🎵 Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Runnin' Down A Dream REACTION

[@ALD56]

I know others don't agree, but this has always been my favorite Tom Petty song. The guitar outro is one of the best in any rock song.

[@Johnny_Socko]

Spectacular solo, I always wanted it to go on longer. The fade-out came too soon!

[@shanedesselle2590]

I agree. By far my fave of his.

[@robbob5302]

Agreed

[@jtt6650]

It’s between this and I Won’t Back Down, can’t decide, love both…

[@davidteller7681]

On an early '60's Gibson SG Junior!

[@RobinT-treehugger]

Brad you got it.... Tom's songs are just about life. In this song he has the ability to take you on a cross-country car ride, and you feel like you are in the car, making small talk, just running down a dream... my guess is that he is talking about when he drove from Fla out to Calif to "make it" in the music industry.

[@davidcollins897]

You forgot to mention what was playing on the radio on this cross country car ride... kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYS6fn2ul92dbcU

[@carlaharrington5120]

I moved from South Florida to Seattle years ago. During the road trip over, as I was driving down an empty Wyoming highway on a beautifully sunny day this song came on the radio. I cranked it up and immediately zoned out! Just me, my dog, the open road, and Tom Petty's voice... Next thing I knew my speedometer read over 100 MPH!! Even though I didn't get caught that day I now refer to this tune as "Prelude to a Speeding Ticket"!! Lol!

[@brianstockwell4069]

Good one!

[@BobbyGeneric145]

Carla, I had the same experience with the Brian Jonestown Massacre while drivin through New Mexico. It couldn't have been more perfect.

[@carlaharrington5120]

Gotta say, I never would have imagined that a loaded to the hilt, 1996 Saturn SL 2 could go 100 MPH!

[@unclebobunclebob]

Wyoming encourages speed...nobody around...and with this song playing....I can see it.

[@lonetardigrade]

@@BobbyGeneric145 curious to know what the BJM song was, they have a lot of great tunes to go fast to.

[@Smedley61]

I recently read Tom Petty's biography. He talked about having Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) in the studio to help produce the album. When they came to this song, they were trying to figure out how to end it. Mike Campbell, the guitarist, was sitting in the corner fiddling with his equipment with his back to them. They asked him if he could take the song out with a solo. Campbell said "sure" and basically did it in one take. While he was doing it, Dave Stewart looked at Tom Petty and said something like "We're watching magic happen."

[@razorsharpe3371]

Mike Campbell definitely has a magical way with a guitar.

[@TheVoxbox13]

Great behind the scenes story. Very cool. Yeah, it fits the song so well. Pretty much always gives me chills.

[@Dreyno]

Mike Campbell is an incredible guitarist. And such a lovely, humble man.

[@MD-km2jw]

I thought Jeff Lynn of ELO produced the album

[@LRBeatles]

I’m reading this book right now! It’s a great book!

[@nethrelm]

I love the contrast between Tom Petty's soft, pleasant vocals and the really crunchy guitars in this song. It gives the song some great texture.

[@robbob5302]

Yes!

[@johndalley1288]

This is one of my favorites of Tom Petty. Great tune.

[@dimedraweriv258]

Yep Mike Campbell is nasty in this song.

[@captaincapitalism264]

Definitely, part of their musical brilliance.

[@surlechapeau]

Brad & Lex, you'll love their "Here Comes My Girl" and "Don't Do Me Like That" !!! Great early Petty!!

[@warrennicholsony.fernando4513]

That and "Even The Losers".

[@brianferris8668]

"His"? Their.

[@LTJfan]

Don't forget "I Need To Know" and "You Got Lucky"

[@davidteller7681]

@@brianferris8668 "His"? Yep he wrote it.

[@robertmillar8246]

I was thinking the same thing Damn The Torpedoes was a Great Album

[@geoffn54]

Tom Petty has such a distinctive style... it couldn't be anyone else. It sounds so easy and simple.

[@robbob5302]

I am guilty of confusing him with Bob Dylan when I was a kid. But other than him, no, you are right.

[@calder1963]

In fact, his style is so much like Roger McGuinn, McGuinn said that when he first heard Petty's breakout single "American Girl," McGuinn confusedly asked his manager, "When did I record that?" He even sounds like Roger McGuinn. Listen to McGuinn singing it later: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpS9n6yngMaWhac

[@DM-kc5du]

@@robbob5302 I think he's pretty distinct from Dylan, but Dylan's influence is definitely there. Considering they toured together at one point, it's not surprising.

[@miconis123]

"Me and Del were singing 'little runaway'.." is in reference to a song by Del Shannon called Runaway from the 60s

[@submandave1125]

Singing along with the radio. We've all been there while runnin' down a dream.

[@cdemp4795]

That's my favorite line in the song

[@cathalmeenagh3898]

Wow, I never realised he was alone listening to the radio. I always thought he was with his buddy Del (kinda 'Fear and Loathing' road trip). That fact that it's solo of course makes more sense metaphorically.

[@FlickFreaks]

You could be running an hour late for an appointment, but if you play this song on the way to your destination, you’ll magically arrive five minutes early.

[@BalbazaktheGreat]

If you liked this, consider checking out Tom Petty: "Don't Come Around Here No More." Edit: I forgot how amazing the guitars at the end of this were...

[@robbob5302]

BUT ONLY THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS SONG!!

[@Mr62Lincoln]

Mike Campbell rips it with his outro solo, no question about it!

[@Frostrazor]

agree on next music choice - the official music video is a MUST-SEE! One of the best videos ever. 🙂 And yes - track does have an amazing guitar outro. Good edit.

[@MrEric622]

Stop Dragging my Heart Around with Stevie Nicks is a must.

[@Marley81100]

Ummm...I think you mean Stop Dragging My Car Around, and it's by Weird Al Yankovic,. Not this Stevie dude. Whoever tf he is.

[@matthew6427]

@@Marley81100 😂

[@parryluellen3762]

I recommend his song. Don’t Come Around Here No More. Especially the Alice in Wonderland inspired video.

[@guestuser2373]

This is a great driving tune.

[@sharilynbratton6476]

One of my fave Tom Petty songs, just such a cool vibe and then the guitar at the end...OMG fantastic.

[@PrecursorLegend]

Lex is so insightful. Love it.

[@OgreProgrammer]

There are many perfect songs, and this is one of them.

[@bobwoolerOriGinal]

Lex, you're spot on. It's those little simple things that often makes a good song into a great song.

[@stephensupernor4481]

RIP Tom! His voice is missed but NEVER forgotten!

[@gud2go50]

I use to listen to this song while I was running in the late 80's. I use to dream of all the things that were possible in my future. Motivating.

[@derwoodbowen5954]

When he says me and Del were singin', Del Shannon had a hit single called Runaway. He was singing with the radio.

[@georgezissis9244]

You gotta remind the younger people of these details. Otherwise they won’t know.

[@rdub9767]

Right on!! Glad someone pointed that out. 👍

[@evhleppard]

One of my favorite songs of his.

[@creativitycell]

Fantastic timeless uplifting classic! Video is a visual masterpiece! Feel good track of all time.!👍🙏❤️😎

[@Ellen.G]

I have this on my "road trip" play list! Cruising through the mountains with this blaring!

[@jimhook9225]

Love it Brad - nice break down. This song captures a feeling for those of us with a restless soul........

[@williamburke1882]

Had my kids in the car one day with a Best of Tom Petty cd playing and my oldest says "And the hits just keep coming."

[@VidiotSavante]

I love Lex's cool analogies! Always thought provoking and on the money! 😎

[@lantose]

Great reaction and one of many of his hits! Many of his songs didn’t get a lot of airplay because there were so many great ones, so listening to all his albums you would be very surprised how Tom and the Heartbreakers can grow on you so deeply. Many of his band mates were well known for their talents, especially Mike Campbell on guitar and Benmont Tench on piano!

[@dgmascia]

This lady is so happy its contagious

[@sheilathailand1903]

Tom Petty ! Thanks guys, love this song .

[@rocksteady20101]

You two are very thoughtful!!!

[@jrepka01]

This album "Full Moon Fever" is my #1 Tom Petty album: Free Fallin', Mind with a Heart of its own, I won't Back Down, Yer So Bad, A Face in the Crowd, Love is a Long Road, Feel a Whole lot Better, Zombie Zoo...

[@jetsstabler]

Tom is the reason musicians are free to make their own money. You should check out his history.

[@CowmanUK]

Actually overspent on recording sessions then refused to release an album, therefore bankrupting himself in order to get out of a recording contract. The record label couldn't afford to allow that so gave in and settled with him. Very gutsy move.

[@lisahall2194]

I love how Lex feels the music and visualizes a feeling. It’s where music lives

[@bobschenkel7921]

One of Mr. Petty's cooler riffs. In concert, this song got a great response, like most of his other tunes. Not much down time at a Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers show.

[@lantose]

I’ve seen him a couple of times and most of his softer songs, you can hear almost the whole crowd singing the song themselves, in particular Free Falling! Incredible shows and it’s quite easy to pick up that Tom was quite a humble man and was so gracious to his crowds!

[@STEELCITYBERMA]

Definitely one of his best songs!

[@ddwchamp]

This brought back memories of when my father (deceased), friends, and I would go to Gator Games back in the 1990s. Thanks for sharing. Y'all brought back some good memories. Runnin' Down A Dream was played before Florida Gator Football Home Games, usually by the Frat Houses or Tail-Gators snacking & partying before the game. At the end of the 3rd Quarter of every home game, the stadium sings out "I Won't Back Down". Speaking of Running Down a Dream, the Gator's Men & Women Track Team won the 2022 NCAA National Championship. Go Gators!

[@richdoe48]

Simply cant go wrong with any Tom Petty song. Everyone is a classic in my opinion.

[@treydixon5966]

There's something in the water down South that gives birth to truly great musicians and singer/songwriters. The old ways of the Story Tellers and Bards run deep in our Cypress Swamps and Hills. Tom was one of our finest.

[@Wrangzilla]

We’re all pretty much badass’s down here in the South….

[@michaelpalumbo2416]

The straight shot in golf is the hardest to pull off. To pull of a minimalist song like this takes great skill.

[@carlosconesa]

Mike Campbell on guitar, boys and girls.

[@jerihalter1339]

Mr.Tom Petty (RIP) your music has been a part of my life since I first heard American Girl, back in the day.

[@andyallan2909]

From the album, 'Full Moon Fever.' This album is basically a Travelling Wilbury's album as it also features George Harrison, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne (and Jim Keltner). Jeff Lynne had a hand in writing most of the songs and also produced the album. Bob Dylan is the only Wilbury who is not present somewhere on the album.

[@MrTambourineMan.]

Love the drums and the guitars in this. Really sounds like we are running

[@jasonjackson1688]

hey, play a song for me

[@zippitydoodah5693]

Tom Petty = Rock and Roll Icon.

[@aaronarnold7653]

Aloha, brilliant reaction

[@jeffreekoch9298]

Love Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. 🎸

[@kylesage-clontz]

"You're So Bad" is my favorite Tom Petty song. I had the priviledge of seeing his final appearance at Red Rocks in Colorado, one of his - and my - favorite venues.

[@RayAFlanagan]

Really good observation about the brilliance of Tom Petty’s simplicity. It’s about knowing how and when to use the elements. There’s a lot of knowledge and mastery behind making something simple but functional and effective.

[@randylantz7951]

Always loves Tom Petty's radio hits. It was only after his tragic death that I started digging into his extensive song library. He has a lot of great songs. His song writing was very poetic. Mike Campbell, his lead guitarist, is second to none and has the greatest tone. You should go back even further and check out his prior band "Mudcrutch " and listen to "Lover of the Bayou". That song is an absolute jam.

[@darkkhalwb]

This song is always one of my top picks for road trip music.

[@sandranettles4833]

My music 🎶 since 1979. Love me some Tom Petty. Vibes forever and missed everyday. RIP my musical soulmate since 79

[@kehdepermit]

This and, "Making Some Noise," are a couple of my favorite Tom Petty bangers.

[@dsmkrotj4990]

This,is definitely one of my favorite Tom Petty songs along with Last Dance with Mary Jane.

[@bminturn]

This song definitely makes my Ultimate Road Trip playlist.

[@67Aquaholic]

Tom Petty was/is awesome. Perfect road trip music. Lost him waaaay too soon.

[@donstand2195]

I absolutely love Lex she brings joy to us and her description of songs is awesome

[@hb6string10]

Lex...GREAT metaphor and description of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers! You nailed it!

[@DM-kc5du]

This is the ultimate road trip song! "A Woman in Love" is one of his less known songs but one of the most minimalist, and it really draws out the best of his unique voice.

[@Jamie644]

You two are so insightful, and you make me look at songs I've been listening to for years in different ways and that's great. Thanks guys

[@Joshuadgog]

You got to hit the waiting by him. Its a banger. Also here comes my girl should be next.

[@robertkramer41]

He was a hit machine

[@normlee6566]

For me, this is my favorite petty song.

[@davidteller7681]

I love the guitar in this! When it came out I practically ran for my guitar to figure it out!

[@kentandersonrocks]

Lex, that was a great line of insight! Love it!

[@cobbycaputo3332]

When you're making a road trip playlist, this song has to be on it.

[@creativitycell]

One of the best drumming patterns of all time, any drummer that's plays this must be feeling so good, to learn this drum pattern n complete the whole song first time young drummers must feel like they just conquered the World. It's just great! Always makes me feel better listening to this. 🙏❤️😎

[@Tbass-yy8uc]

Tom Petty wouldn't be Tom Petty without Mike Campbell's guitar style

[@toursiveu]

Mike Campbell.

[@Tbass-yy8uc]

@@toursiveu oops yeah you're right hahaha

[@ronstoner1823]

Always love watching Lex's gears turn! It's always interesting! Brad is a good ying to Lex's yang. Brad is always grounded but open to Lex's interpretation. GREAT VIDEOS!

[@atuuschaaw]

Yes, it resonates with me as well. ♥

[@kerrywatkins3787]

One of the ultimate driving down the highway songs, and I have the speeding ticket to prove it.

[@vovindequasahi]

Awesome song! Tom Petty just slays. He's always on that edge between rock and hard rock, and it is delicious!

[@TheNewRevolution]

Mike Campbell's guitar work in this song is just fire. He may never get his due when you talk about great guitar players but his resume speaks for itself. He's just as many memorable riffs, licks, and solos as anyone. He's never been a showboat or shameless self promoter. He just does the song. He's just a cool dude.

[@bobkitten8150]

Tom and the Heartbreakers created new music up to the end. Check out Fault Lines from their last album! This song makes me drive fast😀 Mike Campbell owning that guitar - he's so good, and underrated imo.

[@samson9535]

Tom Petty, RIP!

[@jaydubb3246]

Tom Petty is a legend! Rip TP!

[@curtismarsh4528]

Tom Petty's (southern accent) or his song ( the insider) with Stevie Nicks. Southern Accents is a real as it gets, and the insider is as beautiful as it gets.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Damn, I love you guys. Grad you nailed it in so many ways and Lex, once again you totally got it man I love your comment about contrived Simplicity but in a good way. As a musician that's one of my main things I strive for. Music can either be dense or it can be sparse it can be spacious or really busy but it's the manipulation of it artistically that makes good music. And good arrangements. And for example you commented on using that background vocal as an artistic tweet. I was listening closely to the drum part. And that guy has so much patience he wouldn't do hardly any feels but when it was time to have a little bump in the road man he syncopated the hell out of it other than that it was just straightforward driving with the cymbal crash on every 8.

[@BlowinFree]

Great driving song 🎵

[@loristone9242]

Brad nails it. Relatable. About life. Lex is also on point with the Victorian era furniture comparison. Superior, and finely crafted. Smooth. Understated excellence.

[@johnlobiondo333]

Brad you hit the nail on the head. This song will always remain current for whoever, whenever listened to. Love this song!!!!!

[@hibhibb5429]

I watched a documentary on The Sundance Channel called "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin' Down a Dream" Documentary. It was the most informative, amazing look into who Tom was as a person and as an artist. I think everyone should watch it. It really showed what Tom stood for. It was Incredible!! He will live forever in our hearts. Love him, always. Such a Legend!! RIP Tom!

[@davidcarpenter9020]

The album Damm the torpedos is fire one of the greatest albums of all time by tom

[@johnhannon2676]

Tom's catalogue is fantastic, but this one is my favorite!

[@romz1]

The solo at the end takes this song to another level

[@Wolverines77]

Thank you to both of you for looking for the "feeling" of the songs, not just picking out the technicalities and expounding on them. Lex, you have a very unique ability to express some of the most abstract thoughts and don't ever change that. This world needs more of you in it if we hunans are going to survive...

[@katthemoss852]

Tom Petty's Greatest Hits is a staple for road trips. It makes you feel so free.

[@DazednMildlyConfused]

Campbell has got to be one of the most underrated guitarists

[@Jeffbambam]

Tom Petty was a musical genius and a true definition of Rock n Roll , he contributed to so many artists in the industry and took his own path. The Heartbreakers are magical how they tell a story without words .

[@rustyshackleford1419]

This might be my favorite Petty song. The guitar solo at the end gives me that warm tingly feeling that washes up and down my spine

[@robcarmichael1508]

Running down a dream and county farm were two of the heaviest sounding songs from T.P. Love them both.

[@CaptainTedStryker]

Yes Lex! Simple but a lot of thought went into it. The guitar playing in the song is like that; not some technically flashy stuff, but every note fits perfectly!

[@davidbordonaro1631]

R.I.P. Mr.Petty your music will live on forever

[@johnlobiondo333]

Lex you killing me girl love your ability to describe what you feel.

[@mysonandme8424]

lex's thoughts are so specific and deep at times and other times are just whimsical nonsense. lol. regardless, she just puts them out there without apprehension of whether ppl are gonna "get it" or not. i love it.

[@robertevans2450]

Tom Petty just made good music, relatable and shared by every human no matter their little category that society puts them into. I could easily play Petty 13 times a day and never grow tired of hearing his music. I don't need to be in any set mood to enjoy his songs.

[@BoondockRoberts]

"Me and Del were singin little runaway" is Petty driving and singing along to the radio that's playing Del Shannon's "Runaway" a great tune worth reacting to.

[@adrianbolster9951]

Always loved the reference to Del Shannon and the song Little Runnaway.

[@Filbi]

This is one of my favorite songs for overall good vibes.

[@janfijay]

Mike Campbell the guitarist so underrated. If you are driving listening to this by the end of the song you're going twice as fast as you intended.

[@daveborder7751]

Even better with the video-one of the best music videos ever.

[@submandave1125]

Gotta love Little Nemo.