Into the Great Wide Open
Tom & Heartbreakers Petty Lyrics
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He went to Hollywood, got a tattoo
He met a girl out there with a tattoo too
The future was wide open
They moved into a place they both could afford
He found a nightclub he could work at the door
She had a guitar and she taught him some chords
Into the great wide open
Under them skies of blue
Out in the great wide open
A rebel without a clue
The papers said Ed always played from the heart
He got an agent and a roadie named Bart
They made a record and it went in the charts
The sky was the limit
His leather jacket had chains that would jingle
They both met movie stars, partied and mingled
Their A&R man said "I don't hear a single"
The future was wide open
Into the great wide open
Under them skies of blue
Out in the great wide open
A rebel without a clue
Into the great wide open
Under them skies of blue
Into the great wide open
A rebel without a clue
"Into the Great Wide Open" is a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers that tells the story of a young man named Eddie who leaves his small town to seek his fortune in Hollywood. He meets a girl with a similar outlook on life, and together they move into a place they can afford. Eddie begins working at a nightclub, and his girlfriend teaches him how to play guitar. They have big dreams and feel like the sky is the limit, but they also face challenges as they try to make it in the music industry.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young, naive person entering the world of entertainment, experiencing the highs and lows of fame, and ultimately struggling to find success. The chorus, "Into the great wide open, under them skies of blue, out in the great wide open, a rebel without a clue," emphasizes the sense of adventure and uncertainty that comes with pursuing one's dreams.
The song has become one of Tom Petty's most famous hits and is known for its catchy melody and relatable lyrics. It has been covered by multiple artists and has been used in various movies and TV shows. The music video for the song features Johnny Depp as Eddie, and the story arc in the video mirrors the themes in the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Eddie waited till he finished high school
Eddie didn't rush into adulthood and instead completed his education.
He went to Hollywood, got a tattoo
Eddie ventured out to Hollywood and marked his body with a permanent reminder of his newfound independence.
He met a girl out there with a tattoo too
Eddie found love in Hollywood with someone who shared his unconventional spirit.
The future was wide open
Eddie and his girlfriend had limitless possibilities ahead of them.
They moved into a place they both could afford
Eddie and his girlfriend found a home that suited their budgetary needs.
He found a nightclub he could work at the door
Eddie found employment that allowed him to be a part of the Hollywood nightlife.
She had a guitar and she taught him some chords
Eddie's girlfriend shared her musical talent with him, allowing him to discover a new passion.
The sky was the limit
Eddie and his girlfriend had the potential to achieve anything they set their minds to.
Into the great wide open
Eddie and his girlfriend embarked on a journey filled with endless possibilities and new experiences.
Under them skies of blue
The world was theirs to explore under the vast blue sky.
Out in the great wide open
Eddie and his girlfriend were free to pursue their dreams without any restrictions or limitations.
A rebel without a clue
Eddie was a nonconformist who had no clear direction in life.
The papers said Ed always played from the heart
Eddie was known for putting his whole heart and soul into his music, as recognized by the media.
He got an agent and a roadie named Bart
Eddie gained industry support and assistance in pursuing his musical career.
They made a record and it went in the charts
Eddie and his team achieved commercial success with a chart-topping album.
His leather jacket had chains that would jingle
Eddie embraced a rebellious style with a leather jacket adorned with clinking chains.
They both met movie stars, partied and mingled
Eddie and his girlfriend enjoyed a glamorous, exciting lifestyle filled with famous acquaintances and exciting social events.
Their A&R man said "I don't hear a single"
Despite their success, Eddie's A&R representative did not believe they had produced a standout hit song.
The future was wide open
Despite their setback, Eddie and his girlfriend still had boundless opportunities ahead.
Into the great wide open
Eddie and his girlfriend remained on their adventure, optimistic about the future.
A rebel without a clue
Eddie continued to lead a life of nonconformity, lacking a clear sense of purpose.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jeff Lynne, Thomas Earl Petty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind