Tom Petty Quotes

"I'm barely prolific and incredibly lazy."

"I like to be an optimist, but I like to be a realist, too."

"Do something you really like, and hopefully it pays the rent. As far as I'm concerned, that's success."

"I don't think it's a good attitude in your life to feel that you have to be rich to have self-esteem."

"I think watching the TV news is bad for you. It is bad for your physical health and your mental health."

"If you're phony, they will feel it in the farthest row of the arena. You have to really care. And you have to make yourself care time and time again."

"I don't believe in censorship, but I do believe that an artist has to take some moral responsibility for what he or she is putting out there."

"What I've learned about marriage: You need to have each other's back, you have to be a kind of team going through life. That's beautiful, to have that kind of friendship. You're going to need it when you get old."

"Free Fallin' is a very good song. Maybe it would be one of my favorites if it hadn't become this huge anthem. But I'm grateful that people like it."

"Go after what you really love and find a way to make that work for you, and then you'll be a happy person."

Great Songs About Summer

Summertime Blues - Eddie Cochran (1958): Co written and produced by Eddie Cochran himself, this single went to #8 on the Billboard singles chart in July of 1958. The Who released a version on their Live At Leeds album (1970).

Wipe Out - The Surfaris (1962): A number two hit for the Safaris, later remade by the Fat Boys & the Beach Boys.


Surfer Girl - The Beach Boys (1963): This single, written and produced by Brian Wilson, along with B-side Little Deuce Coupe went to #7 during the summer of 1963. The song was inspired by the Disney tune When You Wish Upon A Star.

Summer In The City - The Lovin' Spoonful (1966): Written by John Sebastian's brother Mark, this was The Lovin' Spoonful's only number one hit. John Sebastian would later write the theme to the TV sitcom Welcome Back Carter.

Good Day Sunshine - The Beatles (1966): Written and sung primarily by Paul McCartney, this song was released on the album Revolver.

Summertime - Big Brother And The Holding Co. (1968): This song was written in 1935 by George Gershwin for the musical Porgy And Bess. The Big Brother version, featuring Janis Joplin on vocals, can be found on the album Cheap Thrills.

School's Out - Alice Copper (1972): Alice's ode to the end of school went to #7 on the Billboard singles chart. This song is also a big hit in pop culture and has been featured many times in movies, TV shows and video games.

Saturday In The Park - Chicago (1972): One of the biggest hits Chicago had during the 70's and was inspired by a walk through New York's Central Park.

Summer Breeze - Seals & Croft (1972): Breakthrough hit for the duo Seals & Croft.

Boys Of Summer - Don Henley (1984): The biggest hit off Don Henley's Building The Perfect Beast album. This song was co written by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell.

Summer Of 69 - Bryan Adams (1984): Written by Bryan Adams and his song writing partner Jim Vallance (Aerosmith, Heart). The title was inspired by the movie Summer of 42.