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.
Something in the Air
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Because there's something in the air
We've got to get together sooner or later
Because the revolution's here
And you know it's right
And you know that it's right
We have got to get it together
Run through the fields and houses
Because there's something in the air
We've got to get together sooner or later
Because the revolution's here
And you know it's right
And you know that it's right
We have got to get it together
We have got to get it together now
Call out the instigator
Because there's something in the air
We've got to get together sooner or later
Because the revolution's here
And you know it's right
And you know that it's right
We have got to get it together
We have got to get it together now
The lyrics to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers' song "Something in the Air" are a call to action for revolution. The instigator is being called upon to start something because there is a change coming. The lyrics are urging everyone to come together sooner rather than later, to unite for the impending revolution. There's a feeling in the air that suggests that things need to change, and the time for it is now.
The repetition of "And you know it's right" emphasizes the sense of determination to bring about this change. Petty is calling for unity amongst all people, no matter their background or social status. The line "Run through the fields and houses" suggests freedom, and the need to break free from what is holding us back. Petty's lyrics are an invitation to take part in a revolution against the system and forge a new era of equality and liberty for all.
Line by Line Meaning
Call the instigator
Summon the person who incites or initiates change
Because there's something in the air
Because there is a feeling or energy that suggests imminent change
We've got to get together sooner or later
We must come together at some point in time
Because the revolution's here
Because the time has come for a significant change to occur
And you know it's right
You are aware that it is the correct decision or action to take
And you know that it's right
You have a strong conviction that the time for change is righteous
We have got to get it together
We must unite as one collective group
We have got to get it together now
We must come together immediately
Run through the fields and houses
Move freely through the environment
Call out the instigator
Summon the person who initiates or inspires radical change
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN KEEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Terry Sautter
The original song has 3 verses. After the bridge Tom reprises the first verse and leaves out the 3rd. I wonder why? The 3rd verse that Speedy Keen wrote and Thunderclap Newman performed was:
Hand out the arms and ammo
We're going to blast our way through here
We've got to get together sooner or later
Because the revolution's here, and you know it's right
And you know that it's right.
Derek Stocker
I do like this and we all know how great TP was, BUT the original Newman track was such a fabulous sound, possibly never to be bettered in my mind. Was there when it came out, got the "single" and still absolutely love it!
Cathy Bradley
Naah
Wolfman Scott
Tom always put emotion into his music, cover or not. So I beg to differ, but I'm kind of a Pettyhead.
Jeffrey Guard
how can anyone with a soul get tired of hearing this song. SO BEAUTIFUL!
Karmic Selling
Tom and The Heartbreakers always had a way of taking some of the greatest songs ever recorded and making them their own.
jeff C
One of my fave recordings by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. Saw them in 2006 and they were amazing especially when they did a cover of Van Morrison's song "Mystic Eyes" which was on the live antholgy cd. Worth checking out. You won't be disappointed.
Cathy Bradley
Outstanding. Miss you Tom, and thank you again.
FalsonIce
One of the greatest remakes of an original that I have ever heard !!
Vickie Dube
Love this song!
Wolfdragon92584
A perfect way to wrap up the greatest compilation ever by the wonderful Heartbreakers. I love the floaty feel to this song....