250.īaha’i history–and the situation of modern Baha’is in Iran and other places–is also reminiscent of Petty’s anthem. – Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, p. Tread ye the path of justice, for this, verily, is the straight path. Petty’s lyrics parallel Biblical and Baha’i writings, filled with discussions of justice and spiritual forces:Īnd the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” – Luke 17:6.īe vigilant, that ye may not do injustice to anyone, be it to the extent of a grain of mustard seed. In a world that keeps on pushin’ me aroundīut I’ll stand my ground and I won’t back down Well, I know what’s right, I got just one life Hey, I will stand my ground and I won’t back down Gonna stand my ground and I won’t back down No, I’ll stand my ground, won’t be turned aroundĪnd I’ll keep this world from draggin’ me down When he and his family survived, Petty, addressing his would-be murderer, penned the words: Petty wrote the song after a horrendous 1987 arson attack destroyed his house. The lyrics speak of a force beyond this world: absolute integrity, and outright refusal to back down in the face of injustice. Petty’s monster hit “ I Won’t Back Down ” topped the rock charts for five weeks. It’s just gonna take time.” The 1996 ballad “Angel Dream” captivated me, and “Flirting with Time,” from the 2006 album “Highway Companion” tickles and nudges at my soul and instincts as I drift into middle age and become more aware of my spiritual reality. On “Wake Up Time,” Petty assures the listeners, in his gentle, deep, slightly nasally voice, “Yeah you’ll be all right. Petty’s 1994 “Wildflowers” has been dear to me over the years. When Petty released his 1989 album “Full Moon Fever,” including the songs “Free Falling,” “Learning to Fly,” and “Running Down a Dream,” it rocketed up the charts. In the eighties, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers captured the country’s attention with “Refugee.” A few years later, he teamed up with legends Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Roy Orbison to form the supergroup “Traveling Wilburys,” creators of songs such as “Handle Me with Care,” “End of the Line,” and “Margarita.” This was one of the first albums I ever purchased. 56.Īs long as I can remember, Petty was a mainstay of American culture. – Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. Through the power and charm of music the spirit of man is uplifted. The art of music is divine and effective.
Abdu’l-Baha’s statement about music reflects these feelings: Petty’s music was joyous, uplifting, and meaningful to me–and, I suspect, millions of others. Twenty-seven years later, his death marked the passing of a musical icon of my generation.Īlthough the late singer might not have envisioned it this way, his songs carry overtones of Baha’i perspectives: about the uplifting value of music, the existence of forces beyond this world, the powerful presence of justice, and the importance of, and the inspiration that comes from, upholding strong beliefs in the face of adversity.
#Wake up time tom petty chords free#
The opening guitar chords of Tom Petty’s “ Free Falling ” created a sunburst in my heart when I first heard them during my junior year of high school.
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