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.
Depending On You
Tom Petty Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All you gotta do is trust me
I would never make you some clown
Baby why won't you trust me
You give up so easily, I don't know why you can't see
I'm depending on you, don't let me down
I'm depending on you
Baby if you can't change the world
Maybe you should just change yourself
You used to be such a sweet young girl
Why you want to be someone else?
You give up so easily
I don't know why you can't see
I'm depending on you
Is it too late now?
I'm depending on you
You give up so easily
I don't know why you can't see
I'm depending on you
Don't let me down
I'm depending on you
I'm depending on you
Is it too late now
I'm depending on you
Yeah, awh
Hey, I'm depending on you
I'm depending on you
Is it too late now
I'm depending on you
The song Depending On You by Tom Petty is a plea from a lover to his partner, asking her to trust him and not give up so easily. He promises to never let her down and tells her that he is depending on her to not let him down either. The lyrics suggest that the couple is going through some difficulty or change, and the singer wants his partner to stay true to themselves and not try to be someone else. He urges her to change herself instead of trying to change the world. The repeated lines of "I'm depending on you" emphasize the singer's reliance on his partner and the importance of their relationship to him.
Overall, the song seems to be about the challenges and responsibilities of a romantic relationship. The singer emphasizes the need for trust, communication, and dedication in order to overcome these challenges and maintain a strong connection. The lyrics are simple but effective in conveying the message of the song, and Tom Petty's straightforward vocal delivery adds to the sincerity of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
I ain't ever gonna let you down
I will always be there for you
All you gotta do is trust me
Believe in me and have faith in our bond
I would never make you some clown
I won't make a fool out of you
Baby why won't you trust me
Why are you hesitant to have faith in me?
You give up so easily, I don't know why you can't see
You let go too easily, and it's unclear why you can't recognize my dependability
I'm depending on you, don't let me down
I need you to come through for me
Baby if you can't change the world
If you can't make an impact on the world
Maybe you should just change yourself
Perhaps you should focus on improving your own life
You used to be such a sweet young girl
You were once innocent and pure
Why you want to be someone else?
Why are you trying to be someone you're not?
Is it too late now?
Is there no turning back?
Don't let me down
Please don't fail me
Yeah, awh
Exclamation of emotion
Hey, I'm depending on you
I need to rely on you
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Thomas Earl Petty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
doublestrokeroll
One of his best and most underrated songs!
Steve Jackson
I think so too. such a great album also.
tony Rat
Tom, you were the best. Many rock stars have passed out of this world. Your star was brightest to me. RIP Tom Petty
David Fischer
I agree
lefkytheshin
Great track. Great album. R.I.P., Tom.
lisa floyd
Tom, you were a top shelf writer and storyteller. Thank you for your everlasting gifts of music.
You guys that want even more of Tom's genius, be sure to listen to Mudcrutch if you haven't already. Some of the most clever and witty lyrics to be had--makes you feel like Tom is your buddy. RIP, old friend. ❤️
Peter Armentano
What a wonderful song arranged so well
Jus' Nuts
Full Moon Fever has always been one of my favorite albums. Goodbye Tom. Rest-n-peace, bro.
Gruntfuttock100
Love driving to this tune. An absolute gem from the great man
Mr. T
T.P. did what he loved all the way to the end of his journey here on earth. Very awesome, very authentic, very sincere person. Making music now in the heavens for all, is what I like to think. Love and peace Tom, until we meet again!!!