Ain't Love Strange
Tom Petty · Let Me Up (I've Had Enough) [1987]
Or you can lie around in roses
Or maybe walk around wonderin'
You know, goin' through the motions
(Chorus)
Hey ain't love strange?
Hey ain't love strange?
Boy talk about changes
Ain't love strange?
'Cause it can make you string barb-wire
Around your little piece of ground
For emotional protection
Oh, but it's too late now
(Chorus)
Some keep tryin' it, giving and denying it
And I don't know why it is guess you
Never quit
Tryin' to make sense of it
'Cause it can feel like perfection,
But never all the time
And you don't wanna be alone again
Oh my, my
(Chorus)
About Ain't Love Strange
Tom Petty's "Ain't Love Strange" stands as a defining track from his 1987 album *Let Me Up (I've Had Enough)*, marking a pivotal shift in his sound toward a more introspective and blues-inflected style. Released during the artist's final years before his untimely death, the song reflects Petty's deepening engagement with themes of mortality and the complexities of enduring relationships. The recording features a gritty, raw production that captures the essence of his late-career work, blending his signature melodic sensibility with a darker, more mature emotional palette. As a staple of Petty's discography, the track exemplifies his ability to craft songs that resonate with universal human experiences while maintaining a distinct personal voice. It serves as a poignant reminder of his artistic evolution, showcasing a blend of rock energy and soulful vulnerability that would become increasingly prominent in his later catalog. The song remains a powerful testament to his legacy, offering listeners a glimpse into the final chapters of a career celebrated for its authenticity and enduring impact on American rock music.