Tom Petty — Wildflowers
![](https://img.radioparadise.com/covers/m/B000002MUN.jpg)
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Total ratings: 3317
Length: 3:09
Plays (last 30 days): 2
You belong among the wildflowers
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
Who compares with you
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 worry
You belong somewhere you feel free
You belong somewhere you feel free
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
Who compares with you
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 worry
You belong somewhere you feel free
You belong somewhere you feel free
Comments (233)add comment
Ricky Gervais did a comedic skit using this song or a version of it. It's hilarious. No shame on Tom Petty I admire him for admitting that the use of the confederate flag on one of his albums was a mistake.
Tom Petty was such a wonderful, prolific song writer. He is missed.
Great segue from Jimmy Buffett's "A Pirate Looks at Forty."
RIP😢
A very clever segue from "I Lost It" by Lucinda Williams - this could almost be a variation on her tune.
Decoy wrote:
A classic case of not knowing what you have until it's gone. (in this case he's gone). I had the same experience....I hadn't realized how much I liked Tom Petty's music until it was playing everywhere after his passing.
after the recent glut of Tom Petty music, the wave has kind of slowed down....
then this plays....
and it hits me, he is gone.
He was really that good.
I am going to miss him more than I realize.
A classic case of not knowing what you have until it's gone. (in this case he's gone). I had the same experience....I hadn't realized how much I liked Tom Petty's music until it was playing everywhere after his passing.
Hey Bill, thanks for sharing your love of this song..yup, it is quite a ditty !
9/17/22 is Tom Petty Day at the Swamp, Gainesville Florida. Gators love Petty, a Gainesville native,
nancy.misner wrote:
7 months later, an equally elegant segue from Beautiful You by The Waifs.
a perfect segue from Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
![angel](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/eusa_angel.gif)
7 months later, an equally elegant segue from Beautiful You by The Waifs.
a perfect segue from Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik ![angel](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/eusa_angel.gif)
![angel](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/eusa_angel.gif)
deniseperry wrote:
Much better than Smashing Pumpkins.
Smashing lyrics.
Much better than Smashing Pumpkins.
Smashing lyrics.
lynn01 wrote:
I was fortunate enough to see him twice. I'm sad that I'll never get a third chance.
tp rocks! my first concert, 1981. so many good songs, grateful he shared his time with us!
I was fortunate enough to see him twice. I'm sad that I'll never get a third chance.
What a big loss to the musical world,RIP Tom🙏
tp rocks! my first concert, 1981. so many good songs, grateful he shared his time with us!
I absolutely love this song, and The Wailin' Jennys' cover is equally glorious ![heart eyes](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_hearteyes.gif)
Bill, if you read these comments, please know that I'd be one extremely happy RP listener if you played that version every once in a while!
![heart eyes](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_hearteyes.gif)
Bill, if you read these comments, please know that I'd be one extremely happy RP listener if you played that version every once in a while!
Cynaera wrote:
There are those of us who dearly miss your comments.
Every time I hear this song, I just smile and sigh. It's like feeling sunshine on my face and knowing that the day's going to be perfect. ![{#Sunny} {#Sunny}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/sunny.gif)
![{#Meditate} {#Meditate}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/meditate.gif)
![{#Sunny} {#Sunny}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/sunny.gif)
![{#Meditate} {#Meditate}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/meditate.gif)
There are those of us who dearly miss your comments.
Sad that this man is no longer with us, but delighted to discover this song and album through RP.
has anyone "priced" the vinyl LP of this lately (like eBay) anywhere from $300>>>1200
I sent to buy one for my son and was shocked..........
apparently, they didn't press many (cd's were "king" then)......i still have my copy, bought it when it came out.........ridiculous!
I sent to buy one for my son and was shocked..........
apparently, they didn't press many (cd's were "king" then)......i still have my copy, bought it when it came out.........ridiculous!
Pretty little song indeed. Kinda like Florida Hippie Man. What's not to like?!
![daisy](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/daisy.gif)
![daisy](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/daisy.gif)
Big birthday celebration music festival in Gainesville this weekend...
I will never get over losing Tom Petty!
How is it that such a simple song can be so outstanding? Just the first few notes and I am flying!
Middleton wrote:
Loved this song the first time I heard it. Doesn't usually work that way for me.
This song always puts a smile in my heart. I needed that on this cold day. ![{#Daisy} {#Daisy}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/daisy.gif)
![{#Daisy} {#Daisy}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/daisy.gif)
Loved this song the first time I heard it. Doesn't usually work that way for me.
All it takes is the first chord and I know it's this song. Not too many songs where that's the case. So very, very distinctive, and so lovely.
khardog145 wrote:
Lost my father 31 years ago, not a day goes by that I don't miss him. This song always connects us, oddly. Your post as well.
Makes me cry for 2 reasons. I bought this CD a couple days before my dad died. I was playing it the morning, when I was going to make the funeral arrangements. My dad's favorite thing was to walk in the marshes and forest preserves "among the wild flowers". Now I am still mourning the passing of Tom. Can't seem to get over losing that great artist.
Lost my father 31 years ago, not a day goes by that I don't miss him. This song always connects us, oddly. Your post as well.
khardog145 wrote:
Bless you.
Makes me cry for 2 reasons. I bought this CD a couple days before my dad died. I was playing it the morning, when I was going to make the funeral arrangements. My dad's favorite thing was to walk in the marshes and forest preserves "among the wild flowers". Now I am still mourning the passing of Tom. Can't seem to get over losing that great artist.
Bless you.
I'm sick & at work, but this song is making my heart smile. ![daisy](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/daisy.gif)
![daisy](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/daisy.gif)
Makes me cry for 2 reasons. I bought this CD a couple days before my dad died. I was playing it the morning, when I was going to make the funeral arrangements. My dad's favorite thing was to walk in the marshes and forest preserves "among the wild flowers". Now I am still mourning the passing of Tom. Can't seem to get over losing that great artist.
New FLAC Stream is awesome! Makes our bud Tom sound great RIP Tom, we miss you.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Glad you enjoyed it.
Caitlin's beautiful version brings a tear to my eye, in light of Tom's untimely passing.
This version brings the song to a whole other level. Thanks again for posting it.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Caitlin's beautiful version brings a tear to my eye, in light of Tom's untimely passing.
This version brings the song to a whole other level. Thanks again for posting it.
This just never gets old. When I'm not listening to RP, I listen to the Tom Petty channel on Sirius, and I sing along with this every time. Really miss that guy.
pvg44 wrote:
Glad you enjoyed it.
Caitlin's beautiful version brings a tear to my eye, in light of Tom's untimely passing.
Thank you, that was a joy to hear and see.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Caitlin's beautiful version brings a tear to my eye, in light of Tom's untimely passing.
Simple, straight up, clean...a gorgeous showcase of Tom's unique voice.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Thank you, that was a joy to hear and see.
Thank you, that was a joy to hear and see.
11
![{#Cry} {#Cry}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/smiley-cry.gif)
Perfect album. The 14 year old me could put this in his disk-man and listen on repeat for days. Still sounds fresh. Thanks Tom, you will be missed.
we belong with you, Tom.
Great segue from Jason Isbell - If We Were Vampires. Bill does it again (constantly)! Time to send more support. ![{#Bananapiano} {#Bananapiano}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/bananapiano.gif)
![{#Bananapiano} {#Bananapiano}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/bananapiano.gif)
after the recent glut of Tom Petty music, the wave has kind of slowed down....
then this plays....
and it hits me, he is gone.
He was really that good.
I am going to miss him more than I realize.
then this plays....
and it hits me, he is gone.
He was really that good.
I am going to miss him more than I realize.
You belong among the wildflowers
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
Who compares with you
R.I.P. Tom
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
Who compares with you
R.I.P. Tom
Our native son...gone way too soon. I live about a half mile from his old stomping grounds in north Gainesville. The town is in mourning.
Thank you, Tom. Rest in peace.
Tom, run away, let your heart be your guide. RIP and thanks for the music!
Thanks, Tom, for incarnating The Immortal Spirit of Rock and Roll the last 40 years, and for jamming The Soundtrack of My Life so well
Rest in peace , Tom. You went too soon.
![{#Daisy} {#Daisy}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/daisy.gif)
You are now with the wildflowers ![{#Daisy} {#Daisy}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/daisy.gif)
![{#Daisy} {#Daisy}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/daisy.gif)
Thanks Tom.
RIP Tom, thank you for all the great music. You are a legend and will live forever in our hearts!
Cynaera wrote:
Everybody in my hotel room misses you so much, Cynaera... we love this song... love Radio Paradise...
Every time I hear this song, I just smile and sigh. It's like feeling sunshine on my face and knowing that the day's going to be perfect. ![{#Sunny} {#Sunny}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/sunny.gif)
![{#Meditate} {#Meditate}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/meditate.gif)
![{#Sunny} {#Sunny}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/sunny.gif)
![{#Meditate} {#Meditate}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/meditate.gif)
Everybody in my hotel room misses you so much, Cynaera... we love this song... love Radio Paradise...
This song is boring and lame. Sorry because I love Petty.
Each time I try to look normal, something like house of cards and harpoon land gets me.
Flip_flops wrote:
My second time hearing this!!!! 😊
![{#Bananajam} {#Bananajam}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/bananajam.gif)
![{#Bananajam} {#Bananajam}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/bananajam.gif)
ench wrote:
Aim to stay until 8pm. Do all your work and then go to the boss and volunteer for more. The day will pass quicker.
Hard song to hear at 3PM at work... Makes me seriously consider leaving.
Aim to stay until 8pm. Do all your work and then go to the boss and volunteer for more. The day will pass quicker.
![{#Cheesygrin} {#Cheesygrin}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_cheesygrin.gif)
This always reminds me of a Brad Paisley song.
'Cause I'd like to see you out in the moonlight
I'd like to kiss you way back in the sticks
I'd like to walk you through a field of wildflowers
And I'd like to check you for ticks.
![{#Laughing} {#Laughing}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/smiley-laughing.gif)
LPCity wrote:
Don't do it…think of the ones counting on you…
![Devil & Angel Talking to You](https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbinspired2.com.au%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F04%2FDevil-Angel-300x232.png&f=1)
Go ahead, the boss ain't looking.
Don't do it…think of the ones counting on you…
![Devil & Angel Talking to You](https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbinspired2.com.au%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F04%2FDevil-Angel-300x232.png&f=1)
ench wrote:
Go ahead, the boss ain't looking.
Hard song to hear at 3PM at work... Makes me seriously consider leaving.
Go ahead, the boss ain't looking.
Hard song to hear at 3PM at work... Makes me seriously consider leaving.
...nice segue from mad river rose... ^_^
Nice!
![{#Heartkiss} {#Heartkiss}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_heartkiss.gif)
This song always puts a smile in my heart. I needed that on this cold day. ![{#Daisy} {#Daisy}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/daisy.gif)
![{#Daisy} {#Daisy}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/daisy.gif)
a pretty song.
JGM wrote:
Definitely agree. Both albums are excellent.
Petty is so much better when not over-produced (looking at you, Jeff Lynne). Many good tunes on this underrated album. If you think you know Petty, get this and the "She's The One" soundtrack.
Definitely agree. Both albums are excellent.
"well let's get to the point"
altunsu wrote:
I love irony.
boring.
I love irony.
Tom hit a second creative peak at this point. This song and album were smack dab in the middle of that peirod.
Great album from a great artist.
Seen Petty many times and I enjoy this album above all others.
Tom never lets you down. In my opinion.
This sounds silly, but this song reminds me of putting my horse down...(cept, of course the line about being out at sea)
Petty is so much better when not over-produced (looking at you, Jeff Lynne). Many good tunes on this underrated album. If you think you know Petty, get this and the "She's The One" soundtrack.
boring.
This guy's a musician and a pro. Well instrumented, good vocals with clear lyrics, smoothly produced, and seldom disappointing. He's smooth, and he can rock.
Dude's good.
Dude's good.
Cynaera wrote:
Miss you so much, Cynaera...
Every time I hear this song, I just smile and sigh. It's like feeling sunshine on my face and knowing that the day's going to be perfect. ![{#Sunny} {#Sunny}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/sunny.gif)
![{#Meditate} {#Meditate}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/meditate.gif)
![{#Sunny} {#Sunny}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/sunny.gif)
![{#Meditate} {#Meditate}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/meditate.gif)
Miss you so much, Cynaera...
Very nice tune from a somewhat under-exposed album.
I know there's a list of bands that are supposed to better than Tom and company, but, over the years body of work? I don't think there are many better.
Thank you
This is no ordinary musical experience, Best Wishes to you all!
This is no ordinary musical experience, Best Wishes to you all!
..i'm no Tom Petty fan, but the sentiment in this one catches me up a bit..posted a 7, & that may well uptick..
![{#Notworthy} {#Notworthy}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_notworthy.gif)
hayduke2 wrote:
Yes, she has.
I like Tom Petty but had to comment about Cynaera, has she passed away?
Yes, she has.
cohifi wrote:
that kind of limit things, don't it?
Yeah, but I'm OK with that.
that kind of limit things, don't it?
Yeah, but I'm OK with that.
I like Tom Petty but had to comment about Cynaera, has she passed away?
Cynaera wrote:
One more of your gems, A.
Every time I hear this song, I just smile and sigh. It's like feeling sunshine on my face and knowing that the day's going to be perfect. ![{#Sunny} {#Sunny}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/sunny.gif)
![{#Meditate} {#Meditate}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/meditate.gif)
![{#Sunny} {#Sunny}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/sunny.gif)
![{#Meditate} {#Meditate}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/meditate.gif)
One more of your gems, A.
Funny enough, I just bought this album a few days ago. I've been looking to fill some gaps in my cd collection and the reviews on Amazon suggest that this is one of Tom's near-perfect records. I've only gone through it once so far so I can't say whether it is indeed a masterpiece, but I've got a good feeling about it.
Mediocre...except for the instrumental break.
handyrae wrote:
that kind of limit things, don't it?
In the past few years I've developed this odd affinity for Tom Petty (minus the Heartbreakers that is).
that kind of limit things, don't it?
This song always soothes my soul, and the whole album is stellar, IMHO!
BUMP——>8 to 9
BUMP——>8 to 9
In the past few years I've developed this odd affinity for Tom Petty (minus the Heartbreakers that is).
Buying this album tomorrow .
Why are you only doing one gig in the UK next year Tom ...and in a "field" !!?
I have commented before that I drove cross-country, MA to OR, having to get out before my soon to be ex-wife had my pittiance of an retirement, and after so sadly saying good-bye to my young son who I knew would grow to likely be no one I wanted to know if raised by his mother. Anyway, this album was about and for me, at least it felt like that, and it got me through the trip and always pulled me out of melacholia.
Wake me up when it's over....
My favorite Tom Petty album of all time. Used to run with this in my portable cassette player between 8th and 9th grades when I was training for fall varsity soccer. Don't know how many times I listened to this, but that was a wonderful warm sunny summer, and this song brings it right back.
well at least he stopped punching walls...![{#Mrgreen} {#Mrgreen}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_mrgreen.gif)
![{#Mrgreen} {#Mrgreen}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_mrgreen.gif)
mperry wrote:
Fellow residents of RP: thought you might enjoy the following. Hail Tom!
TEN REASONS WHY TOM PETTY IS PISSED ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS The man who told the world "I Won't Back Down," "Don't Do Me Like That" and "Don't Come Around Here No More" doesn't need any assertiveness-training course. Tom Petty's determined, sometimes defiant attitude has collided with the music business throughout the years. For instance, in 1982 Petty recorded Hard Promises with the Heartbreakers, only to find that his then-record company had plans to use his name to initiate a new, higher $9.98 list price for albums. Petty withheld the tapes and threatened to retitle his record $8.98 in protest. That same spirit is alive and well on Petty's latest album, The Last DJ, which takes a hard look at the lack of moral grounding in the music business. The title track has kicked up considerable controversy, with some radio stations seeing the song as a slap in the face and banning it. But Petty is not just biting the hand that feeds him. Music is only the beginning of what's pissing him off these days. "The Last DJ is a story about morals more than the music business," he says. "It's really about vanishing personal freedoms." 1 Radio is not even worth listening to
"I don't really give a flying f**k about any of it. I've tuned out. But I was elated when my song was banned. I mean, nothing could have complimented me more than to hear they just banned it at such-and-such a station because it's anti-radio. Now, in 2002 to have a song banned that doesn't have a dirty word, doesn't advocate violence — it's fascinating, you know. Like, what are you afraid of? No record has ever been made that was more pro-radio, you know. "I remember when the radio meant something. We enjoyed the people who were on it, even if we hated them. They had personalities. They were people of taste, who we trusted. And I see that vanishing. I thought it was a good metaphor to start the album." 2 All anyone thinks about is money
"You don't hear any more of, 'Hey, we did something creative and we turned a profit, how about that?' Everywhere we look, we want to make the most money possible. This is a dangerous, corrupt notion. That's where you see the advent of programming on the radio, and radio research, all these silly things. That has made pop music what it is today. Everything — morals, truth — is all going out the window in favor of profit. "I don't think it's a good attitude in your life to feel that you have to be rich to have self-esteem. You know, I saw a billboard in New York I wish I had photographed. It was for the TNN network. It said three words against a patriotic background of red, white and blue - BIGGER, YOUNGER, RICHER. Now, I find that fascinating: 'Bigger, younger, richer.' This whole idea of being wealthy has gone too far. I never ride in a limousine, you know. I feel gross if I get in a limousine. One good thing about the Sixties was it sort of was the opposite back then. You looked silly trying to appear rich." 3 It's ridiculous to make people pay twenty dollars for a CD
"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. I'm not condoning downloading music for free. I don't think that's really fair, but I understand it. If you brought CD prices back down to $8.98, you would solve a lot of the industry's problems. You are already seeing it a little — the White Stripes albums selling for $9.99. Everyone still makes a healthy profit; it might get the music business back on its feet." 4 Only a complete greedhead would charge $150 for a concert ticket
"My top price is about sixty-five dollars, and I turn a very healthy profit on that; I make millions on the road. I see no reason to bring the price up, even though I have heard many an anxious promoter say, 'We could charge 150 bucks for this.' I would like to do this again and maybe come through and not leave a bad taste in people's mouths. I was at one of our gigs recently, and I was just stunned driving in that it cost thirty dollars to park your car. It's so wrong to say, 'OK, we've got them on the ticket and we've got them on the beer and we've got on everything else, let's get them on the damn parking.' You got to care about the person you're dealing with." 5 Record labels don't care about artists
"An act like ours wouldn't even be around today if someone hadn't brought us along and let us make mistakes and grow at our own pace. Today it seems that if you don't have a hit — or even if you do — they have no use for you the next time. It's like, 'Well, why wait for these guys to come back with another hit when we can bring in somebody else?' It's an asinine way to conduct yourself. These people are looking at balance sheets, not music. Most people involved in putting this music on the air or bringing it to us aren't really listening to it." 6 Filthy lyrics make me sick
"I'm frustrated by what I hear. Maybe it's not meant for me. Personally, I'm way too bright for a lot of the hip-hop lyrics to affect. I'm much too smart to think that jewelry or how cool I am is really going to change much about my personality. If you're dumb enough that it entertains you, have a great time. But I am seeking more than that. "When I was a young rock & roll star, I was really fascinated and shocked at times by the power that I had, by the power of my words, and shocked that it can be taken wrong. I don't believe in censorship, but I do believe that an artist has to take some moral responsibility for what he or she is putting out there. And I think a lot of these young kids are going to have to learn the hard way before they realize that you can actually do some damage if you're being careless or frivolous in what you're saying." 7 Only a sick culture would sexualize young girls
"It's disgusting. It's not just pop music, it's fashion, it's TV, it's advertising, it's every element of our culture. Young women are not being respected, children aren't being respected. Why are we creating a nation of child molesters? Could it be that we're dressing up nine-year-old women to look sexy? And even if we're wrong, let's not do it anyway. I really don't put it past these advertising people to say, 'Well, look, we made a lot of money when we brought the nine-year-old out and made her look like a hooker. Let's do it again.' " 8 Why are we rewarding people for being rich?
"Getting back to the whole issue of ticket prices: We don't do the Golden Circle/VIP thing. I don't see how carving out the best seats and charging a lot more for them has anything to do with rock & roll. A lot of the time, some corporation's bought up these seats with someone's money who doesn't even know it's being spent — and they are going to use it to entertain clients. A lot of the people who buy these seats don't give a damn about the music — they're going to get a waiter. What you see from the stage is a group of people just talking to each other, not really interested in being there at all. And the poor guy who really is interested, he's sitting way in the back." 9 And TV is worse
"I think television's become a downright dangerous thing. It has no moral barometer whatsoever. If you want to talk about something that is all about money, just watch the television. It's damn dangerous. 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. The music business looks like, you know, innocent schoolboys compared to the TV business. They care about nothing but profit. They will make a movie about murdering their kids, you know? And they'll put the guy who killed them on TV. And before long, he might even have his own show." 10 A lot of artists are as greedy as the industry
"Let me say this so it's definitely in the story: I don't think the industry is entirely to blame. Let's face it: The music industry has always been laughably corrupt, always. It's the artists themselves that often cause problems. Artists aren't necessarily business people. And they aren't neces-sarily aware of all the things that go on in their names. Some just want to make some music, but there is a lot of greed among artists as well. Whether or not we know it, we are all to blame. I think it's time — starting with the artist — to try to be a little more responsible and aware of what goes on in our name." from Rolling Stone magazine
Okay, I know this was from 2002, but I refuse to believe that Tom Petty has changed his mind about his feelings. I agree with him. Shutting up now.TEN REASONS WHY TOM PETTY IS PISSED ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS The man who told the world "I Won't Back Down," "Don't Do Me Like That" and "Don't Come Around Here No More" doesn't need any assertiveness-training course. Tom Petty's determined, sometimes defiant attitude has collided with the music business throughout the years. For instance, in 1982 Petty recorded Hard Promises with the Heartbreakers, only to find that his then-record company had plans to use his name to initiate a new, higher $9.98 list price for albums. Petty withheld the tapes and threatened to retitle his record $8.98 in protest. That same spirit is alive and well on Petty's latest album, The Last DJ, which takes a hard look at the lack of moral grounding in the music business. The title track has kicked up considerable controversy, with some radio stations seeing the song as a slap in the face and banning it. But Petty is not just biting the hand that feeds him. Music is only the beginning of what's pissing him off these days. "The Last DJ is a story about morals more than the music business," he says. "It's really about vanishing personal freedoms." 1 Radio is not even worth listening to
"I don't really give a flying f**k about any of it. I've tuned out. But I was elated when my song was banned. I mean, nothing could have complimented me more than to hear they just banned it at such-and-such a station because it's anti-radio. Now, in 2002 to have a song banned that doesn't have a dirty word, doesn't advocate violence — it's fascinating, you know. Like, what are you afraid of? No record has ever been made that was more pro-radio, you know. "I remember when the radio meant something. We enjoyed the people who were on it, even if we hated them. They had personalities. They were people of taste, who we trusted. And I see that vanishing. I thought it was a good metaphor to start the album." 2 All anyone thinks about is money
"You don't hear any more of, 'Hey, we did something creative and we turned a profit, how about that?' Everywhere we look, we want to make the most money possible. This is a dangerous, corrupt notion. That's where you see the advent of programming on the radio, and radio research, all these silly things. That has made pop music what it is today. Everything — morals, truth — is all going out the window in favor of profit. "I don't think it's a good attitude in your life to feel that you have to be rich to have self-esteem. You know, I saw a billboard in New York I wish I had photographed. It was for the TNN network. It said three words against a patriotic background of red, white and blue - BIGGER, YOUNGER, RICHER. Now, I find that fascinating: 'Bigger, younger, richer.' This whole idea of being wealthy has gone too far. I never ride in a limousine, you know. I feel gross if I get in a limousine. One good thing about the Sixties was it sort of was the opposite back then. You looked silly trying to appear rich." 3 It's ridiculous to make people pay twenty dollars for a CD
"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. I'm not condoning downloading music for free. I don't think that's really fair, but I understand it. If you brought CD prices back down to $8.98, you would solve a lot of the industry's problems. You are already seeing it a little — the White Stripes albums selling for $9.99. Everyone still makes a healthy profit; it might get the music business back on its feet." 4 Only a complete greedhead would charge $150 for a concert ticket
"My top price is about sixty-five dollars, and I turn a very healthy profit on that; I make millions on the road. I see no reason to bring the price up, even though I have heard many an anxious promoter say, 'We could charge 150 bucks for this.' I would like to do this again and maybe come through and not leave a bad taste in people's mouths. I was at one of our gigs recently, and I was just stunned driving in that it cost thirty dollars to park your car. It's so wrong to say, 'OK, we've got them on the ticket and we've got them on the beer and we've got on everything else, let's get them on the damn parking.' You got to care about the person you're dealing with." 5 Record labels don't care about artists
"An act like ours wouldn't even be around today if someone hadn't brought us along and let us make mistakes and grow at our own pace. Today it seems that if you don't have a hit — or even if you do — they have no use for you the next time. It's like, 'Well, why wait for these guys to come back with another hit when we can bring in somebody else?' It's an asinine way to conduct yourself. These people are looking at balance sheets, not music. Most people involved in putting this music on the air or bringing it to us aren't really listening to it." 6 Filthy lyrics make me sick
"I'm frustrated by what I hear. Maybe it's not meant for me. Personally, I'm way too bright for a lot of the hip-hop lyrics to affect. I'm much too smart to think that jewelry or how cool I am is really going to change much about my personality. If you're dumb enough that it entertains you, have a great time. But I am seeking more than that. "When I was a young rock & roll star, I was really fascinated and shocked at times by the power that I had, by the power of my words, and shocked that it can be taken wrong. I don't believe in censorship, but I do believe that an artist has to take some moral responsibility for what he or she is putting out there. And I think a lot of these young kids are going to have to learn the hard way before they realize that you can actually do some damage if you're being careless or frivolous in what you're saying." 7 Only a sick culture would sexualize young girls
"It's disgusting. It's not just pop music, it's fashion, it's TV, it's advertising, it's every element of our culture. Young women are not being respected, children aren't being respected. Why are we creating a nation of child molesters? Could it be that we're dressing up nine-year-old women to look sexy? And even if we're wrong, let's not do it anyway. I really don't put it past these advertising people to say, 'Well, look, we made a lot of money when we brought the nine-year-old out and made her look like a hooker. Let's do it again.' " 8 Why are we rewarding people for being rich?
"Getting back to the whole issue of ticket prices: We don't do the Golden Circle/VIP thing. I don't see how carving out the best seats and charging a lot more for them has anything to do with rock & roll. A lot of the time, some corporation's bought up these seats with someone's money who doesn't even know it's being spent — and they are going to use it to entertain clients. A lot of the people who buy these seats don't give a damn about the music — they're going to get a waiter. What you see from the stage is a group of people just talking to each other, not really interested in being there at all. And the poor guy who really is interested, he's sitting way in the back." 9 And TV is worse
"I think television's become a downright dangerous thing. It has no moral barometer whatsoever. If you want to talk about something that is all about money, just watch the television. It's damn dangerous. 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. The music business looks like, you know, innocent schoolboys compared to the TV business. They care about nothing but profit. They will make a movie about murdering their kids, you know? And they'll put the guy who killed them on TV. And before long, he might even have his own show." 10 A lot of artists are as greedy as the industry
"Let me say this so it's definitely in the story: I don't think the industry is entirely to blame. Let's face it: The music industry has always been laughably corrupt, always. It's the artists themselves that often cause problems. Artists aren't necessarily business people. And they aren't neces-sarily aware of all the things that go on in their names. Some just want to make some music, but there is a lot of greed among artists as well. Whether or not we know it, we are all to blame. I think it's time — starting with the artist — to try to be a little more responsible and aware of what goes on in our name." from Rolling Stone magazine
Beautiful, but I can't help hearing in my head "The Ballad of Robbie Jones" by The Levellers, if anyone knows it.
Probably the same chord used.
But I loved this song before Tom even started singing. Just amazing
Probably the same chord used.
But I loved this song before Tom even started singing. Just amazing
Every time I hear this song, I just smile and sigh. It's like feeling sunshine on my face and knowing that the day's going to be perfect. ![{#Sunny} {#Sunny}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/sunny.gif)
![{#Meditate} {#Meditate}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/meditate.gif)
![{#Sunny} {#Sunny}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/sunny.gif)
![{#Meditate} {#Meditate}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/meditate.gif)
Love you Tom!![{#Sunny} {#Sunny}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/sunny.gif)
![{#Sunny} {#Sunny}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/sunny.gif)
Damn I love this song.
Petty's been following me lately... and I don't do a lot of "classic rock." This song is just god-damned excellent!
This songs pulls lots of memories along behind it...
Very nice!
Love their music, and soon....MOJO.
Businessgypsy wrote:
I think the point Tom was trying to make with this video is the same in # 7 - the objectification of women & girls in the music/video industry is sick.
TEN REASONS WHY TOM PETTY IS PISSED ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS...
7 Only a sick culture would sexualize young girls
...what about dead ones?
Love your music , Tom (and your arty videos) - but careful throwing those stones around your glass pulpit!
I think the point Tom was trying to make with this video is the same in # 7 - the objectification of women & girls in the music/video industry is sick.
A truly beautiful song.
TEN REASONS WHY TOM PETTY IS PISSED ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS...
7 Only a sick culture would sexualize young girls
...what about dead ones?
Love your music , Tom (and your arty videos) - but careful throwing those stones around your glass pulpit!
This is one of my all-time favorite albums! Always makes me feel so nostalgic.
Had to bump this up to the top again. Thank you mperry, parrothead, and of course, thank you Tom Petty!
parrothead wrote:
mperry wrote:
parrothead wrote:
This is sooo good that I must bring it to the top of the 2008 stack of comments...
mperry wrote:
Fellow residents of RP: thought you might enjoy the following. Hail Tom!
TEN REASONS WHY TOM PETTY IS PISSED ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS The man who told the world "I Won't Back Down," "Don't Do Me Like That" and "Don't Come Around Here No More" doesn't need any assertiveness-training course. Tom Petty's determined, sometimes defiant attitude has collided with the music business throughout the years. For instance, in 1982 Petty recorded Hard Promises with the Heartbreakers, only to find that his then-record company had plans to use his name to initiate a new, higher $9.98 list price for albums. Petty withheld the tapes and threatened to retitle his record $8.98 in protest. That same spirit is alive and well on Petty's latest album, The Last DJ, which takes a hard look at the lack of moral grounding in the music business. The title track has kicked up considerable controversy, with some radio stations seeing the song as a slap in the face and banning it. But Petty is not just biting the hand that feeds him. Music is only the beginning of what's pissing him off these days. "The Last DJ is a story about morals more than the music business," he says. "It's really about vanishing personal freedoms."
1 Radio is not even worth listening to "I don't really give a flying f**k about any of it. I've tuned out. But I was elated when my song was banned. I mean, nothing could have complimented me more than to hear they just banned it at such-and-such a station because it's anti-radio. Now, in 2002 to have a song banned that doesn't have a dirty word, doesn't advocate violence — it's fascinating, you know. Like, what are you afraid of? No record has ever been made that was more pro-radio, you know. "I remember when the radio meant something. We enjoyed the people who were on it, even if we hated them. They had personalities. They were people of taste, who we trusted. And I see that vanishing. I thought it was a good metaphor to start the album."
2 All anyone thinks about is money "You don't hear any more of, 'Hey, we did something creative and we turned a profit, how about that?' Everywhere we look, we want to make the most money possible. This is a dangerous, corrupt notion. That's where you see the advent of programming on the radio, and radio research, all these silly things. That has made pop music what it is today. Everything — morals, truth — is all going out the window in favor of profit. "I don't think it's a good attitude in your life to feel that you have to be rich to have self-esteem. You know, I saw a billboard in New York I wish I had photographed. It was for the TNN network. It said three words against a patriotic background of red, white and blue - BIGGER, YOUNGER, RICHER. Now, I find that fascinating: 'Bigger, younger, richer.' This whole idea of being wealthy has gone too far. I never ride in a limousine, you know. I feel gross if I get in a limousine. One good thing about the Sixties was it sort of was the opposite back then. You looked silly trying to appear rich."
3 It's ridiculous to make people pay twenty dollars for a CD "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. I'm not condoning downloading music for free. I don't think that's really fair, but I understand it. If you brought CD prices back down to $8.98, you would solve a lot of the industry's problems. You are already seeing it a little — the White Stripes albums selling for $9.99. Everyone still makes a healthy profit; it might get the music business back on its feet."
4 Only a complete greedhead would charge $150 for a concert ticket "My top price is about sixty-five dollars, and I turn a very healthy profit on that; I make millions on the road. I see no reason to bring the price up, even though I have heard many an anxious promoter say, 'We could charge 150 bucks for this.' I would like to do this again and maybe come through and not leave a bad taste in people's mouths. I was at one of our gigs recently, and I was just stunned driving in that it cost thirty dollars to park your car. It's so wrong to say, 'OK, we've got them on the ticket and we've got them on the beer and we've got on everything else, let's get them on the damn parking.' You got to care about the person you're dealing with."
5 Record labels don't care about artists "An act like ours wouldn't even be around today if someone hadn't brought us along and let us make mistakes and grow at our own pace. Today it seems that if you don't have a hit — or even if you do — they have no use for you the next time. It's like, 'Well, why wait for these guys to come back with another hit when we can bring in somebody else?' It's an asinine way to conduct yourself. These people are looking at balance sheets, not music. Most people involved in putting this music on the air or bringing it to us aren't really listening to it."
6 Filthy lyrics make me sick "I'm frustrated by what I hear. Maybe it's not meant for me. Personally, I'm way too bright for a lot of the hip-hop lyrics to affect. I'm much too smart to think that jewelry or how cool I am is really going to change much about my personality. If you're dumb enough that it entertains you, have a great time. But I am seeking more than that. "When I was a young rock & roll star, I was really fascinated and shocked at times by the power that I had, by the power of my words, and shocked that it can be taken wrong. I don't believe in censorship, but I do believe that an artist has to take some moral responsibility for what he or she is putting out there. And I think a lot of these young kids are going to have to learn the hard way before they realize that you can actually do some damage if you're being careless or frivolous in what you're saying."
7 Only a sick culture would sexualize young girls "It's disgusting. It's not just pop music, it's fashion, it's TV, it's advertising, it's every element of our culture. Young women are not being respected, children aren't being respected. Why are we creating a nation of child molesters? Could it be that we're dressing up nine-year-old women to look sexy? And even if we're wrong, let's not do it anyway. I really don't put it past these advertising people to say, 'Well, look, we made a lot of money when we brought the nine-year-old out and made her look like a hooker. Let's do it again.' "
8 Why are we rewarding people for being rich? "Getting back to the whole issue of ticket prices: We don't do the Golden Circle/VIP thing. I don't see how carving out the best seats and charging a lot more for them has anything to do with rock & roll. A lot of the time, some corporation's bought up these seats with someone's money who doesn't even know it's being spent — and they are going to use it to entertain clients. A lot of the people who buy these seats don't give a damn about the music — they're going to get a waiter. What you see from the stage is a group of people just talking to each other, not really interested in being there at all. And the poor guy who really is interested, he's sitting way in the back."
9 And TV is worse "I think television's become a downright dangerous thing. It has no moral barometer whatsoever. If you want to talk about something that is all about money, just watch the television. It's damn dangerous. 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. The music business looks like, you know, innocent schoolboys compared to the TV business. They care about nothing but profit. They will make a movie about murdering their kids, you know? And they'll put the guy who killed them on TV. And before long, he might even have his own show."
10 A lot of artists are as greedy as the industry "Let me say this so it's definitely in the story: I don't think the industry is entirely to blame. Let's face it: The music industry has always been laughably corrupt, always. It's the artists themselves that often cause problems. Artists aren't necessarily business people. And they aren't neces-sarily aware of all the things that go on in their names. Some just want to make some music, but there is a lot of greed among artists as well. Whether or not we know it, we are all to blame. I think it's time — starting with the artist — to try to be a little more responsible and aware of what goes on in our name." from Rolling Stone magazine
TEN REASONS WHY TOM PETTY IS PISSED ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS The man who told the world "I Won't Back Down," "Don't Do Me Like That" and "Don't Come Around Here No More" doesn't need any assertiveness-training course. Tom Petty's determined, sometimes defiant attitude has collided with the music business throughout the years. For instance, in 1982 Petty recorded Hard Promises with the Heartbreakers, only to find that his then-record company had plans to use his name to initiate a new, higher $9.98 list price for albums. Petty withheld the tapes and threatened to retitle his record $8.98 in protest. That same spirit is alive and well on Petty's latest album, The Last DJ, which takes a hard look at the lack of moral grounding in the music business. The title track has kicked up considerable controversy, with some radio stations seeing the song as a slap in the face and banning it. But Petty is not just biting the hand that feeds him. Music is only the beginning of what's pissing him off these days. "The Last DJ is a story about morals more than the music business," he says. "It's really about vanishing personal freedoms."
1 Radio is not even worth listening to "I don't really give a flying f**k about any of it. I've tuned out. But I was elated when my song was banned. I mean, nothing could have complimented me more than to hear they just banned it at such-and-such a station because it's anti-radio. Now, in 2002 to have a song banned that doesn't have a dirty word, doesn't advocate violence — it's fascinating, you know. Like, what are you afraid of? No record has ever been made that was more pro-radio, you know. "I remember when the radio meant something. We enjoyed the people who were on it, even if we hated them. They had personalities. They were people of taste, who we trusted. And I see that vanishing. I thought it was a good metaphor to start the album."
2 All anyone thinks about is money "You don't hear any more of, 'Hey, we did something creative and we turned a profit, how about that?' Everywhere we look, we want to make the most money possible. This is a dangerous, corrupt notion. That's where you see the advent of programming on the radio, and radio research, all these silly things. That has made pop music what it is today. Everything — morals, truth — is all going out the window in favor of profit. "I don't think it's a good attitude in your life to feel that you have to be rich to have self-esteem. You know, I saw a billboard in New York I wish I had photographed. It was for the TNN network. It said three words against a patriotic background of red, white and blue - BIGGER, YOUNGER, RICHER. Now, I find that fascinating: 'Bigger, younger, richer.' This whole idea of being wealthy has gone too far. I never ride in a limousine, you know. I feel gross if I get in a limousine. One good thing about the Sixties was it sort of was the opposite back then. You looked silly trying to appear rich."
3 It's ridiculous to make people pay twenty dollars for a CD "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. I'm not condoning downloading music for free. I don't think that's really fair, but I understand it. If you brought CD prices back down to $8.98, you would solve a lot of the industry's problems. You are already seeing it a little — the White Stripes albums selling for $9.99. Everyone still makes a healthy profit; it might get the music business back on its feet."
4 Only a complete greedhead would charge $150 for a concert ticket "My top price is about sixty-five dollars, and I turn a very healthy profit on that; I make millions on the road. I see no reason to bring the price up, even though I have heard many an anxious promoter say, 'We could charge 150 bucks for this.' I would like to do this again and maybe come through and not leave a bad taste in people's mouths. I was at one of our gigs recently, and I was just stunned driving in that it cost thirty dollars to park your car. It's so wrong to say, 'OK, we've got them on the ticket and we've got them on the beer and we've got on everything else, let's get them on the damn parking.' You got to care about the person you're dealing with."
5 Record labels don't care about artists "An act like ours wouldn't even be around today if someone hadn't brought us along and let us make mistakes and grow at our own pace. Today it seems that if you don't have a hit — or even if you do — they have no use for you the next time. It's like, 'Well, why wait for these guys to come back with another hit when we can bring in somebody else?' It's an asinine way to conduct yourself. These people are looking at balance sheets, not music. Most people involved in putting this music on the air or bringing it to us aren't really listening to it."
6 Filthy lyrics make me sick "I'm frustrated by what I hear. Maybe it's not meant for me. Personally, I'm way too bright for a lot of the hip-hop lyrics to affect. I'm much too smart to think that jewelry or how cool I am is really going to change much about my personality. If you're dumb enough that it entertains you, have a great time. But I am seeking more than that. "When I was a young rock & roll star, I was really fascinated and shocked at times by the power that I had, by the power of my words, and shocked that it can be taken wrong. I don't believe in censorship, but I do believe that an artist has to take some moral responsibility for what he or she is putting out there. And I think a lot of these young kids are going to have to learn the hard way before they realize that you can actually do some damage if you're being careless or frivolous in what you're saying."
7 Only a sick culture would sexualize young girls "It's disgusting. It's not just pop music, it's fashion, it's TV, it's advertising, it's every element of our culture. Young women are not being respected, children aren't being respected. Why are we creating a nation of child molesters? Could it be that we're dressing up nine-year-old women to look sexy? And even if we're wrong, let's not do it anyway. I really don't put it past these advertising people to say, 'Well, look, we made a lot of money when we brought the nine-year-old out and made her look like a hooker. Let's do it again.' "
8 Why are we rewarding people for being rich? "Getting back to the whole issue of ticket prices: We don't do the Golden Circle/VIP thing. I don't see how carving out the best seats and charging a lot more for them has anything to do with rock & roll. A lot of the time, some corporation's bought up these seats with someone's money who doesn't even know it's being spent — and they are going to use it to entertain clients. A lot of the people who buy these seats don't give a damn about the music — they're going to get a waiter. What you see from the stage is a group of people just talking to each other, not really interested in being there at all. And the poor guy who really is interested, he's sitting way in the back."
9 And TV is worse "I think television's become a downright dangerous thing. It has no moral barometer whatsoever. If you want to talk about something that is all about money, just watch the television. It's damn dangerous. 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. The music business looks like, you know, innocent schoolboys compared to the TV business. They care about nothing but profit. They will make a movie about murdering their kids, you know? And they'll put the guy who killed them on TV. And before long, he might even have his own show."
10 A lot of artists are as greedy as the industry "Let me say this so it's definitely in the story: I don't think the industry is entirely to blame. Let's face it: The music industry has always been laughably corrupt, always. It's the artists themselves that often cause problems. Artists aren't necessarily business people. And they aren't neces-sarily aware of all the things that go on in their names. Some just want to make some music, but there is a lot of greed among artists as well. Whether or not we know it, we are all to blame. I think it's time — starting with the artist — to try to be a little more responsible and aware of what goes on in our name." from Rolling Stone magazine
Wow, excellent song and album is right. This was a primary album in shaping my young musical brain as a child. My parents would play this one all the time.
Bachka wrote:
![{#High-five} {#High-five}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/high-five.gif)
Outstanding song, outstanding artist, best album of his.
![{#High-five} {#High-five}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/high-five.gif)
Bachka wrote:
![{#Yes} {#Yes}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_yes.gif)
Outstanding song, outstanding artist, best album of his.
![{#Yes} {#Yes}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_yes.gif)
Mperry (& Parrothead) thanks for your comment (& Parrothead for updating it) and good for Tom Petty. Too bad more musicians aren't of his moral calibre!
Outstanding song, outstanding artist, best album of his.
YESSS!! NOW here is some EXCELLENT FRiday MUSIC!!!!
![{#Bananapiano} {#Bananapiano}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/bananapiano.gif)
![{#Cowboy} {#Cowboy}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_cowboy.gif)
![{#Bananapiano} {#Bananapiano}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/bananapiano.gif)
mperry wrote:
Fellow residents of RP: thought you might enjoy the following. Hail Tom!
TEN REASONS WHY TOM PETTY IS PISSED ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS
The man who told the world "I Won't Back Down," "Don't Do Me Like That" and "Don't Come Around Here No More" doesn't need any assertiveness-training course. Tom Petty's determined, sometimes defiant attitude has collided with the music business throughout the years. For instance, in 1982 Petty recorded Hard Promises with the Heartbreakers, only to find that his then-record company had plans to use his name to initiate a new, higher $9.98 list price for albums. Petty withheld the tapes and threatened to retitle his record $8.98 in protest.
That same spirit is alive and well on Petty's latest album, The Last DJ, which takes a hard look at the lack of moral grounding in the music business. The title track has kicked up considerable controversy, with some radio stations seeing the song as a slap in the face and banning it. But Petty is not just biting the hand that feeds him. Music is only the beginning of what's pissing him off these days. "The Last DJ is a story about morals more than the music business," he says. "It's really about vanishing personal freedoms."
1 Radio is not even worth listening to
"I don't really give a flying f**k about any of it. I've tuned out. But I was elated when my song was banned. I mean, nothing could have complimented me more than to hear they just banned it at such-and-such a station because it's anti-radio. Now, in 2002 to have a song banned that doesn't have a dirty word, doesn't advocate violence -- it's fascinating, you know. Like, what are you afraid of? No record has ever been made that was more pro-radio, you know.
"I remember when the radio meant something. We enjoyed the people who were on it, even if we hated them. They had personalities. They were people of taste, who we trusted. And I see that vanishing. I thought it was a good metaphor to start the album."
2 All anyone thinks about is money
"You don't hear any more of, 'Hey, we did something creative and we turned a profit, how about that?' Everywhere we look, we want to make the most money possible. This is a dangerous, corrupt notion. That's where you see the advent of programming on the radio, and radio research, all these silly things. That has made pop music what it is today. Everything -- morals, truth -- is all going out the window in favor of profit.
"I don't think it's a good attitude in your life to feel that you have to be rich to have self-esteem. You know, I saw a billboard in New York I wish I had photographed. It was for the TNN network. It said three words against a patriotic background of red, white and blue - BIGGER, YOUNGER, RICHER. Now, I find that fascinating: 'Bigger, younger, richer.' This whole idea of being wealthy has gone too far. I never ride in a limousine, you know. I feel gross if I get in a limousine. One good thing about the Sixties was it sort of was the opposite back then. You looked silly trying to appear rich."
3 It's ridiculous to make people pay twenty dollars for a CD
"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. I'm not condoning downloading music for free. I don't think that's really fair, but I understand it. If you brought CD prices back down to $8.98, you would solve a lot of the industry's problems. You are already seeing it a little -- the White Stripes albums selling for $9.99. Everyone still makes a healthy profit; it might get the music business back on its feet."
4 Only a complete greedhead would charge $150 for a concert ticket
"My top price is about sixty-five dollars, and I turn a very healthy profit on that; I make millions on the road. I see no reason to bring the price up, even though I have heard many an anxious promoter say, 'We could charge 150 bucks for this.' I would like to do this again and maybe come through and not leave a bad taste in people's mouths. I was at one of our gigs recently, and I was just stunned driving in that it cost thirty dollars to park your car. It's so wrong to say, 'OK, we've got them on the ticket and we've got them on the beer and we've got on everything else, let's get them on the damn parking.' You got to care about the person you're dealing with."
5 Record labels don't care about artists
"An act like ours wouldn't even be around today if someone hadn't brought us along and let us make mistakes and grow at our own pace. Today it seems that if you don't have a hit -- or even if you do -- they have no use for you the next time. It's like, 'Well, why wait for these guys to come back with another hit when we can bring in somebody else?' It's an asinine way to conduct yourself. These people are looking at balance sheets, not music. Most people involved in putting this music on the air or bringing it to us aren't really listening to it."
6 Filthy lyrics make me sick
"I'm frustrated by what I hear. Maybe it's not meant for me. Personally, I'm way too bright for a lot of the hip-hop lyrics to affect. I'm much too smart to think that jewelry or how cool I am is really going to change much about my personality. If you're dumb enough that it entertains you, have a great time. But I am seeking more than that.
"When I was a young rock & roll star, I was really fascinated and shocked at times by the power that I had, by the power of my words, and shocked that it can be taken wrong. I don't believe in censorship, but I do believe that an artist has to take some moral responsibility for what he or she is putting out there. And I think a lot of these young kids are going to have to learn the hard way before they realize that you can actually do some damage if you're being careless or frivolous in what you're saying."
7 Only a sick culture would sexualize young girls
"It's disgusting. It's not just pop music, it's fashion, it's TV, it's advertising, it's every element of our culture. Young women are not being respected, children aren't being respected. Why are we creating a nation of child molesters? Could it be that we're dressing up nine-year-old women to look sexy? And even if we're wrong, let's not do it anyway. I really don't put it past these advertising people to say, 'Well, look, we made a lot of money when we brought the nine-year-old out and made her look like a hooker. Let's do it again.' "
8 Why are we rewarding people for being rich?
"Getting back to the whole issue of ticket prices: We don't do the Golden Circle/VIP thing. I don't see how carving out the best seats and charging a lot more for them has anything to do with rock & roll. A lot of the time, some corporation's bought up these seats with someone's money who doesn't even know it's being spent -- and they are going to use it to entertain clients. A lot of the people who buy these seats don't give a damn about the music -- they're going to get a waiter. What you see from the stage is a group of people just talking to each other, not really interested in being there at all. And the poor guy who really is interested, he's sitting way in the back."
9 And TV is worse
"I think television's become a downright dangerous thing. It has no moral barometer whatsoever. If you want to talk about something that is all about money, just watch the television. It's damn dangerous. 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. The music business looks like, you know, innocent schoolboys compared to the TV business. They care about nothing but profit. They will make a movie about murdering their kids, you know? And they'll put the guy who killed them on TV. And before long, he might even have his own show."
10 A lot of artists are as greedy as the industry
"Let me say this so it's definitely in the story: I don't think the industry is entirely to blame. Let's face it: The music industry has always been laughably corrupt, always. It's the artists themselves that often cause problems. Artists aren't necessarily business people. And they aren't neces-sarily aware of all the things that go on in their names. Some just want to make some music, but there is a lot of greed among artists as well. Whether or not we know it, we are all to blame. I think it's time -- starting with the artist -- to try to be a little more responsible and aware of what goes on in our name."
from Rolling Stone magazine
This is sooo good that I must bring it to the top of the 2008 stack of comments...
You belong somewhere you feel free