TOM PETTY

Some well known people affect you more than others. It seems the younger one is when the attraction begins, the more powerful the affect is. 

Maybe THAT is why I felt all choked up this morning when I was playing Tom Petty music in the car. I was trying to explain a bit to my rider (who was all of 20), but it didn't register. She was actually not as talkative as usual and was listening to some music that I imagine will be quickly forgotten over time... unlike the tunes that Tom and the  Heartbreakers are so well known for. 

"Damn The Torpedoes" is one of my favorite ways to spend 36 minutes, as every track is familiar and good. Few albums can claim no bad songs! While the songs may be on a simple beat, one can't help but move to the music in some way. 

I am one that doesn't look to the words first when appreciating the songs. As a matter of fact, there are sometimes DECADES until I find out what the ACTUAL lines are instead of what I THINK they are. So it may be funny that I include the words to my favorite TP song and a few lines from others....

REFUGEE lyrics.... (which actually, I wish would inspire a certain SOMEONE - who prolly isn't reading me - to understand the irony of my choice)

We got somethin', we both know it, we don't talk too much about it
Ain't no real big secret, all the same, somehow we get around it
Listen, it don't really matter to me baby
You believe what you want to believe, you see

You don't have to live like a refugee
(Don't have to live like a refugee)

Somewhere, somehow, somebody must have kicked you around some
Tell me why you want to lay there, revel in your abandon
Honey, it don't make no difference to me baby
Everybody has to fight to be free, you see

You don't have to live like a refugee
(Don't have to live like a refugee)
No baby you don't have to live like a refugee
(Don't have to live like a refugee)

Baby we ain't the first
I'm sure a lot of other lovers been burned
Right now it seems real to you, but it's
One of those things you gotta feel to be true

Somewhere, somehow, somebody must have kicked you around some
Who knows maybe you were kidnapped tied up,
Taken away and held for ransom
Honey, it don't make no difference to me, baby
Everybody has to fight to be free, you see

You don't have to live like a refugee
(Don't have to live like a refugee)
No baby you don't have to live like a refugee
(Don't have to live like a refugee)

... pieces of a couple songs that hit you...

LETTING YOU GO
I used to think that when this was all over
You might feel different 'bout me
Yeah I always knew, one day you'd come around
Now I wonder if dreams are just dreams

YOU GOT LUCKY

You better watch what you say
You better watch what you do to me
Don't get carried away
Girl, if you can do better than me, go
Yeah go but remember

Good love is hard to find
Good love is hard to find
You got lucky babe
Yeah, you got lucky babe
When I found you-

You put a hand on my cheek
And then you turn your eyes away
If you don't feel complete
If I don't take you all of the way, go

Yeah go, but remember good love
Is hard to find
You got lucky babe
Yeah you got lucky
When I found you

There were so many more in the long career of Petty, and I think you are either a fan of his style or you hate it. I for one will continue to TREASURE the music from days gone by. I will remember his story, of overcoming depression, drugs, and other challenges, and becoming a happy pappy that wanted to enjoy the grandkids and the life he thought he had left. 

Thanx for the memories!

ADDED: Oct 4th

Sometimes you publish a bit too soon. This was the case here. In trying to learn more of Tom Petty, I came across THIS interview. While it IS more than a few minutes, the insight to his thoughts and beliefs ARE worthwhile to not only a fan, but of a person who appreciates honesty and reflection. 

Here are the two parts - [PART 1] [PART 2]