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.
Out In The Cold
Tom Petty Lyrics
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I walked out in the street
Daydreamed for a mile or two
Staring at my feet like a working boy
Out of luck, falling through the cracks
Night rolled in, I turned back home
A hard wind at my back
There's nowhere to go
I'm out in the cold
When I woke up my brain was stunned
I could not come around
I reached out to grab my keys
And tumbled to the ground
I thought of you starry-eyed, I wonder where we stand?
Did I just fall from your arms
Down into your hands?
I'm out in the cold, body and soul
There's nowhere to go
I'm out in the cold
I'm standing in a door-way
I'm out walking 'round, hands in my pockets
I'm out in the cold, body and soul
There's nowhere to go
I'm out in the cold
The song "Out in the Cold" by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers paints a picture of a person who is lost and disconnected in life. The first verse sets a mood of gloom as the day turns into night and the cold air hits the person's face as they walk aimlessly on the street. The lyrics suggest that the person feels like a "working boy" who is falling through the cracks, indicating that their life lacks direction and purpose. The second verse deepens this feeling of disconnection and confusion as the person wakes up feeling stunned and unable to get their bearings. The lyrics also imply that the person is lost in a relationship and unsure of where they stand with the other person.
The chorus of "Out in the Cold" repeats the phrase "I'm out in the cold, body and soul, there's nowhere to go." This repetition reinforces the idea of feeling lost and isolated, with no clear path forward. The bridge adds to this feeling of aimlessness with the imagery of the person standing in a doorway and walking around with their hands in their pockets. The song ends without any resolution, leaving the listener with a feeling of uncertainty and hopelessness.
Overall, "Out in the Cold" is a melancholic and introspective song that explores themes of isolation, confusion, and disconnection. It is a powerful reflection on the human experience of feeling lost and searching for a way back home.
Line by Line Meaning
The day fell down, the air got cold
The sun has set and the temperature has dropped
I walked out in the street
I went outside
Daydreamed for a mile or two
Got lost in thought while walking for a while
Staring at my feet like a working boy
Looking down at the ground like someone who is tired from working hard
Out of luck, falling through the cracks
Unfortunate and forgotten by society
Night rolled in, I turned back home
It became dark so I went back home
A hard wind at my back
Strong wind blowing against me
I'm out in the cold, body and soul
I feel isolated and alone
There's nowhere to go
I have no direction or purpose
When I woke up my brain was stunned
I woke up feeling disoriented
I could not come around
I couldn't shake off the feeling
I reached out to grab my keys
I tried to grab my keys
And tumbled to the ground
But fell down instead
I thought of you starry-eyed, I wonder where we stand?
Thinking of someone with a sense of admiration, but unsure about the state of the relationship
Did I just fall from your arms
Did I just lose your love and support
Down into your hands?
Only to be treated carelessly or neglected
I'm standing in a door-way
I'm in a doorway
I'm out walking 'round, hands in my pockets
I'm walking aimlessly with my hands in pockets
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind