOL
As a Londeoner, I have been to the states many times...LOVE the place and the people.And this song is just such a representation of the USA. I once drove in an open top Mustang from Las Vegas to San Diego, CA...and this song played...followed by 'Wouldn't it be nice' by the Beach Boys...2013...LIVING THE DREAM!
I remember pulling up to a concert late and this song was blasting from the stage. It felt like an amazing movie scene running up in excitement to watch. Such a feel good song
More Tom Petty please!!! I'm positive you guys will love some of his stuff. He's a fantastic songwriter with lots of music out there. Lots of good suggestions in comments already. Wildflowers album is one of my all time favorites.
It's from the 80s! Tom Petty is a legend! Hall of Fame! He's a little bit of a vocal stylist. Doesn't have a classic great voice!
From their first album in 1976.
Great observation about the nostalgia aspect, Lex! I think I read somewhere that Tom's singing style was influenced by Bob Dylan and Roger McGuinn. Check out "Breakdown", and "Mary Jane's Last Dance" next. Tom was also in The Traveling Wilburys with Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, George Harrison (The Beatles), Jeff Lynne (ELO), and Jim Keltner on drums. Check out "She's My Baby", "End of the Line", and "Handle With Care" 😎
absolutely correct! It is precisely Dylan crossed with McGuinn. And I like Petty a lot. Still, you can't say he has a "unique" voice. In fact, this song in particular made McGuinn so angry at the thought Petty was ripping his sound off that he punched Tom in the stomach on stage! Later they became good friends and McGuinn understood Petty was doing an homage to him, not just stealin'. RIP Tom, a great rocker.
Tom Petty had a long career. He started with the band Mudcrutch, which he reformed before he died, became famous with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, formed the Supergroup the Traveling Wilburys with Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, George Harrison and Jeff Lynne, and also had an active solo career. Even though he lived in California for most of his life, he was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, and yes, his voice is very distinctive.
That song is about a girl that was at the University of Florida, she couldn't take the pressure of college, climbed out on the roof of the dorm, and jumped, 441 runs through the center of the University, her statue is in the sidewalk today. I was up there when they were playing dives, they also were the band Mudcrunch.
Petty’s band did an album as The Blue Stingrays, some of the best surf rock ever.
First I knew about that - thanks!
LEX IS OUR AMERICAN GIRL!
LUCKY BRAD!
441, Orange Blossom Trail...Runs all the way up to where Tom Petty was from, Gainesville, FL
Wild One Forever, Straight Into Darkness, Jammin' Me, Breakdown, You Wreck Me
Almost new wavey. This is my favorite Petty song. And I love all his songs. RIP.
In the late seventies, I saw Tom Petty live in a small club in Boston, MA. What a great show
it is sooo American!! I was born in 86 so and I agree for some reason it's nostalgic for me too. I remember songs like free falling and learning to fly as a kid but I checked this song out live on a Friday something show. check it out so good, so good!! deff good old classic American rock! y'all are cool.
This song always lifted me up after a bad day. Makes me think of my highschool sweetheart (now wife of almost 30yrs❤️)
Seen him twice........ great showman
This song always reminds me of “Silence of the Lambs”. That poor girl in the pit was singing this in her car right before Buffalo Bill grabbed her😢. It’s a great song anyway 🌺✌️
It makes me think of the movie Fast times at Ridgemont high 🎸
@@_LVC Was it in that movie too?
@@debbiechang5781 yep good movie 🎸
PUT THE FUCKING LOTION IN THE BASKET
“Don’t make me hurt your dog, Mister!”
An Absolute Classic!! Love it! RIP Tom!!
i'm pretty sure this was in the movie "Fast Times At Ridgemont High" which you need to see, almost as much as you need to see "Back To The Future".
Petty takes a Bo Diddly beat, and writes a song that will never be like anything else... experiencing this live is unreal, the joy in this rhythm is amazing..
"you dont know how it feels" great song- Tom Petty has many great songs
Tom was heavily influenced by the music of the 50s and 60s, which is probably one of the reasons why his style sounds so nostalgic and like Americana.
Rest in peace Tom. Legit music legend. ✌️
I love Tom petty so much. My favorite Song from Tom Petty and the heartbreakers is Mary Jane’s last dance. When I heard about his death I couldn’t help but cry.
A lot of people my age (48) and even older couldn't get past his voice. I even know people who like the music but can't listen to the songs because of Tom Petty's voice. I have commented on other videos that you guys have done about how I like "good singing" but I make an exception for Tom lol.
I went to The Univ of Florida in Gainesville ( The band’s hometown) I started there about 5 yrs after this song was released. The legend always was that it was a bout a girl that committed suicide over a lost love. The lyrics say, “she stood alone on a balcony. She could hear the cars out on 441, like the waves breaking on the beach. And for one desperate moment, he crept back in her memory.. “. Hwy 441 is a major road that runs along and through the edge of campus..no idea if it based on real events, or if that’s really what it’s based on. But, to me, that’s the story forevermore
He was one smooth dude. Many happy times with his music. One line from his song nearly summer we sat on your roof...I actually sat on a roof listening to that song 🎵
Tom Petty is just timeless. He's the greatest songwriter of his generation. Some may say Springsteen or Mellencamp, and who could argue with them. Tom's definitely 1A, 1B, or 1C.
Tom Petty is the definition of Americana.
Check out "Free Fallin"", "You Don't Know How It Feels", "Leave Virginia Alone", "Learning to Fly" and many many more 🙂
Aww! This is my parents song for me! Can remember being little and my Dad singing me to sleep with the song. RIP Tom
My fave song of his. Featured in "Silence of the Lambs"
The sound of Tom Petty was what we Europeans call California rock. So sad he passed away. Next of Tom Petty should be Mary Jane's last dance.
Americans call it "Southern Rock."
🙂
You need to react to The Travelling Willburys. They were a super group consisting of Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, George Harrison (Beatles) and Jeff Lynne (ELO). Handle Me With Care and End Of The Line are 2 of their best known songs.
His first big hit from the 70's.
Somewhere on here is a great video of this song on Midnight Special. Really worth watching to see what he was about back then.
You guys should react to…
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - You Got Lucky
🎸🤘
BTW..... "TIME HAS COME TODAY" - The Chambers Brothers album version will totally blow your minds.
Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, George Harrison of the Beatles and Jeff Lynne of ELO formed a super group named The traveling Wilburys. Such a great band that only did one album before Roy Orbison died, but it had 4 great songs. The story goes; George Harrison was visiting Jeff Lynne and Jeff played him a song he wrote and wanted to know if George would help him record it, but his favorite guitar was at Tom Petty's house. So they went to Tom's house to get it and got to talking about doing it as a trio and then Tom suggested that they go to Bob Dylans house because he had a better studio. Once there they all started talking about how much they all admired Roy Orbison so Bob Dylan called him up and the rest is history. Please do a reaction to the Traveling Wilburys and you won't be disappointed.
This was used to great effect in Silence of the Lambs.
RIP Tom. You always had a quirky message for us in your songs.
"Swingin'" is a great song. He did the soundtrack for the movie, "She's the One." He's also one of the Traveling Wilburys....
I was literally getting ready to suggest this one!! It’s one of my favorite TP songs ♥️🎸🎤 You don’t hear it much.
I had a long gap away from listening to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. A couple of years ago, I dove back in and "caught up" on all of the music that Tom and the rest of the guys had released after "Full-Moon Fever". "Echo" is a solid album, but I became obsessed with "Swingin'" I listened to it so much, watched the video, invented a back story for the song's main character. I even dreamed about the song.
Walls from the She’s the One soundtrack is great
Nostalgic is perfect idea
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers always sounded ahead of their time. Good observation. They were kind of folk rock, garage rock, New wave ish, hard rock, southern rock (from Florida), etc. Lots of blending. Depending on the songs and decade. They made music for decades. 🎶. Lots of songs and videos. Silence of the Lambs movie has this song. Modern day post-punk, indie/garage rock, band The Strokes has songs that sound similar to them. Influenced. Check out The Strokes!
Always reminds me of Fast Times, among other songs ;)
Tom's "Here Comes My Girl" and "Don't Do Me Like That" are next for you!!
I saw tom petty and the heartbreakers at the Univ. or Riverside in California sitting on a tarp ( to protect the wood floor) in the school's gym. It was 1976 and I had heard it on the radio (album oriented station). I haven't forgotten it. Their performance was exhilarating.
Tom Petty.... such an amazing catalog.
I can thank silence of the lambs for introducing me to this classic
To hear his influence, listen to Mudcrutch's 'Lost in Your Eyes' (1974) and compare it with Kings of Leon's' 'Sex on Fire' (2009). When I learned of Tom Petty's death on the radio, I had to pull over the car while dropping my daughter to school and have a good 'ol cry - seeing him perform live was life-changing for me!
In the last verse Tom gives a nod to his hometown of Gainesville Fl, by mentioning U.S. Rt 441 ("Yeah she could hear the cars roll by, out on 441 like waves crashing on the beach'), a main highway that runs north to south right down the center of town. Great songwriter who is sorely missed.
This song reminds me off the movie Fasttimes at Ridgemont High.
This song always makes me think of the movie Silence of the Lambs, the scene where the girl is singing this in the car before she gets kidnapped by Buffalo Bill.
The song that made me a fan for life. Still my fave TP&THB song.
His debut album is his best by far, driving many late sunset Saskatchewan prairie nights on the highway to this album.
I like Tom Petty since I`ve heard his album "T.P. And The Heartbreakers". At this time nobody knows him here in germany but a few month later it has change and his career was goin on. What a great musicion !
Legend has it, Tom was referencing his days in Gainesville, Fla, when he sung about 441 : US 441 goes thru Gainesville, bordering one edge of the university of Florida. Lots of people think he is also talking about students living in Beatty Towers - it is a tall dorm adjacent to 441 - but I don’t think it has balconies.
Another home run Brad! Your reactions are amazing and insightful. You feel good music right to your soul and bring so much to the conversation. The other side of the couch? Not so much
Youthful magic moments man...'79 windows down volume up, Petty on the radio.
My fave Tom Petty song! Also if you've ever seen Silence of the Lambs this was the song playing when you are introduced to the Senator's daughter who Buffalo Bill kidnaps.
1:36 lol Love the Petty impersonation.
This is a song I crank up while driving with the windows rolled down on a sunny Summer day.
This is EARLY song by Tom Petty... he broke into mainstream radio with a bang with this album. He was a GREAT artist that was just beginning with this song.
Your interpretation is so cool Lexie! Bravo!
The Heartbreakers are just a really smooth band with great timing, and I always thought a very polished delivery. One of my favorites.