Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Released: November 9, 1976

Songwriter: Tom Petty

Producer: Denny Cordell

Well, the moon sank as the wind blew
And the street lights slowly died
Yeah they call you the wild one
Said stay away from her
Said she couldn't love no one if she tried

But then something I saw in your eyes
Told me right away
That you were going to have to be mine
The strangest feeling came over me down inside
No matter what it takes
I'll never get over how good it felt
When you finally held me
I will never regret baby
Those few hours linger on in my head forever

Well it's too bad but I want you
To know I understand
Yeah it's been a long time
But I don't mind, yeah it's all right
I understand

(Chorus)

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – an L.A.-based gang of sharp-dressed garage-rock refugees from Gainsville, Florida – released their debut LP in November 1976, featuring two tracks which are now part of their long list of hits, “Breakdown” and “American Girl.”

Since that first LP in ‘76, the band’s style has epitomized and largely defined the American “heartland rock” movement – a vintage-guitar twang, hard lyric truth, and searing vocal attitude.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers have been nominated for 17 Grammy awards and sold more than 80 million records worldwide, making them one of the world’s best-selling bands of all-time.

more tracks from the album

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

From the albums

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1976)
Anthology Through The Years (2000)

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers popular songs

The Wild One, ForeverTom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers