Petty was supported by his band, The Heartbreakers, for the majority of his career. He has occasionally released solo work, as was the case with his 2006 album Highway Companion on which he performed most of the backing instrumentation himself. However, members of The Heartbreakers have played on each of his solo albums and the band has always backed him when touring in support of those albums.
After the Petty's previous band Mudcrutch disbanded, Petty, never one to give up, enlisted Mudcrutch members Tench (keyboards) and Mike Campbell (guitar), along with Gainesville musicians Ron Blair (bass) and Stan Lynch (drums) to form the now famous lineup that was dubbed Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. They released their first album, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in November 1976. In 2006, the band celebrated the 30th anniversary of that release.
This lineup stayed intact for four records and was responsible for some of the most infectious songs ("American Girl", "Breakdown", "Listen To Her Heart", "Refugee", "I Need To Know", "Don't Do Me Like That") and one of the most critically acclaimed albums ("Damn the Torpedoes") of all time. Their tremendous success catapulted them from club band to arena rockers seemingly overnight.
Bassist Blair split the band in 1982 and was replaced by Howie Epstein, a protege of seminal rocker Del Shannon. Epstein's solid playing and soaring backing vocals further complemented the band's live attack. Without missing a beat, they headed back into the studio to record a string of successful albums, including the classic "Long After Dark". In 1994, Stan Lynch left the Heartbreakers to pursue other musical challenges and Steve Ferrone (well regarded for his work with the Average White Band and Eric Clapton) soon became the Heartbreakers' chosen drummer.
Most recently, at a time when many of their contemporaries have long since grown complacent, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers have in 2002 released one of their finest and most controversial efforts - featuring some of Petty's most moving songs. Recorded both before and following the group's 2002 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, "The Last DJ", reflected Petty's strong views about the state of the music business and the culture generally. With the departure of Howie Epstein, "The Last DJ" marked another notable return: after two decades away, founding Heartbreaker Ron Blair returned to the band's rhythm section. In 2010, The Heartbreakers released the well received album "Mojo".
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.
All or Nothin'
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You didn't wanna but he made you
Wipe his brass from time to time
It left a picture in your mind. You know? You know?
You want it all, you want it all
All or nothin'
My load is wide, my street is narrow
My skin is thicker, my heart is tougher
I don't mind workin', but I'm scared to suffer
You know? You know?
You want it all, you want it all
All or nothin'
Sweet chariots of L.A. swing low
At twilight time the smog makes a rainbow
So keep one eye on the weather
You had it good, you wanted better
You know? You know?
You want it all, you want it all
All or nothin'
The lyrics to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers' song "All or Nothin'" can be interpreted in multiple ways. The first verse is about the pressures of growing up in a military household. The singer's father, a Sgt. Major, made them do things they didn't want to do, such as cleaning his brass. It left a lasting impression on them, and they know the expectations people can have for them. The second verse is about a person who is working hard but is scared of suffering. They may want material possessions and success, but they are apprehensive about the risks that come with it.
The chorus, "You want it all, you want it all, All or nothin'," is an expression of wanting everything or nothing at all. The singer may be willing to take risks and work hard, but if they can't have everything they want, they'd rather not have anything. The third verse mentions the "sweet chariots of L.A," which may refer to the idealized image of success and wealth in Los Angeles. The singer had a good life, but they wanted better. They know what they want, and they're not willing to settle for less.
Overall, "All or Nothin'" is a song about the desire for success, wealth, and material possessions, but also the fear of failure and the risks that come with it. The lyrics express the idea that if you're going to go for something, you might as well go all out.
Line by Line Meaning
Your daddy was a Sgt. Major
Your father was a high-ranking military officer.
You didn't wanna but he made you
You didn't want to do what he asked, but he forced you to do it anyway.
Wipe his brass from time to time
Occasionally cleaning his shining military adornments.
It left a picture in your mind. You know? You know?
It left a memory or impression that you can recall.
You want it all, you want it all
You desire complete success and fulfillment
All or nothin'
You are determined to achieve your ambition no matter what.
Here am I a fallen arrow
I am an aimless and directionless individual.
My load is wide, my street is narrow
I have many burdens, but few opportunities to overcome them.
My skin is thicker, my heart is tougher
I am resilient and can endure hardships.
I don't mind workin', but I'm scared to suffer
I am willing to put in the effort, but I'm afraid of the pain and difficulty.
Sweet chariots of L.A. swing low
Referring to the spiritual song, recognizing good experience in life.
At twilight time the smog makes a rainbow
Even in unpleasant conditions, there is still beauty amidst the chaos.
So keep one eye on the weather
Be aware of the changing conditions around you.
You had it good, you wanted better
You were content, but have a desire for something more.
You know? You know?
Asking if you understand or are aware of what was just said.
You want it all, you want it all
You desire complete success and fulfillment.
All or nothin'
You are determined to achieve your ambition no matter what.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JEFFREY LYNNE, MICHAEL W CAMPBELL, THOMAS EARL PETTY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind