About the song
Tom Petty‘s “The Waiting” is a classic rock anthem that resonates deeply with its listeners, combining heartfelt lyrics with a powerful musical composition. Released on April 27, 1981, as the lead single from the album “Hard Promises”, this song quickly became one of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers‘ most memorable tracks, showcasing Petty’s distinct voice and poetic songwriting.
“The Waiting” captures the universal human experience of anticipation and longing. Petty himself explained that the song is about the difficulty and the reward of enduring a period of waiting for something worthwhile, whether it’s love, success, or personal fulfillment. This theme is poignantly expressed in the chorus, “The waiting is the hardest part,” a line that many fans find relatable and profoundly true.
The song’s release during the early 80s came at a time when Tom Petty was solidifying his status as a major figure in rock music. “Hard Promises”, the album on which “The Waiting” appears, was eagerly awaited by fans and marked a significant period in Petty’s career, coming off the success of his previous albums. The album itself was noted for its mix of rock and roll with a touch of folk, further establishing Petty’s unique sound.
Socially and culturally, “The Waiting” had a substantial impact. It became an anthem for those dealing with various forms of waiting in their lives, from personal aspirations to societal changes. The song’s message of perseverance and hope struck a chord with a wide audience, making it not just a hit on the charts but also a staple in Tom Petty‘s live performances.
“The Waiting” also demonstrated Petty’s knack for crafting songs that were both commercially successful and artistically significant. It reached No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing its broad appeal. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its emotional depth and the connection it makes with listeners.
Musically, “The Waiting” is characterized by its jangly guitars and upbeat tempo, which contrasts with the more reflective nature of the lyrics. This juxtaposition creates a dynamic listening experience that has kept the song fresh and engaging over the decades. Petty’s collaboration with the Heartbreakers is evident in the tight instrumentation and cohesive sound, highlighting the band’s chemistry and talent.
In summary, Tom Petty‘s “The Waiting” is more than just a song; it’s a timeless piece of rock history that continues to inspire and comfort those navigating the often difficult path of anticipation. Its release on “Hard Promises” solidified Petty’s place in the rock pantheon, and its message remains as relevant today as it was in 1981.
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Lyrics
Oh baby, don’t it feel like heaven right now?Don’t it feel like somethin’ from a dream?Yeah, I’ve never known nothing quite like thisDon’t it feel like tonight might never be again?Baby, we know better than to try and pretendHoney, no one could have ever told me ’bout thisI said, yeah, yeah (yeah, yeah)Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeahThe waiting is the hardest partEvery day you see one more cardYou take it on faith, you take it to the heartThe waiting is the hardest partWell yeah, I might have chased a couple of women aroundAll it ever got me was downYeah, then there were those that made me feel goodBut never as good as I feel right nowBaby, you’re the only one that’s ever known howTo make me wanna live like I wanna live nowI said, yeah, yeah (yeah, yeah)Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeahThe waiting is the hardest partEvery day you get one more yardYou take it on faith, you take it to the heartThe waiting is the hardest partOh, don’t let it kill you, baby, don’t let it get to youDon’t let ’em kill you, baby, don’t let ’em get to youI’ll be your bleedin’ heart, I’ll be your cryin’ foolDon’t let this go too far, don’t let it get to youYeah, yeah (yeah, yeah)Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeahThe waiting is the hardest partEvery day you get one more yardYou take it on faith, you take it to the heartThe waiting is the hardest partYeah, the waiting is the hardest partOohIs the hardest partOohIs the hardest part