Tom Petty Quotes

A collection of quotes by Tom Petty.

Tom Petty (October 20, 1950 – October 2, 2017) was an iconic American singer-songwriter and musician. Born in Gainesville, Florida, Petty began his musical journey at a young age and formed various bands during his high school and college years. In 1976, he rose to fame as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the rock band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Petty's signature sound blended elements of rock, folk, and blues, resulting in a unique and influential style that resonated with a wide audience. His songs became anthems for generations, characterized by heartfelt lyrics, catchy melodies, and his distinct vocal delivery. Some of his most well-known hits include "Free Fallin'," "American Girl," and "I Won't Back Down."

Throughout his career, Petty released numerous successful albums both as a solo artist and with the Heartbreakers. His music earned him critical acclaim, prestigious awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

Beyond his musical accomplishments, Petty was praised for his authenticity and down-to-earth nature. He remained dedicated to his craft, consistently touring and recording until his untimely death in 2017. Tom Petty's enduring legacy is that of an exceptional musician, storyteller, and Rock and Roll legend.

I feel sorry for kids these days. They get so much homework.

I feel sorry for kids these days. They get so much homework. Remember the days when we put a belt around our two books and carried them home? Now they're dragging a suitcase. They have school all day, then homework from six until eleven. There's no time left to be creative.

Tom Petty


It's very uncomfortable to hear them used when I don't agree

It's very uncomfortable to hear them used when I don't agree with what's being said. But I recognize that those songs have entered into a bigger life, a life all their own. They belong to the audience. How they're used isn't always something I can control.

Tom Petty

Life

So I started out for God knows where.I guess I'll know when

So I started out for God knows where.I guess I'll know when I get there.

Tom Petty

Inspirational

I don't think it's a good attitude in your life to feel that

I don't think it's a good attitude in your life to feel that you have to be rich to have self-esteem.

Tom Petty

Attitude

What I've learned about marriage: You need to have each othe

What I've learned about marriage: You need to have each other's back you have to be a kind of team going through life.

Tom Petty

Marriage

Do something you really like, and hopefully it pays the rent

Do something you really like, and hopefully it pays the rent. As far as I'm concerned, that's success.

Tom Petty

Success

TV does not care about you or what happens to you. It's down

TV does not care about you or what happens to you. It's downright bad for your health now, and that's not a far-out concept. I think watching the TV news is bad for you. It is bad for your physical health and your mental health.

Tom Petty

Health

I'm barely prolific and incredibly lazy.

I'm barely prolific and incredibly lazy.

Tom Petty

Laziness

It's funny how the music industry is enraged about the Inter

It's funny how the music industry is enraged about the Internet and the way things are copied without being paid for. But you know why people steal the music? Because they can't afford the music.

Tom Petty

Funny

The energy of the crowd is insane. Twenty thousand people. I

The energy of the crowd is insane. Twenty thousand people. It's the biggest jolt of adrenaline. It's very hard to explain. You know the old story about the woman lifting the car off her kid? It's in that realm. You can actually hurt yourself and not know it.

Tom Petty

Car

I don't treat the band like I'm above them or that they're a

I don't treat the band like I'm above them or that they're a hired hand for me. We've never worked that way. So I'm a team player. I would be very uncomfortable having to do this alone.

Tom Petty

Alone

When you get older, your health becomes important to you, th

When you get older, your health becomes important to you, things start breaking down, you've always got a different ache or pain.

Tom Petty

Health