The Wild One Forever
Tom Petty · Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers [1976]
Well, the moon sank as the wind blew
And the street lights slowly died
Yeah they call you the wild one
Said stay away from her
Said she couldn't love no one if she tried
But then somethin' I saw in your eyes
Told me right away
That you were gonna have to be mine
The strangest feeling came over me down inside
No matter what it takes
I'll never get over how good it felt
When you finally held me
I will never regret baby
Those few hours linger on in my head forever
Well it's too bad but I want you
To know I understand
Yeah it's been a long time
But I don't mind, yeah it's all right
I understand
Because somethin' I saw in your eyes
Told me right away
That you were gonna have to be mine
The strangest feeling came over me down inside
I knew right away
I'd never get over how good it felt
When you finally kissed me
I will never regret baby
Baby, those few hours linger on in my head forever
And the street lights slowly died
Yeah they call you the wild one
Said stay away from her
Said she couldn't love no one if she tried
But then somethin' I saw in your eyes
Told me right away
That you were gonna have to be mine
The strangest feeling came over me down inside
No matter what it takes
I'll never get over how good it felt
When you finally held me
I will never regret baby
Those few hours linger on in my head forever
Well it's too bad but I want you
To know I understand
Yeah it's been a long time
But I don't mind, yeah it's all right
I understand
Because somethin' I saw in your eyes
Told me right away
That you were gonna have to be mine
The strangest feeling came over me down inside
I knew right away
I'd never get over how good it felt
When you finally kissed me
I will never regret baby
Baby, those few hours linger on in my head forever
The Wild One Forever
Released on the 1976 album Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers, 'The Wild One Forever' stands as a quintessential example of Petty's gritty, blues-infused rock sound. The track features his signature raspy vocals and driving rhythm, capturing the raw energy and rebellious spirit that defined the Heartbreakers' early catalog. As a staple of their live performances and a key component of their broader discography, the song exemplifies the working-class authenticity and melodic strength that made Petty a defining figure in American rock music during the mid-1970s.