So You Want To Be A Rock & Roll Star
Tom Petty · Other Songs - Tom Petty
Well, listen now, hear what I say
Just get an electric guitar
And take some time and learn how to play
And when your hair swung right
And your pants get tight
It's gonna be alright
Well, then it's time to go downtown
To the agent man, won't let you down
To sell your soul to some company
Who are waiting there to sell plastic ware
And in a week or two
If you make the charts
The girls will tear you apart
It's the price you pay for your riches and fame
Was it all a strange game? You're a little insane
The money that came and the public acclaim
Don't forget what you are, you're a rock n' roll star
So You Want To Be A Rock & Roll Star
Tom Petty's "So You Want To Be A Rock & Roll Star" stands as a defining anthem of his early career, capturing the raw ambition and inevitable disillusionment of the music industry. Released on his 1979 debut album, *Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers*, the track showcases the band's signature blend of rock and roll energy with Petty's distinctive, conversational vocal delivery. The song serves as a sharp commentary on the fleeting nature of fame, addressing the sacrifices required to achieve stardom. It remains a staple in Petty's extensive discography, illustrating his ability to craft relatable narratives within a driving musical framework. This recording highlights the collaborative chemistry between Petty and the Heartbreakers, establishing a sound that would influence generations of rock musicians while cementing the group's place in American music history.