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.
Wildflowers
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You belong in a boat out at sea
Sail away, kill off the hours
You belong somewhere you feel free
Run away, find you a lover
Go away somewhere all bright and new
I have seen no other
You belong among the wildflowers
You belong in a boat out at sea
You belong with your love on your arm
You belong somewhere you feel free
Run away, go find a lover
Run away, let your heart be your guide
You deserve the deepest of cover
You belong in that home by and by
You belong among the wildflowers
You belong somewhere close to me
Far away from your trouble and worries
You belong somewhere you feel free
You belong somewhere you feel free
The lyrics of "Wildflowers" by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers speak of finding one's place in the world and living one's life to the fullest. The first verse encourages the listener to embrace their wild side and find a place where they feel free, whether it be in the midst of nature ("wildflowers") or out on the sea. The second verse urges the listener to pursue love and adventure, not to be held back by fear or convention. The chorus reinforces the idea that everyone deserves to find a place where they feel truly at home and free from worry and trouble.
Overall, the lyrics of "Wildflowers" are an anthem for anyone seeking a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them. They encourage listeners to take risks, overcome their fears, and find a place where they can truly belong. In a world that can often feel overwhelming and suffocating, these lyrics offer a beacon of hope and a reminder that we all have the power to create our own destiny.
Line by Line Meaning
You belong among the wildflowers
You are not meant to be tamed or controlled, you belong in a natural and free environment like wildflowers.
You belong in a boat out at sea
You should be exploring and experiencing new things, far away from the familiar and the known.
Sail away, kill off the hours
Take a break from the daily routine and pass the time in a meaningful way by going on an adventure.
You belong somewhere you feel free
Your happiness and contentment depend on being in a place where you are unencumbered and unfettered.
Run away, find you a lover
Escape the pressures of life and search for someone who will appreciate your true self.
Go away somewhere all bright and new
The possibilities for the future are endless, explore all that is untapped and new.
I have seen no other who compares with you
Your individuality and unique qualities set you apart from everyone else, there is no one else like you.
You belong with your love on your arm
Love and companionship enhances your life and makes you feel whole.
You deserve the deepest of cover
You are worthy of unconditional love and protection from the world.
You belong somewhere close to me
You are important to me and I want you to be in a place where you are happy and free.
Far away from your trouble and worries
In order to thrive, you need to escape from the negativity and problems that weigh you down.
You belong somewhere you feel free
Your happiness and contentment depend on being in a place where you are unencumbered and unfettered.
You belong somewhere you feel free
Your happiness and contentment depend on being in a place where you are unencumbered and unfettered.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Tom Petty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@emilywybrow2983
Today is my birthday and all I could think was of my mother. I love you mom.
@luisquiroz7927
My 21 year-old son passed away three months ago and this song totally Hit me hard. It's beautiful. Thank you Tom.
@ferdrums95
un abrazo, ha de ser muy feo pasar eso, espero que siempre te ilumine
@pennyspeed8064
I lost my 28 yr old son 6 yrs ago and he was a huge Tom Petty fan, this song hits the spot for me also. Hugs from one angel mom to another.
@dawnvictoria1
I'm so sorry for your loss. I pray for you to find peace there. Pearl Jam's 'Just Breathe'' did me the same way
@kalebkemper953
So sorry no parent should outlive their child. My uncle took his own life and well this song is a little rough
@allenbballin6418
Rip sorry to hear that. Sorry for your loss i am 21 and turning 22 in 3 days I believe in a God of my own understanding as they say in aa and hope that when I die of old age I will see my grandmother who died this year my dog Rudy and other loved ones I don't hope I feel it in my heart. I have been through many hard ships and I'm sure so have you I am not trying to shove this God stuff down anyone's throat especially your I have blamed God for what has happened to me and my family and through my journey of recovery I have worked on my relationship with him. I hope what I said helps you feel less alone.
@user-zr2mq5nj2r
I am Japanese. I bought this album at a record shop when it was released in Japan. It's been 30 years since then. I still love this album. This song is the first song on the album. That day, I admired him for writing such beautiful songs, and even now, that feeling hasn't changed at all.
@KiraBirb-pi6sl
This is incredibly sweet; thanks for sharing your joy of this song with others.
@KiraBirb-pi6sl
This is incredibly sweet; thanks for sharing your joy of this song with others.