When it comes to classic rock music, it would be hard to leave Tom Petty’s sunshining face off of the genre’s Mount Rushmore. His smooth voice, keen touch, and exquisite lyrical writing have impacted music listeners ever since he released his debut LP Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in 1976. And his career lasted until he passed away in 2017.
For Petty, who passed away in 2017 at age 66, music seemed more like breathing than a creative act. As a result, his music came off his tongue and fingertips seemingly effortlessly. Whether he was playing solo or with others like his bandmates in the Traveling Wilburys, Petty was a marvel.
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Here below, we wanted to explore a trio of tunes from Petty that have since stood the test of time. Three songs that continue to be heard on the radio and stereos around the world and that will truly continue to live forever.
[RELATED: 3 of the Best Uses of Tom Petty Songs in Film]
“Free Fallin’” from Full Moon Fever (1989)
This 1989 track, which hit No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, is a master class in less is more. A simple acoustic riff with minimal hand movement has turned into a tune for the ages. It’s one of those jangly tracks that is catnip for singalongs. As a result, the song has been used in countless movies and television shows, including Jerry Maguire. There is something quintessentially American about Petty, like waving fields of grain. And this song of exultant expression is perhaps example No. 1 of that sensibility. On the offering, he sings,
She’s a good girl, loves her mama
Loves Jesus and America too
She’s a good girl, who’s crazy ’bout Elvis
Loves horses and her boyfriend too
And it’s a long day, livin’ in Reseda
There’s a freeway, runnin’ through the yard
And I’m a bad boy, ’cause I don’t even miss her
I’m a bad boy for breakin’ her heart
And I’m free, free fallin’
Yeah I’m free, free fallin’
“I Won’t Back Down” from Full Moon Fever (1989)
Another from Petty’s hit 1989 LP, this song has since taken on a life of its own. The message is so universal—standing up for yourself and what you believe—that it’s applicable in just about any scenario, from sports to politics. The track, which hit No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, is confident and inclusive, with Petty leading the charge and a harmony of singers behind him. It crashes like lightning and rumbles like thunder, empowering the singer and listener to stand their ground. On the track, Petty sings,
Well, I won’t back down
No, I won’t back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won’t back down
No, I’ll stand my ground
Won’t be turned around
And I’ll keep this world from draggin’ me down
Gonna stand my ground
“American Girl” from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1976)
Released on Petty’s debut LP Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in 1976, this song helped to make Petty a star. Today, even some 50 years later, it is considered one of his best and most memorable tracks. Why? Because the all-American is singing about an all-American. They say, “Write what you know,” and perhaps no rocker from the 20th century had his thumb on the heartbeat of the American rock vibe than Petty. On this song, he sings,
Well, she was an American girl
Raised on promises
She couldn’t help thinkin’ that there
Was a little more to life somewhere else
After all, it was a great big world
With lots of places to run to
And if she had to die tryin’
She had one little promise she was gonna keep
Oh yeah, all right
Take it easy, baby
Make it last all night (Make it last all night)
She was an American girl
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