Runnin' Down A Dream
Tom Petty · Greatest Hits [1993]
It was a beautiful day, the sun beat down
I had the radio on, I was drivin'
Trees flew by, me and Del were singin' little Runaway
I was flyin'
[Chorus:]
Yeah runnin' down a dream
That never would come to me
Workin' on a mystery, goin' wherever it leads
Runnin' down a dream
I felt so good like anything was possible
I hit cruise control and rubbed my eyes
The last three days the rain was un-stoppable
It was always cold, no sunshine
[Chorus]
I rolled on as the sky grew dark
I put the pedal down to make some time
There's something good waitin' down this road
I'm pickin' up whatever's mine
[Chorus Out]
I had the radio on, I was drivin'
Trees flew by, me and Del were singin' little Runaway
I was flyin'
[Chorus:]
Yeah runnin' down a dream
That never would come to me
Workin' on a mystery, goin' wherever it leads
Runnin' down a dream
I felt so good like anything was possible
I hit cruise control and rubbed my eyes
The last three days the rain was un-stoppable
It was always cold, no sunshine
[Chorus]
I rolled on as the sky grew dark
I put the pedal down to make some time
There's something good waitin' down this road
I'm pickin' up whatever's mine
[Chorus Out]
Runnin' Down A Dream
Tom Petty's 'Runnin' Down A Dream' stands as a quintessential example of his melodic rock craftsmanship, capturing the raw energy and lyrical depth that defined his career. Recorded for the 1993 'Greatest Hits' compilation, the track showcases Petty's signature blend of country-inflected rock and heartfelt storytelling. The song's upbeat tempo contrasts with its themes of fleeting opportunity and the passage of time, reflecting the enduring appeal of his work across decades. As a staple of his discography, this recording exemplifies the vibrant sound that made him a legendary figure in American rock music.