About the song
Released on July 2, 1991, “Into the Great Wide Open” is a captivating track from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers‘ eighth studio album, also titled Into the Great Wide Open. This song stands out as a remarkable piece of storytelling, blending the rock and folk influences that Tom Petty was renowned for.
Tom Petty, an iconic figure in American rock music, had a knack for crafting songs that resonated deeply with listeners, and “Into the Great Wide Open” is no exception. The song narrates the rise and fall of a young man named Eddie who moves to Los Angeles with dreams of becoming a rock star. Through Petty‘s storytelling, we follow Eddie’s journey from obscurity to fame and eventually to his inevitable disillusionment.
“Into the Great Wide Open” paints a vivid picture of the American dream and the harsh realities that often accompany it. The lyrics, “A rebel without a clue,” and “Their A&R man said, ‘I don’t hear a single,'” highlight the fickle nature of the music industry and the pressure to conform. Petty’s commentary on the pursuit of fame and the subsequent loss of innocence is both poignant and timeless, making the song relatable to anyone who has ever dared to chase their dreams.
The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Julien Temple, features Johnny Depp as Eddie and a cameo by Faye Dunaway. This visual storytelling complements Petty‘s narrative, adding a layer of depth and enhancing the listener’s connection to the song. The video became a staple on MTV, helping the song gain widespread popularity and cementing its place in rock history.
Musically, “Into the Great Wide Open” is characterized by its jangly guitars, a hallmark of Petty‘s sound, and a melody that’s both uplifting and reflective. The production, led by Jeff Lynne, who also worked with Petty on the Traveling Wilburys project, adds a polished, yet authentic feel to the track. Lynne’s influence is evident in the song’s lush harmonies and layered instrumentation.
Socially, “Into the Great Wide Open” resonated with the Generation X crowd of the early ’90s, who were grappling with their own dreams and disillusionments. The song’s exploration of success and the loss of innocence struck a chord with many, making it an anthem for those facing the uncertain transition into adulthood.
In the broader scope of Tom Petty‘s career, “Into the Great Wide Open” showcased his enduring ability to craft songs that were not only musically appealing but also rich in narrative and emotional depth. Petty‘s legacy as a storyteller is firmly cemented by tracks like this, which continue to inspire and resonate with new generations of listeners.
In summary, “Into the Great Wide Open” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is a masterful blend of narrative songwriting and rock music that delves into the pursuit of dreams and the inevitable reality check that follows. Its release in 1991 marked yet another milestone in Petty‘s illustrious career, leaving an indelible mark on both his fans and the music industry as a whole.
Video
Lyrics
Eddie waited ’til he finished high schoolHe went to Hollywood, got a tattooHe met a girl out there with a tattoo, tooThe future was wide openThey moved into a placeThey both could affordHe found a night club heCould work at the doorShe had a guitar and sheTaught him some chords the sky was the limitInto the great wide openUnder them skies of blueOut in the great wide openA rebel without a clueThe papers said Ed alwaysPlayed from the heartHe got an agent and a roadie named BartThey made a record and it went in the chartsThe sky was the limitHis leather jacket had chainsThat would jingle they both met movie starsPartied and mingledTheir A&R man said, “I don’t hear a single”The future was wide open (Oh)Into the great wide openUnder them skies of blueOut in the great wide openA rebel without a clueInto the great wide openUnder them skies of blueInto the great wide openA rebel without a clue (Ayy)