After working with his early bands The Sundowners, The Epics, and Mudcrutch (which also included future Heartbreakers members Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench) he began his recording career with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers when the band broke onto the national music scene with their 1976 self-titled debut album. Still, it took America a full year to catch up to the album. "Breakdown" was re-released to radio and became a Top 40 hit in 1977 after word filtered back the band was creating a firestorm in England.
He was also a member of The Traveling Wilburys, along with George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison. Petty and the Heartbreakers also toured as a backing band for Bob Dylan.
Petty is a vocal critic of the modern recording industry, including the disintegration of independent radio stations.
Petty has been supported by his band, The Heartbreakers, for the majority of his career. He has occasionally released solo work, as is the case with his 2006 effort, Highway Companion, on which he performed most of the backing instrumentation himself. Examples of other solo albums include Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers
Petty died on 2 October 2017 following a cardiac episode earlier that day at his home in Malibu, California. Although some media outlets incorrectly reported his death following an erroneous police report, his death was confirmed later that day by his publicist and manager.
Breakdown
Tom Petty Lyrics
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It's alright if you don't
I'm not afraid of you runnin' away, honey
I get the feeling you won't
There is no sense in pretending
Your eyes give you away
Something inside you is feeling like I do
Baby, breakdown, go ahead and give it to me
Breakdown, honey, take me through the night (baby, baby, breakdown)
Breakdown, now I'm standin' here, can't you see?
Breakdown, it's all right
It's all right
It's all right
Breakdown, go ahead and give it to me
Breakdown, honey, take me through the night (baby, baby, breakdown)
Breakdown, now I'm standin' here, can't you see?
Breakdown, it's all right
It's all right
It's all right
The song "Breakdown" by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers is a classic rock ballad that communicates complex emotions in a simple and relatable way. The lyrics explore the uncertainties and insecurities that arise in a fledgling relationship. Petty sings that it's alright if the person he loves doesn't reciprocate his feelings or decides to leave him. Despite his fear of rejection, he has faith that the person won't run away. The verses hint at an unspoken connection between them, which their eyes reveal even as they remain silent. They've said all there is to say, and now it's time for a moment of truth. The chorus pleads with the person to break down and show their vulnerability. The repetition of the phrase "breakdown, honey, take me through the night" creates an urgent and emphatic tone, as if the stakes are high, and the singer is willing to do what it takes to make the relationship work. The repetition of "It's alright" is both reassuring and a form of self-soothing.
The song's overall message is both optimistic and realistic. It acknowledges the possibility of a breakup while also expressing hope that they can overcome their doubts and fears. The singer's vulnerability and honesty invite the other person to reciprocate and create a connection. The song's instrumentation reinforces its emotional intensity. The simple guitar riff creates a hypnotic and catchy melody that contrasts with the somewhat somber tone of the lyrics. Similarly, Petty's voice is subdued yet passionate, which helps to draw the listener in and empathize with his emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
It's alright if you love me
I am comfortable with the fact that you might love me.
It's alright if you don't
I am also comfortable with the fact that you might not love me.
I'm not afraid of you runnin' away, honey
I'm not scared that you might leave me.
I get the feeling you won't
I think you're going to stay with me.
There is no sense in pretending
It's useless to try and hide your feelings.
Your eyes give you away
I can tell how you feel just by looking in your eyes.
Something inside you is feeling like I do
You and I are feeling the same way inside.
We said all there is to say
We've talked about everything already.
Baby, breakdown, go ahead and give it to me
Let yourself go and show me how you feel.
Breakdown, honey, take me through the night (baby, baby, breakdown)
Let's experience the emotional highs and lows.
Breakdown, now I'm standin' here, can't you see?
I'm here with you, waiting for you to open up.
Breakdown, it's all right
It's okay to express your emotions.
It's all right
It's okay.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Tom Petty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind