Song meanings by artist

Tom Petty: every song, explained.

3 Tom Petty songs in the archive, from 1989–1991: what each one is about, who wrote it and what it did on the charts. Each entry opens the full explanation.

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Songs explained

1989–1991

Years covered

Rock

Main genre here

3 songs

Sorted by year

Tom Petty I Won't Back DownUncover the powerful message of resilience, defiance, and unwavering conviction in Tom Petty's timeless anthem 'I Won't Back Down.' Explore its lyrics, iconic… 1989 Tom Petty Learning to FlyDelve into the profound metaphors of growth, freedom, and the journey of life in Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' classic 'Learning to Fly.' Explore its… 1991 Tom Petty Free Fallin'Explore the meaning, themes, and lyrical depth of 'Free Fallin'' by Tom Petty in this detailed song analysis.

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By number of songs explained

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About these entries

Every Tom Petty entry sets out what the song is about and where that reading comes from: writing credits, interviews, the record's own history. Where a popular interpretation is wrong, the entry says so and shows the evidence. Missing a song? Suggest it.