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.
Something Could Happen
Tom Petty Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My moods come and go
I'm not easy to please, sometimes the woods
Get lost in the trees
Seems like a long time
Nothing much rang true
I feel like something could happen with you
Hmm hmm
I drive into town, I walk the mall
Go home and fall down
I've lost a few good friends
It's easy come, easy come again
Sometimes I'm surprised by the things I do
But I feel like something could happen
I feel like something could happen with you
Hmm hmm
I need to find some space where I can go
Get out of myself
I'm sure of who I am unless I feel
Like somebody else
Seems like a long time i was torn in two
But I feel like something could happen
I feel like something could happen with you
Hmm hmm
Yeah, I feel like something could happen
I feel like something could happen with you
Hmm hmm
In these lyrics from Tom Petty's song "Something Could Happen," the singer first describes themselves as complex and unpredictable. They acknowledge that they are not easy to know, and their mind can change frequently. Their moods are portrayed as constantly shifting, making it difficult for others to understand or please them. The metaphor of getting lost in the woods emphasizes the confusion and uncertainty that the singer experiences in their own mind.
The singer then reflects on a period of time where nothing felt authentic or genuine in their life. Despite feeling disconnected and adrift, they hold onto a sense of hope and possibility. The repeated refrain of "I feel like something could happen" suggests a glimmer of optimism and anticipation, especially in relation to a specific person indicated by "with you." This hints at the potential for a meaningful connection or change that could come into their life.
As the lyrics progress, the singer reveals a sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction in their daily routine. They describe going through the motions of driving into town, walking the mall, and returning home feeling empty and depleted. The reference to losing friends with ease highlights the transient nature of relationships in the singer's life, with connections easily coming and going. Despite moments of self-surprise and inner conflict, the singer continues to hold onto the hope that something transformative could unfold, particularly in the context of a relationship.
Towards the end of the song, the singer expresses a desire for personal growth and self-discovery. They long to find a space where they can truly be themselves and escape from the confines of their own mind. The uncertainty and inner turmoil that have plagued them for a long time start to give way to a sense of possibility and openness. The repetition of the hopeful refrain "I feel like something could happen with you" signifies a readiness for change and a willingness to embrace the unknown, suggesting that a new chapter or experience could be on the horizon.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not easy to know, my mind can change
I can be difficult to understand because my thoughts are constantly evolving
My moods come and go
I have varying emotions that shift frequently
I'm not easy to please, sometimes the woods Get lost in the trees
I have high standards and sometimes become overwhelmed by small details
Seems like a long time Nothing much rang true
It feels like a while since I've experienced something genuine
But I feel like something could happen I feel like something could happen with you Hmm hmm
I sense the potential for an exciting change, especially with you
I drive into town, I walk the mall Go home and fall down
I go about my daily routine, only to feel defeated when I return home
I've lost a few good friends It's easy come, easy come again
I've had friendships end, but new ones seem to come along easily
Sometimes I'm surprised by the things I do
I am occasionally shocked by my own actions
I need to find some space where I can go Get out of myself
I require a break from my own thoughts and emotions
I'm sure of who I am unless I feel Like somebody else
I have a clear sense of self until I start acting out of character
Seems like a long time i was torn in two
It feels like it's been a while since I've been conflicted
Yeah, I feel like something could happen I feel like something could happen with you Hmm hmm
I have a strong intuition that an exciting change is on the horizon, especially with you
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
pickin pickers
I have a feeling he would have loved this! I love how they worked his spirit into the video! What a great way to honor him. Hats off to the creators of this video!!!
Scorpio Rat
This one
Cam 23
Even for those who weren’t fond of Tom Petty’s music, there’s no denying his legacy in the history of music, and the people he influenced to create music. Thanks Tom. 🎵
Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea
You are speaking of people that don't exist. Everybody loves Tom.
Sane Asylum
And the bit in "The Postman" was undeniable too.
Sane Asylum
@kimberly cluck Loads of people. Not-so-fun fact, many people actually prefer rap music. My senior year of High School was dedicated to preaching the Petty gospel. Sadly many remained sinners and some apostatized from the straight and narrow...
kiaora12
Who doesn’t like Tom Petty?
Scott Crowell
This is so good, its eerie at times how much it feels like Tom is here with us. Loved it.
Brian J. Carnevale
she wou;ld never make it on her own and neither did my baby Brother. Unless Mummy infuses them with cash and other supplies they just never learned how to make it without someone else "paying their way!""
sweetlittlequeen
This is a very personal story for me. I cried when I watched this video. Tom's music has helped me many times in my life, and here is another message from him