You get into your late fifties, people start falling like flies all around you. I don't take life for granted any more. I'm really glad to be here.
Interpretation
The quote reflects a deep appreciation for life and the inevitability of loss as one ages.
In this quote, Tom Petty shares the poignant realization that as people grow older, they witness the passing of friends and loved ones, leading to a greater appreciation for life itself. This acknowledgment of mortality encourages a mindset of gratitude and cherishing each moment, highlighting the importance of valuing our existence and the time we have with those around us.
In practice
In a speech about valuing friendships, one might say, 'As Tom Petty wisely put it, we start to realize how precious life is amidst loss.'
When my record company rejected 'Full Moon Fever', I was hurt so bad. I was pretty far along in my career at that point. I'd never had anything rejected; I'd never really even had a comment. So when that happened, it was really just a board to the forehead. But then, finally, I picked myself up.
I developed a problem with authority. Any time that authority was what I interpreted as being unjust, I stood up to it, and that became my personality.
I don't know, my music has always just come from where the wind blew me. Like where I'm at during a particular moment in time.
Music really isn’t supposed to be perfect. It’s all about people relating to each other and doing something that’s really from the soul. It must come from the soul.
It's hard for me... If I don't have a project going, I don't feel like I'm connected to anything. I don't even think it's that healthy for me. I like to get out of bed and have a purpose.
I think for it to be hip to be idealistic is weird, you know? I mean, even all the best rebels to me, had some sense of hope in them.
Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.
I live in solitude. I have need of solitude to do the next day's work. I can't be to parties where the noise tires me. I can't speak on the telephone. I must have complete calm.
To be cliché, death is a part of life and it's going to happen to all of us. I have the blessing of getting a little bit of advance notice and I am able to optimize my use of time down the home stretch.
It is the stories we don't get, the ones we miss, pass over, fail to recognize, don't pick up on, that will send us to hell.
You cut off the capacity for grief in your life, and you cut off the joy at the same time. They both come up through the same tunnel. You don't have one without the other.
Like madness, is the glory of this life.
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