Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers was a rock band formed in 1976 from Gainesv… Read Full Bio ↴Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers was a rock band formed in 1976 from Gainesville, Florida, USA and led by Tom Petty.

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.

Rebels
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Honey don't walk out, I'm too drunk to follow
You know you won't feel this way tomorrow
Well, maybe a little rough around the edges
Or inside, a little hollow
Yeah, I get faced with some things, sometimes
That are so hard to swallow, hey (hey, hey, hey)

I was born a rebel, down in Dixie (hey, hey, hey)

On a Sunday mornin'
Yeah with one foot in the grave
And one foot on the pedal, I was born a rebel
I was born a rebel

Yeah, she picked me up in the mornin', and she paid all my tickets
Then she screamed in the car
Left me out in the thicket
Well I never woulda' dreamed
That her heart was so wicked
Yeah, but I keep comin' back
'Cause it's so hard to kick it, hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey)

I was born a rebel, down in Dixie (hey, hey, hey)
On a Sunday mornin'
Yeah, with one foot in the grave
And one foot on the pedal, I was born a rebel
I was born a rebel

Even before my father's father
They called us all rebels
As they burned our cornfields
And left our cities leveled
I can still feel the eyes of those blue-bellied devils
Yeah, when I'm walking 'round at night
Through the concrete and metal, hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey)

I was born a rebel, down in Dixie (hey, hey, hey)
On a Sunday mornin'
Yeah, with one foot in the grave
And one foot on the pedal, I was born a rebel
I was born a rebel

Hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey)
I was born a rebel, down in Dixie (hey, hey, hey)
On a Sunday mornin'
Yeah, with one foot in the grave
And one foot on the pedal, I was born a rebel
Born a rebel

Hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey)
Hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey)
Hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey)
Hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey)

Hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey)
Hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey)

Overall Meaning

"Rebels" by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers is a song about rebellion and defiance, with a focus on the struggle to break free from something that is holding you down. The song begins with the singer pleading with his partner not to leave him because he is too drunk to follow, telling her that she won't feel the same way in the morning. The character admits that he has faced difficult obstacles that he struggled to endure.

The song then shifts to the singer's past, recalling how he was born a rebel in Dixie, with one foot in the grave and one foot on the pedal. He then reminisces about a woman who paid his tickets and drove him around, only to leave him stranded in a thicket. Although her heart was wicked, he found it hard to stay away because of his rebellious nature. The song then shifts to a more political tone, with the singer reflecting on his family's history of rebellion dating back to his father's father, and how they were targeted by blue-bellied devils who burned their fields and leveled their cities. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the singer's rebellious nature and his unbreakable determination to fight against any odds.

Line by Line Meaning

Honey don't walk out, I'm too drunk to follow
I'm too intoxicated to keep up with you if you leave, so please stay.

You know you won't feel this way tomorrow
You are aware that your current emotions are irrational and will not last long.

Well, maybe a little rough around the edges
I'm not perfect, but I have some good qualities to offer.

Or inside, a little hollow
Despite my tough exterior, I may have some emotional issues or insecurities.

Yeah, I get faced with some things, sometimes That are so hard to swallow, hey (hey, hey, hey)
I encounter difficult situations that are tough to deal with and accept.

I was born a rebel, down in Dixie (hey, hey, hey) On a Sunday mornin'
I've always had a rebellious spirit, originating from southern United States.

Yeah with one foot in the grave And one foot on the pedal, I was born a rebel I was born a rebel
I've always lived life with a sense of urgency and rebellion, refusing to conform to society's expectations.

Yeah, she picked me up in the mornin', and she paid all my tickets Then she screamed in the car Left me out in the thicket
A woman helped and then betrayed me, leaving me stranded in a forest.

Well I never woulda' dreamed That her heart was so wicked Yeah, but I keep comin' back 'Cause it's so hard to kick it, hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey)
I never suspected her to be so cruel, but I still return to her because I struggle to break free from her hold on me.

Even before my father's father They called us all rebels As they burned our cornfields And left our cities leveled
My family and ancestors have always been viewed as rebellious, targeted by destructive forces.

I can still feel the eyes of those blue-bellied devils Yeah, when I'm walking 'round at night Through the concrete and metal, hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey)
I still feel the imposing gaze of my oppressors, even as I navigate through modern society.

Hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey) I was born a rebel, down in Dixie (hey, hey, hey) On a Sunday mornin'
I embody the spirit of rebellion that is inherent to southern United States.

Yeah, with one foot in the grave And one foot on the pedal, I was born a rebel Born a rebel
I continue to lead a life of rebellion, constantly pushing forward in defiance of expectations.

Hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey) Hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey) Hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey) Hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey) Hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey) Hey, hey, hey (hey, hey, hey)
Repeated chorus emphasizing my rebellious nature and southern roots.

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Tom Petty

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

1y↑1

There is no better writer than Tom Petty. Everything he made was Gold

3 More Replies...

Alexa Saltz

1y↑9

I miss this man. He always put on an amazing show. Never a let down. He made fans feel important and so few can do that. I am grateful that I got to grow up with his music.

David Ayers

2y↑69

Love this. No one even has the balls to mention the word Dixie in a song anymore, let alone mention a blue-bellied devil. Rock on forever, Tom...

GaiterAT

1y↑4

Nothing like a Sunday morning in Dixie my friend

The Tom Petty Project

1y↑12

I don't think you've understood exactly what this song is about. He's not championing the Southern cause or manifest destiny. He's singing from the viewpoint of a character who blames all his self-induced troubles on his heritage. He's belnding imagery with narrative and blurring the lines through the perspective of this hopeless drunk who just doesn't want to be alone and can't get himself righted. It's not a battle cry.

Shadovanish

1y↑2

The album "Southern Accents" was released in 1985, I believe. Back then, the deranged & hateful race fanatics had not yet seized power, & I imagine this song was appreciated & regarded then by many (including me) as one of Tom Petty & the HB's best, & I still think it is.
I saw the "Southern Accents" concert the same year the album was released, & about halfway into the song "Rebels", the Confederate Flag appeared as an enormous illuminated background image behind the stage. The audience cheered!
Tom Petty grew up in Gainesville Florida, about as deep South as it gets, so I imagine he experienced the deep Southern culture, both good & bad elements. I'm sure there are rabid race maniacs that would demand an apology from Tom Petty for writing this song. But (thankfully), I quite sure he would not have (maybe even told them where they could go -lol!).
I always thought of Tom Petty as a rebel anyway, but in more of a James Dean kind of way.

Daquarius Smith

1y↑6

@The Tom Petty Project Tom Petty used to wear the Confederate flag all the time proudly in the 80s. It's Revisionism and Political correctness to not realize that he was sympathetic with the Southern Nation of the 1860s back then growing up and in the 1970s and 1980s.

The Tom Petty Project

1y↑5

@Daquarius Smith Hi Daquarius. This isn't entirely correct. He used the confederate flag during the promotion of Southern Accents and on the subsequent tour, more or less as a stage prop/aesthetic decision. It was a bad decision. The wrong decision. He recognized that and removed all references of it from his promo and touring once he understood the full impact of that. He also realized that people were attaching the wrong significance to the flag. He never meant it to be divisive or a position statement. He actually stopped a show at one point to tell fans to stop bringing the flag to his gigs. To say that he was "sympathetic with the Southern Nation of the 1860s" is a shorthand way of saying he was fine with slavery and racism, which isn't accurate either. This is what he said in 2015 when asked again about it; “I was pretty ignorant of what it actually meant,” Petty said, describing the flag as “the wallpaper of the South.” “The Confederate flag became part of the marketing for the tour. I wish I had given it more thought. It was a downright stupid thing to do.”

I'd recommend reading Michael Washburn's outstanding 33 1/3rd book on Southern Accents where he really digs into the raft of bad decisions surrounding Southern Accents, including Tom's myopic vision of the white South rather than the whole South. It makes no apologies for his decisions but frames them in a much more thoughtful context.

20 More Replies...

Hungry H

6y↑55

I LOVE a lot of Tom Petty songs, but this has come to be my favorite. Tom was a rebel, against all that is bad in this world. A great, great song.

Matthew Kaczmarek

2y↑1

Completely agree. This might be my favorite of his

ThePineryGuy

❤

Darren Dorset

7y↑340

'Honey don't walk out, I'm too drunk to follow' - one of the best lines in rock n roll. R.I.P Tom.

T D R

6y↑8

Darren Dorset i totally agree with that fact!! Indeed the best lines in rock n roll💜🎩💜 RIP TOM PETTY✌

samantha gregory

6y↑8

Tom was a rebel and an incredible singer/artist

Ricci Angelo

6y↑7

Love this song Tom going to miss you buddy you got me through a lot of stuff rest in peace

24 More Replies...

Angie Allen

5y↑50

I had a messed up childhood, as a teen I found Tom Petty be and his music got me through some tuff times. I saw Tom and the HEARTBREAKERS 5 times. The last time that he came to Indiana, I had a choice to make. My little dog, Mojo was dying, and in pain. I put her out of her misery. I missed seeing Tom Petty... But I know that I did the right thing.😔

Samantha B

2y↑3

You know his childhood was shadowed by an abusive father.

beth brann

7y↑14

One of the greatest musicians ever....RIP Tom Petty.

Brotherly Love Studios

5y↑26

Blasting this with the windows down as you flying down the road just has an incomparable feeling

Benjamin P Barrett

5y↑17

One of his best off one of his best LP's. This is classic Tom middle finger in the air letting everybody know he was not playing. He showed em' big time standing up to Record company just as Johnny & Waylon did. Jammin Me and I Won't Back Down spoke volume, Prompting Cash to say "Tom Petty is an Honest man" !!! High praise from the master to the pupil.

Lonesome John

that's the theme of the whole "The Last DJ" album. My favorite TP and the HB's album.

joe jones

no one fights for the right to make less money unless theyve got something up their sleeve, he probably knew itd help cement his legend and actually make him more money down the line and anyway in the big pic his stand didnt really change record prices, it was a temporary win.

Richard Bennett

5y↑67

"She picked me up in the morning, paid all my tickets. Screamed in the car, left me out in the thicket." I come from a North Carolina dad and a proud Irish mum....their marriage has always been fueled by passion and rebellion. A child of teen parents, me and my sister. I lived that line. Many a memory of that. My dad is much calmer now. Friend to everybody....but this line reminds me of the wild years he still had till I was a teenager and the equally fiery mother that tempered his rebel spirit. I will always think of my dad and mum when I hear this.

Kevin Bell

3y↑2

Yup. I appreciate your experience being from Boston

1y↑1

@joe jones It’s interesting how that happens. My dad was the oldest in his family & they grew up in the Bronx. Both his siblings had that accent but he didn’t.

1 More Replies...

sophie toronto

6y↑13

"Honey, don't walk out...I'm too drunk to follow". The most romantic words ever written. Thanks Tom. You were the greatest.

Manifold

6y↑17

R.I.P. Tom petty, no other musicians music has hit my soul like this mans music, first time I smoked weed I was listening to its good to be king and it went from there. the words of his songs are poetic and always have another meaning for everyone who listens. I'm sad I didn't get to see him live, hes at the room at the top of the world now. I'm 19 and all I have to say is my generation lost a hero, from here on in we are screwed on music that'll ever make you feel like this. its 2 am right now, just got home from a party and I'm doing what I always do when I'm drunk and feeling the feels haha listening to some petty and singing along as good as I can, rest in peace man you left quite the legacy

Marc Domicello

7y↑2

a truly underrated song from a great American band. I am so proud that Tom Petty and the band are americans, especially when the best albums during this year came out of the U.K.; derpeche mode; depeche mode, etc..

thee4thdoctor

7y↑8

Tom, you have been in my life since I was that young teen in 1982, discovering my love of Rock n Roll, and everything that comes with it. Your songs saw me in every phase of my life since, and no matter how long I live, I shall never forget you. God love you Tom, and Thank You

evelyn baron

4y↑1

Your comment was deeply moving; he belongs to no-one and yet all of us.

Jake Jake C

5y↑5

So simple yet there is just something about Petty's songwriting that has this magic about it.......when a songwriter like this gets together with the right producer (ie Jeff Lyne).....the sky is the limit (BTW I know Jeff Lyne didn't produce this, the guy from the eurythmics did) when Petty and Lyne's paths did finally cross they were unstoppable.

Big Cat

1y↑1

He's the greatest writer period.

The Tom Petty Project

Rebels was produced by Jimmy Iovine. Tom brought him back in to finish this one up because he just couldn't get it over the line. The album was produced by a hidge-podge of different people, which is why it's so disjointed sonically.

Cat

8y↑30

Love Tom Petty ♡ Seeing him Live in Concert was AMAZING !!! ☆☆☆ Such a Sweet & Peaceful Soul. ✌💚

Fvkin Amazed

5y↑1

Never would I forget to drop the confederate flag.
Yeah, n it pisses the fuck off.

1 More Replies...

Darren Langston

4y↑1

Keeps sweetening! All of his songs, and the concerts wow! We couldn't keep blacked out enough anticipating that one, and he exceeded as always

Mikesdailyjukebox

7y↑1

RIP - A true All-American rock star and an unbelievable live performer.

robert boydston

7y↑5

RIP Tom.... Thanks for the great tunes and the excellent shows....

Paula Williams

My Hero ...Rest in Peace Tom. You were a gift to us. Thank you for the best music and voice ever. Love you and miss you so very much.

Jaw Doc Navajo

48w

Well I agree w/almost all of it, Cept his voice was original, just not a great singer… hence why he loved what Howies’ voice brought to the sound. Being a Florida boy born in the 60’s he is an absolute original favorite!😊

Josh Banks

7y↑7

R.I.P to a legend, Tom Petty will be missed

Lawrence Sampson

7y↑81

God bless you sir. You were an absolute gift to all of us. I was born a rebel down in Dixie, on a Sunday morning.

Glen Quagmireful

5y↑2

Fantastic post.

Tim McCreary

5y↑3

RIP TOM PETTY I FEEL YOUR PAIN DOUG.✌

SPRINGSTEEN1985

@Glen Quagmireful very well put fantastic post

Kathy Myers

@Tim McCreary that one hurt. Still does.

Judy Duduks

Yes I was

1 More Replies...

Lonesome John

4y↑23

Such a shame that the live version of this song from the Fox Theatre show in Atlanta was taken down because of Tom running around the stage with the Stars and Bars around his shoulders offending some tender sensibilities. "One foot in the grave, and one foot on the pedal, I was born a rebel" is one of the greatest Rock and Roll lyrics ever written. Stan Lynch's expression when the horn section (which he hated) is playing those tiny little trumpets is priceless.

MSH68

4y↑5

Exactly. TP's real feeling for Dixie still shines through in this version though. He may have publicly caved to the PC crowd but, I suspect if you were sitting with him drinking a cold one and just talking he would still be proud of the South as he describes it in this amazing song.
The live version is indeed spectacular. Even if Stan hated the horns. Pack Up The Plantation Live is a great album too.

FangsFirst

3y↑7

I suspect you would all be quite disappointed by Tom Petty's actual feelings... https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/tom-petty-on-past-confederate-flag-use-it-was-downright-stupid-177619/

"I used it onstage during that song, and I regretted it pretty quickly. When we toured two years later, I noticed people in the audience wearing Confederate flag bandanas and things like that. One night, someone threw one onstage. I stopped everything and gave a speech about it. I said, “Look, this was to illustrate a character. This is not who we are. Having gone through this, I would prefer it if no one would ever bring a Confederate flag to our shows again because this isn’t who we are.”

It got a mixed reaction. There were some boos and some cheers. But honestly, it’s a little amazing to me because I never saw one again after that speech in that one town. Fortunately, that went away, but it left me feeling stupid. That’s the word I can use. I felt stupid. If I had just been a little more observant about things going on around me, it wouldn’t have happened. We did do a live record [Pack Up The Plantation: Live!] and there was a picture inside of us playing in front of one. I went back and had it removed from the record. It took a little time to get done, but it did get done. I still feel bad about it. I’ve just always regretted it. I would never do anything to hurt someone."

Lonesome John

3y↑2

@FangsFirst Not at all, mate, not at all. Southern heritage is complicated. Tom Petty explored it brilliantly on this album. Shit, I lived the song "Spike" when I moved from California to northeast Tennessee in 1991. The Drive-By Truckers have done so their whole career. The Fox Theater live version is still great, though.

FangsFirst

3y↑1

@Lonesome John Oh yeah, I love the Truckers; they've certainly wandered into similar territory here (and, of late, into something like the reverse on the subject of flags, no less). To be fair, I was mostly speaking to the other folks, who seem to be in absolute denial that Tom might've felt otherwise (see the other response to me, convinced on no particular grounds that Tom was just lying in that interview because...Uh, I don't know?)

4 More Replies...

Icarus Windjammer

7y↑123

Danial Sutherland

6y↑1

Born a Rebel, nothing is ever ez

M.J. C.

6y↑10

Danial Sutherland
Born a Rebel. Always a Rebel.and it's not always easy. But it's always the best.
Tom Petty songs say what i can't.
And he did it so,perfectly.
I was listening to him the nite he died. My girl and i were texting,both listening 800 miles apart,to Here Comes My Girl, just enjoying our favorite song together, when her next text said,"Mart, Tom Petty just died.".
I felt like I had been gut punched.
Not a day since has passed that I haven't listened to his music . Not one.
R.I.P.TP.

Patrick Franklin

6y↑1

LifeBloodMarketing awesome🍀🍀

Steven Dalbor

5y↑2

I cannot forget Weird Al's version: "hey hey, I was Barney Rubble, down in Bedrock, on a Saturday morning, with one foot in the cave and other gettin' Fred in trouble, I was Barney Rubble..."

evelyn baron

He's really articulate and I'm not too drunk to follow....Divided his listeners at the time; had a horrible year and the song is great.

3 More Replies...

Tom O'Donovan

5y↑6

I had a few Tom Petty albums in my collection. Gave them all to a neighbor when I took a year to live out west. Hardest thing I ever did was giving them away, but Harry deserved every one of them! Well over 600 albums. Hope he gives them all to someone else to enjoy in a few years.

evelyn baron

4y↑1

Tom, you did the right thing. Spread the musical word!

Eddie Santos

42w

"One foot in the grave and one foot on the pedal." No other phrase describes me better, often to my detriment. ✌ To all the Rebels.

Jonny Birchyboy

3y↑3

There is so much to analyze in this song, Tom Petty was a great storyteller.

Ole Ben Kanobie

6y↑4

RIP TP. God this takes me back.... The opening line “ honey don’t walk out I’m too drunk to follow”. Brings a long ago smile to my soul.

evelyn baron

Yup was married to someone just like that, still friends. It bothers me that people think rock/popular artists are always writing their autobiography; of course he understood this character and was in one of his infrequent crazy periods, this time on cocaine. Iagree great opening line, full stop!

Carol fidler

That’s a great song. Amazing. 🎸🎼💖😍💔

Robert Pender

2y↑2

This was their best album. Hands down

Big Cat

The thing about him is if you like him every record is great unlike anyone else but Led Zeppelin, Guns N Roses and Metallica. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were a top five band of all time.

Clay Jones

5y↑7

Have not listened to this song in a while. Damn it sounds good. Brings back good memories...

GenX Joy

7y↑19

RIP. I raised my daughter on your music. She was born a rebel as well. RIP always be loved by millions.

Rachel Phillips

8y↑26

This has been my theme song for as long as I can remember. I absolutely love Mr. Petty. My life long dream is to meet him in person. Just a hug, Tom. Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease.

Lithium Six

Hopefully you aren't in any rush to meet him now, but yeah, my theme song as well ;) RIP Tom

Alex Ryherd

7y↑2

RIP Tom you'll forever remain legend

Trevor Richardson

5y↑3

My favorite Tom Petty song!!!❤️

Orion

"With one foot in the grave, and one foot on the pedal." Gaah he really knew how to say it in a way that hit me right to the core with soooo many of his songs. Oh Petty, miss you.

Eddy Wadley

7y↑53

they burn down our cornfields, left our cities level. Such a great song with a great message from a great man.

Sam Hieb

7y↑11

..still see the eyes of those blue-bellied devils....

kid cali

7y↑15

Petty is on of the last american music icons...time to wake up kids, and start writing music every american can sing along to, cry to, and relate to!!! R.i.p. tom thank you for your genius!!!!!!!!

Viktoriya Gereluk

@Warren Thomas Wise words sir.

1 More Replies...

Appalachian American

7y↑5

can't believe Tom Petty is gone now his music has been such a big part of my life,really the soundtrack one of my great radio heroes gone

Big Cat

1y↑1

There will only be one Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. One of a kind. Top 5 band all time. Up there with Led Zeppelin the Rolling Stones Guns N Roses and Metallica. You can't duplicate this kind of greatness

Cary West

35w

Yeah, the Stones middle era with Mick Taylor!

shopkeep

7y↑3

my favorite tom petty song, giving it a listen in remembrance... RIP

Lozz

5y↑3

Thank you dad for getting me into this amazing man
Rip Tom 🙏🙏

Cooper Hilinsky

7y↑4

Incredible chord progressions

Chris Serong

Awesome song. This is Tom Petty through and through.

Shivaji Vythi

5y↑1

Child hood favourite 👌👌👍

Steve Knight

5y↑17

Best tune by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers -- hands down.

paulmd2010

This song has been stuck in my head for a few days now.
Finally, it's a totally badass song by a real artist that stuck in my head rather than some flavor of the month pop song that's been jammed down my throat that is stuck in my head.

Ricardo

The video for this was awesome. He had a huge rebel flag the entire size of the stage as a backdrop. Of course the video is gone.

Aaqilian5.0

Opinions vary.

Andrew Greene

7y↑58

Had to come listen to my favorite Tom Perry song upon hearing of his death. RIP, thank you for all the great music.

BM 315

6y↑6

Andrew Greene Glad to see that I’m not the only one who likes this song, RIP Tom.

Thor God of Thunder

6y↑1

definitely my favorite song. RIP Mr. "Penny"

5 More Replies...

RECYCLED HOOLIGAN

One of my favorite Tom Petty songs

Timothy Pittman

3y↑1

A good man. A great musician. Some days you just gotta play Tom Petty - loud!

Carol fidler

😆Everyday! 🎸🎼💖

Nick Englezos

Bad ass old school rocker RIP Tom petty you were a rebel and sung like one..

wayne252525

My dad was born a rebel ... While managing to provide for his family and stay around when times were tough, he still fought the system in his own way and loved rebellious music ... Pity he wasn't familiar with TP, as he would have screamed along with the chorus of this one ! ... RIP Dad and Tom ... Wayne

DoNotTredOnMe

4y↑1

R.I.P. You Legend ❤️
Your Music Will Live On Forever

Gavin Wieland

6y↑1

I love this song so much. R.I.P. Tom.

Grff695

7y↑5

RIP Mr. Petty, you've done your part.

Ed Kula

6y↑20

Although not a true Southerner but a transplant, I can thoroughly understand the meaning of this song. Tom Petty just had a knack with words.

CW Singer Jr

5y↑2

Ed Finch

Do your homework son he was born and raised in Gainesville Fla.

Ed Finch

He was born in Gainesville Florida.

Dreams

4y↑2

@Ed Finch He's talking about himself not Tom

FangsFirst

As a transplant, you understand the meaning of the song as...some guy who tries to blame his alcoholism on his ancestry? 'Cause that's what it's about...

Sky x Agony XD

5y↑1

From one of my all-time favorite albums.

Paul Brown

6y↑1

An Instant Classic !

coralreeferman

7y↑62

one foot in the grave.... one foot on the pedal.... I was born a rebel....eternal peace to you Tom Petty....may God grant your soul rest and freedom.... and rock'n'roll forever....

SM Smoof

5y↑2

@nick riner - Nah, dude. Tom Petty had a heart for the common man as big as theres ever been ... a talent, a genius and genuine good guy from all reports. A Rock God.

Samantha B

4y↑1

Wasn't nice to see him in the Gary Shandling doc?

Samantha B

4y↑2

Love ❤️ this song. Says so much especially now that he's gone 😢

4 More Replies...

volvoplz

6y↑12

Opening gives me goosebumps

evelyn baron

yes probably Mike and Benmont; last time Tom spoke in public he made sure to say he was in one of the top three bands in the country ...

BobCat623923

Not enough love for this gem!!

Taylor Viets

5y↑1

How come I haven't heard this until now! So good!

Angelica Luce

5y↑7

"I can still feel the eyes of those blue bellied devils - when I'm walking round tonight thru the concrete and metal --
with one foot in the grave and one foot on the pedal ...." Down in the bottom of his SOUL - THIS is who he was.

evelyn baron

Think so???? He created this character whom he understood, was on cocaine seriously at the time, was sorry later for wrapping himself up in the confederate flag; down in the bottom of his soul, he survived a horrible abusive father and searched all his life for stability, which he ultimately found through friends. And learned the meaning of forgiveness. An extraordinary man.

Roger Stedina

5y↑1

This song inspires me to no end! Man was born to be free! It's a damn shame, but it feels so good to be a rebel. Mr. Petty, ride free!!

Scott Rainbow

Great tune,I am Australian but this song rocks.

Gary Lindsey

4y↑5

This song gets better every day!

ruben herrera

Tom petty es cómo gardel cada día canta mejor

ruben herrera

2y↑1

Jake Player

Antonius Milesdale

5y↑1

I got this 45 spinning blasting tom petty all day but the power went out so I'm back here. Rip tom you were the best.

Melissa Lawrence

Well I never would’ve dreamed
That her heart was so wicked
Oh, but I keep coming back
Cause it’s so hard to kick it

Love that line!

James MacDonald

7y↑1

Will miss you Tom -- love this song

Heather Hoadley

6y↑7

This song is so underrated <3

ray fisher

7y↑2

Rest in peace you gave us a lot of great songs it's time to rest

Thomasgene

6y↑2

God Blessed Us With Tom Petty! I was born A Rebel By The Grace Of GOD! Dixie lives in My Heart!

Cheryl Compere

I was born a rebel
And Damm proud of it. Rock on Tom Petty.

Jeanette Yarbrough

This song is so perfect.

Kevin Portwood

6y↑7

God, this song just soars, doesn't it?

RedHawk

Kevin Portwood Not the words; the feelings...

russell dunn

7y↑6

RIP Tom.Thanks for the music.

russell dunn

RLTW!

1 More Replies...

lonewolf Robinson

6y↑9

Tom Petty…he was such a badass

The Search For Proof

3y↑1

I wasn’t born on a Sunday, or down in Dixie, but I was born a rebel. Thanks Tom

Uber Rox

One foot in the grave and one foot on the pedal. That's been me my whole life 😂

Scott Rainbow

7y↑2

R.I.P Tom Petty.I think think is one of your greatest songs.Keep writing in heaven for when I get there brother.

Joey Hawkins

Great memories of tom your band rocked thanks for the great memories listening to you growing up rip 😥

Neil Cameron

7y↑40

There's talk of political correctness and those who rail against it (sometimes for the wrong reasons) BUT this song is about identity, belonging, history, linking the past with the present and a difficult personal relationship. The lyrics are superb, the song construction is brilliant, the musicianship and passion are brilliant. It's one of the outstanding songs of all time - keep your personal politics out of it - on both sides! It's Art!

Fvkin Amazed

6y↑1

Neil Cameron great comment.
But here we go.

Pretty sure this is a pre Disney finger in the air fuck you song.
?

Dvine Dzine

Well said, Neil.

Benjamin P Barrett

5y↑1

@Fvkin Amazed Your Fvkin Right. Middle finger in the air to RECORD EXECS. Next came Jammin Me!!! Tom is/was a Rebel for life. Long live His memory.

TJ Publishing LLC JONES

Is this the main yard daddy or is this the IRA...TJ Publishing Inc

3 More Replies...

Terry Vinson

Born 1963 in the great state of Alabama. I was born a rebel and damn proud of it. Lived in the North, the Midwest and overseas over the years but the south never left me.

Richard Stanley

7y↑3

Going to miss this guy really was a rebel

Dave Watson

A national treasure. I swear to G-d, the world went to shit when Tom Petty left it. Think about the events post TP’s death.

Michael Weller

5y↑1

Always remember this sound driving down to Daytona Beach from Ohio in 2003 , with my Marine buddy, right before he headed off to Iraq. Never forget those times.