About the song
“Handle with Care” is a standout track that marks a significant moment in the career of Tom Petty. Released on October 22, 1988, this song is part of the acclaimed album “Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1”, a collaboration project by the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys. This track is not only a testament to Petty’s songwriting talent but also a remarkable example of the synergy between some of the greatest musicians of the era.
“Handle with Care” was the debut single of The Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup consisting of Tom Petty, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne. The song is a delightful fusion of rock, folk, and pop, characterized by its catchy melody and harmonious vocals. Each member of the group contributed their unique touch, making the track a harmonious blend of their individual styles. Tom Petty‘s distinctive voice adds a rugged charm to the song, perfectly complementing the smoothness of Orbison‘s and the quirkiness of Dylan‘s vocals.
Lyrically, “Handle with Care” explores themes of vulnerability and emotional weariness. The lyrics describe a person who feels worn out and seeks careful handling, metaphorically speaking, reflecting a sense of emotional fragility. The song’s chorus, with its memorable line, “Handle me with care,” encapsulates the theme of needing gentle treatment and understanding. This message resonates with listeners on a personal level, conveying a universal sentiment of needing compassion and patience.
The release of “Handle with Care” was impactful not just because of its infectious melody but also due to the star-studded nature of The Traveling Wilburys. The song’s success was indicative of the tremendous influence these artists had on the music industry. The track reached number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 and enjoyed significant airplay on rock and pop stations alike. Its success helped to establish The Traveling Wilburys as a formidable force in music, demonstrating the power of collaborative creativity.
Socially, “Handle with Care” reflects the late 1980s music scene’s fascination with supergroups and collaborative projects. The song’s release came at a time when fans were excited about seeing legendary musicians come together, and The Traveling Wilburys delivered on that anticipation with an engaging and heartfelt track. The song also helped to reinvigorate interest in the artists involved, drawing attention to their individual and collective contributions to music.
In summary, “Handle with Care” by Tom Petty and The Traveling Wilburys is a quintessential example of a successful supergroup collaboration. Released on October 22, 1988, and featured on the album “Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1”, it highlights the synergy of some of rock’s most iconic figures. The song’s themes of emotional vulnerability, combined with its catchy melody and star power, make it a memorable and influential track in the history of popular music.
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Lyrics
Been beat up and battered aroundBeen sent up and I’ve been shot downYou’re the best thing that I’ve ever foundHandle me with careReputation’s changeableSituation’s tolerableBut baby, you’re adorableHandle me with care:I’m so tired of being lonelyI still have some love to giveWon’t you show me that you really care?:Everybody’s got somebody to lean onPut your body next to mine and dream on:I’ve been fobbed off and I’ve been fooledI’ve been robbed and ridiculedIn day care centers and night schoolsHandle me with careBeen stuck in airports, terrorizedSent to meetings, hypnotizedOverexposed, commercializedHandle me with care:I’m so tired of being lonelyI still have some love to giveWon’t you show me that you really care?:Everybody’s got somebody to lean onPut your body next to mine and dream onI’ve been uptight and made a messBut I’ll clean it up myself, I guessOh, the sweet smell of successHandle me with care