When A Kid Goes Bad
Tom Petty · The Last DJ [2002]
Look in your eye
Something about you
That I don't recognize
These things are talked about
In quiet tones
I never saw a person
So all alone
Some momma's cryin'
Some daddy's sad
When a kid goes bad
Makes you wonder
What made him mad
When a kid goes bad
You built for innocence
You built for joy
Suddenly evil's all that
You enjoy
But if you shoot at every
One you see, well you
Can't be my friend 'cause
You might shoot at me
Some momma's cryin'
Some daddy's sad
When a kid goes bad
Makes you wonder
What made him mad
When a kid goes bad
When a kid goes bad
When a kid goes bad
Somewhere along the way
Did we let you down
Did you cry out for help and
None was around
Don't try to tell me
That you don't know the score
Are you so shut down
You can't feel anymore?
Some momma's cryin'
Some daddy's sad
When a kid goes bad
Makes you wonder
What made him mad
When a kid goes bad
When a kid goes bad"
When A Kid Goes Bad
When A Kid Goes Bad stands as a poignant song in Tom Petty's extensive discography, appearing on his 2002 album The Last DJ. The track captures the melancholic reflection characteristic of Petty's later work, exploring themes of lost innocence and the harsh realities of growing up. Musically, the song blends his signature rock sensibilities with a more subdued, introspective arrangement that highlights his distinctive vocal delivery. This recording fits within an era where Petty frequently examined personal struggles and the passage of time, offering listeners a deeply emotional connection. As part of a celebrated body of work, the song reinforces his status as a master of American rock, delivering a narrative that resonates with fans familiar with his exploration of life's complexities without relying on overt spectacle.