Rock Legend Tom Petty Slams Catholic Church And Conservative ‘Christians’ For Un-Christian Behavior

[geardaddy]

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2014/07/22/rock-legend-tom-petty-slams-catholic-church-and-conservative-christians-for-unchristian-behavior/


Could Tom Petty be the counterbalance to Ted Nugent that many Americans have been looking for? It certainly seems that way considering the Heartbreaker blasted the Catholic Church and so-called “Christians” who aren’t acting very Christ-like in a recent interview with Billboard magazine.

The legendary rocker talked a great deal about religion during the interview, pondering why those of the Catholic faith still give money to the Church knowing that it’s being used to shield pedophile priests or cover up their crimes. “I’m fine with whatever religion you want to have,” Petty told the publication.

But it can’t tell anybody it’s OK to kill people, and it can’t abuse children systematically for God knows how many years. If I was in a club, and I found out that there had been generations of people abusing children, and then that club was covering that up, I would quit the club. And I wouldn’t give them any more money.

Petty then went on to criticize alleged Christians who thirst for war and defend killing people like conservative “Christians” do today.

Religion seems to me to be at the base of all wars. I’ve nothing against defending yourself, but I don’t think, spiritually speaking, that there’s any conception of God that should be telling you to be violent. It seems to me that no one’s got Christ more wrong than the Christians.

More at link.

I always liked him. Now I like him even more.

[Hoyt]

1. We want a tour with the Dixie Chicks.

[Owl]

162. ^this^!!!

[WillyT]

2. Huge K & R !!!

[iandhr]

3. As Gandhi said

"I like your Christ. I don't like your Christians, they are so unlike your Christ."

[polichick]

4. Perfect!

[geardaddy]

5. Yes. I've heard that quote before.

I love it.

[Electric Monk]

6. Journalist: What do you think of Western civilization?

Gandhi: I think it would be a good idea.

[underpants]

35. One of my all time favorite quotes

I was just about to post it

[Buns_of_Fire]

59. Darn! Beat me by just five hours!

I imagine that's the first quote that goes through many minds these days.

[Skittles]

98. updated: I like Jesus; his fanbase, not so much

yes INDEED

[world wide wally]

7. I would certainly rather be on Tom Petty's side than Ted Nugent's...

Besides...Petty is a better musician too.

[joeybee12]

8. There's one major difference between Tom and Nugent...Tom...

has talent.

[geardaddy]

13. I see what you did there.

Agreed!

[Arugula Latte]

26. Plus Tom is sane and reasonable while Ted is deranged.

[joeybee12]

33. He was in Vegas a couple weekends ago..at the Orleans...

The dump that features other no-talents like Dennis Miller.

[Arugula Latte]

41. Yech. They'd probably book that loon Victoria Jackson, too.

[joeybee12]

42. Have not seen her yet...thankfully...

But if they really want to scrape the bottom of the barrel, they should book her!

[mountain grammy]

47. I loved that hotel but haven't been there in years. Now I never will go back.

[rebe303]

168. Tom vs Ted

In a TP documentary from many years ago he is seen with a toy gun and dartboard and says "Gonna bag me some dinner.. or maybe Ted Nugent."

[nomorenomore08]

117. 'Damn the Torpedoes' and 'Hard Promises' are both classics of American rock'n'roll.

And a few of his other albums aren't far behind.

[BrotherIvan]

9. I'm glad to hear more people speaking out

Talking to fundies is pointless, but there are many liberal Catholics who give money and support the Church. The Church then uses those funds for good and bad, the bad being pretty bad. Liberal Christians really need to take a stand and ask the leaders to A) Get out and stay out of politics B) Intensive house-cleaning and prosecution of all criminals C) Stop being bigots and embrace the LGBT community and D) STFU about reproduction and make women equals. That's just a short list. As I am not Catholic, I cannot leave in protest, but it would admirable if many did because that is the only thing which changes an institution: withdrawal of support and funds.

[hamsterjill]

18. Well said!

I agree!

[LittleGirl]

159. I left

and will never subscribe to a religion ever again. I'll take photos of the churches but will not ever give them a dime of my money ever again.

[BrotherIvan]

164. I wish a lot more would follow suit and try to speak up more forcefully

It must be hard to leave the church of your family and your neighborhood. And I would not care what they did within the walls of the church if they stayed out of everyone else's business. I wish the liberal nuns could take over as they seem to get it.

[LittleGirl]

165. I think most have left the church

the only ones hanging on are the elderly (at least in my family). I wasn't exactly raised Catholic but as I got older, I did get confirmed. But left not long after that. I became an atheist about 5 yrs ago after the Ireland Priests admitted to the cover up. That was the final straw for me.

[progressoid]

10. Excellent Tom! I was just listening to your greatest hits in the car!

[PeaceNikki]

11. I adore him. I've seen him 11 times.

And have a tattoo based on an image from one of his albums.

[Xyzse]

12. Yep, like him even better now.

[Iliyah]

14. He's gonna be tarred and feathered

by the so call Christians and name calling him everything other than the grace of GOD.

[geardaddy]

15. I don't think he cares.

And good on him for speaking his mind.

[hamsterjill]

19. I don't think he cares either.

He's far enough along in his career that I don't think he gives a damn what those that disagree with him would think.

He's kind of the "Willie" of his genre.

[geardaddy]

20. Agreed.

[mac56]

24. So called Christians will eat this up.

They all have delusions of persecution, especially by the show business elite.

[geardaddy]

44. Yeah, but fewer people are listening.

[ReRe]

149. I hope they go absolutely crazy...

... maybe it will preoccupy them until after the election.

[MoonchildCA]

37. He won't have to live like a refugee...

[PeaceNikki]

38. He won't back down.

[MoonchildCA]

39. He'll just say, "Don't do me like that."

[PeaceNikki]

40. Yer so bad.

That's my favorite.

Wait, no, Wildflowers is.

[geardaddy]

43. ...

[nomorenomore08]

120. Somebody, somewhere might kick him around some for this.

But then he's a complex kid. Always leaves 'em with a shadow of a doubt.

[randys1]

84. He wouldnt have it any other way...hard to see his face and not think of that Costner film

"The Postman"

Saw Tom and the Heartbreakers only once, Sacto around 1980...awesome

[Eleanors38]

161. He's a Cracker. He "won't back down." NT

[Go Vols]

16. He got to the point,

did he roll another joint?

K&R

[kmla]

17. And besides that....

He is freakin' awesome in concert.

One of the best performers I have ever seen...

[Fix The Stupid]

22. Ditto...

Saw him in London, Ontario last year.

Had (what I call anyway), the best seats in the house. Just to the right of the stage about 20 ft up. I saw ALL the backstage action. I was blown away by what it takes to put on a show of this size and quality.

I watched him go behind the amps and 'share a cigarette' with one of his roadies while Mike C. was doing a solo... he had a little place all set-up there behind the amps with a seat and everything - he just needed a little break

They played for 2.5 hours straight. Then came out and did a 3 song encore.

Best concert ever.

[PeaceNikki]

29. I've seen him 11 times... so far.

I'll see him any and every chance I get. His shows are pure joy.

[rebe303]

105. TP

I love your tattoo and comments. I bet I'm the biggest TP fan in Boston, as you in Milwaukee! I'm going to the Fenway Park show and it'll be my 25th! (I'm MUCH older than you, I'm sure

[PeaceNikki]

107. yay!!!

Have fun!!

If I had the money I'd see him in Chicago next month. I've been a fan since Damn the Torpedoes, but Wildflowers was life changing for me. It was released as I was garnering up the courage to get out of an abusive marriage. The album and the title song were my personal anthem through that.

Hell yeah. Nice to meet you!

[rebe303]

166. Wildflowers

PeaceNikki
You belong among the Wildflowers (I can tell that you) Let your heart be your guide.
Regards to TP fan extaordinaire in the city of the great much missed Howie Epstein.

[waddirum]

111. I'm going to see him in September at the Lockn Festival in Arrington, Virginia

He is headlining Saturday, immediately preceded by Widespread Panic w/ Steve Winwood, Phil Lesh & Friends, and Wilco.

[PeaceNikki]

113. Excellent!! You're in for a treat.

Have fun!!

[Bluenorthwest]

21. As usual, Tom Petty speaks from his heart. A great artist, a good man.

I wish more people would listen to voices like Tom's but what they will do is accusing him of hating the Church. On DU when people are critical of the bigotry and sexism of the Church, 'believers' instantly attack with slanders and filthy projections, some here have openly demanded that anyone critical of the Pope's anti gay teachings should shut up about it. 'You want all religion eliminated' is their disrespectful hyperbolic response to anyone who dares to ask them to stop organizing against minority groups.

[Pogue]

147. Who is "they" that will accuse him of hating the Church?

As someone who was brought up in the Catholic religion, I can't imagine criticizing him for this - he's absolutely correct. There are those die-hard fundamentalist Catholics just as there are rabid evangelical "Christians" who don't seem to have caught up with the New Testament and unfortunately they are very vocal. But what I see is the great majority, like many good people, are silent about the wrongs done yet won't leave because they have no alternative - if you truly believe in the Catholic religion, you can't switch to another church as you could if you are some form of Protestant Christian. Plus, if you leave, there is little chance of change because the change needs to come from within.

The best hope we have, IMO, is the current Pope. I wish him well and hope he can change things. Unfortunately the rabid "Catholics" despair of him as he is a strong follower of Christ's example, more understanding of human nature, and less of a rules-for-rules'-sake pontiff. In every religion, in every society, in every civilization, there are those who rigidly cling to rules so they don't have to think too hard. Rules also provide a handy club to bludgeon those you don't agree with. I sincerely hope Pope Francis can effect some change and those entrenched in Vatican hierarchy and the "rules" don't put roadblocks in his way.

[hrmjustin]

148. Where do people tell you to shut up about it?

[madokie]

23. Right on Tom Petty

you're a righteous man you are

I'm atheist and love the way I feel about religion and the sky daddy

[HomerRamone]

25. His show (as a DJ) on SiriusXM is one of my favorites

politics aside...

[rug]

27. Encore!

[PeaceNikki]

28. He *IS* the King of Milwaukee.

This town goes apeshit when he plays that song here.

He has close ties to this town. Howie Epstein, the bassist for the Heartbreakers for most of their existence was from here.

[nomorenomore08]

121. Poor Howie. Came to a sad end, didn't he.

[PeaceNikki]

126. for real.

A friend of mine is a first cousin of his. She got to hang out with them on a number of occasions. I met her after his passing, sadly. She has some good stories, though.

[AtheistCrusader]

50. Second time you've posted this in similar Tom Petty threads.

Care to explain the relevance?

[rug]

52. Are you following me?

[AtheistCrusader]

54. No. I read the thread in religion, and the comments. Noticed your video. Didn't get it.

Saw this thread here, read the comments, saw your exact same post, still don't get it.

I even went so far as to look at the comments on song lyric sites, and the youtube comments trying to figure out what you are getting at. There's no controversy section on wiki, etc.

So.. can you elaborate?

[rug]

55. If you listened to the words, it's about a child molester.

An odd counterpoint.

[AtheistCrusader]

56. Is it?

The 'honey bee' character in the song has a boyfriend. And a car.

At worst it seems like adultery/cheating.

[rug]

57. You tell me.

Come on now, give me some sugar
Give me some sugar, little honey bee
Don't be afraid, not gonna hurt you
I wouldn't hurt my little honey bee

Don't say a word, 'bout what we're doin'
Don't say nothin' little honey bee
Don't tell your momma, don't tell your sister
Don't tell your boyfriend, little honey bee

She like to call me king bee
She like to buzz 'round my tree
I call her honey bee
I'm a man in a trance
I'm a boy in short pants
When I see my honey bee
And I've got something to say

Look here now, peace in the valley
Peace in the valley with my honey bee
Don't say a word, 'bout what we're doin'
Don't say nothin ' little honey bee

She give me her monkey hand
And a rambler sedan
I'm the king of Milwaukee
Her juju beads are so nice
She kissed my third cousin twice
I'm the king of Pomona
And I've got something to say

Songwriters: PETTY, TOM

Honey Bee lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BUG MUSIC

[AtheistCrusader]

58. Yes, I read the lyrics several times.

I also note that the point of view of the singer (Not necessarily Tom Petty himself, songs can be 'in character', see Dixie Chicks singing Top of the World, (Written by Patty Griffin) which is written from a husband's perspective.) indicates:

"I'm a boy in short pants"


I can see someone interpreting the song that way, but that does not appear to be a common interpretation. There may be an age differential, or a status differential, and she is cheating on her boyfriend certainly, but beyond that, difficult to deduce for certain.

[PeaceNikki]

61. oh. my. god.

That was one (of many of his songs) recorded in jest.... being silly, for fun.

I am not surprised that poster is making such implications against someone who criticisms the RCC.

"Petty talked about how he wrote “Honey Bee” when he said, “[“Honey Bee”] is kind of a blues-based song. And I got the idea to do that walk-up verse, where the chords kept going up and up. It was just kind of fun. It was meant to be a release from getting overly serious. Because some of those [Wildflowers] songs get pretty deep, and I think it’s good to have something that clears the mind for a minute. Let’s rock for a second, and not get overly serious here. And that’s what ‘Honey Bee” was, and that’s the one so many people want to hear live. I get so many requests for “Honey Bee.” People love it.”

I Love it too, Tom. “Honey” arrives like a busting bee stinging energy in the middle of this acoustic opus that was Wildflowers. But that’s what makes “Honey Bee” such an addictive favorite. In the middle of Tom Petty’s acoustic flavored masterpiece comes this masterful rocker. What makes “Honey Bee” such a rocking delight is the way Petty sings in such a raucous Southern drawl bringing out the hilarity in Tom’s animated lyrics. Tom talked about the method to his lyrical madness of “Honey Bee,” when he said, “Where does it come from? I don’t know where I got, “I’m the King of Pomona.” But I wanted it to be like that. I wanted it to be part gibberish. Where it would be clear to anyone that I’m not taking this too seriously. I’m just having some fun here. So [“Honey Bee”] was just a little fun with words.”

The definite highlight of 1994’s Wildflowers, “Honey Bee” stings you with Tom’s exuberant lyrics that rock you in the middle of Petty’s acoustic masterpiece. Part of Wildflowers success goes to producer Rick Rubin. He made Tom Petty sound like Wildflowers was cut live in the studio. Rick described the magic of Petty’s 1994 album when he said, “Wildflowers sounds like it was made on a weekend. Of course it took us two years to make it sound it was made on a weekend—the right weekend!” Looking for a rocker to liven up your hump day blues, unleash the rocking hilarity of “Honey Bee.” From 1994’s Wildflowers, Tom Petty will crank up your laid back acoustic experience with this electric seductive delight. I urge you to unleash your inner hilarious while rocking out the three chord magnificence that is “Honey Bee.”

http://dontforgetthesongs365.wordpress.com/2012/12/05/tom-petty-honey-bee/

[rug]

62. What exactly do you think is being implicated?

Unlike you, I don't make baseless assumptions.

[PeaceNikki]

63. You said, " it's about a child molester." It's not. You made that up.

You're the only one I have ever heard make that ridiculous claim.


"Petty talked about how he wrote “Honey Bee” when he said, “[“Honey Bee”] is kind of a blues-based song. And I got the idea to do that walk-up verse, where the chords kept going up and up. It was just kind of fun. It was meant to be a release from getting overly serious. Because some of those [Wildflowers] songs get pretty deep, and I think it’s good to have something that clears the mind for a minute. Let’s rock for a second, and not get overly serious here. And that’s what ‘Honey Bee” was, and that’s the one so many people want to hear live. I get so many requests for “Honey Bee.” People love it.”

I Love it too, Tom. “Honey” arrives like a busting bee stinging energy in the middle of this acoustic opus that was Wildflowers. But that’s what makes “Honey Bee” such an addictive favorite. In the middle of Tom Petty’s acoustic flavored masterpiece comes this masterful rocker. What makes “Honey Bee” such a rocking delight is the way Petty sings in such a raucous Southern drawl bringing out the hilarity in Tom’s animated lyrics. Tom talked about the method to his lyrical madness of “Honey Bee,” when he said, “Where does it come from? I don’t know where I got, “I’m the King of Pomona.” But I wanted it to be like that. I wanted it to be part gibberish. Where it would be clear to anyone that I’m not taking this too seriously. I’m just having some fun here. So [“Honey Bee”] was just a little fun with words.”

The definite highlight of 1994’s Wildflowers, “Honey Bee” stings you with Tom’s exuberant lyrics that rock you in the middle of Petty’s acoustic masterpiece. Part of Wildflowers success goes to producer Rick Rubin. He made Tom Petty sound like Wildflowers was cut live in the studio. Rick described the magic of Petty’s 1994 album when he said, “Wildflowers sounds like it was made on a weekend. Of course it took us two years to make it sound it was made on a weekend—the right weekend!” Looking for a rocker to liven up your hump day blues, unleash the rocking hilarity of “Honey Bee.” From 1994’s Wildflowers, Tom Petty will crank up your laid back acoustic experience with this electric seductive delight. I urge you to unleash your inner hilarious while rocking out the three chord magnificence that is “Honey Bee.”

http://dontforgetthesongs365.wordpress.com/2012/12/05/tom-petty-honey-bee/

[rug]

65. I didn't make this up:

Come on now, give me some sugar
Give me some sugar, little honey bee
Don't be afraid, not gonna hurt you
I wouldn't hurt my little honey bee

Don't say a word, 'bout what we're doin'
Don't say nothin' little honey bee
Don't tell your momma, don't tell your sister
Don't tell your boyfriend, little honey bee

"rocking hilarity"

[AtheistCrusader]

66. I don't think that really supports your position for the reasons I specified.

Child molester is a specific charge with well-defined thresholds. You are relying on a very edge interpretation of those phrases to arrive at that conclusion.

[PeaceNikki]

67. Still not about a child molester. Again, you're the only one who reads it that way.

Last edited Wed Jul 23, 2014, 07:58 PM - Edit history (1)

Which is totally weird.

And an obvious distraction from his legit criticisms of the RCC.


*Correction: Only you and some random internet comment on a lyric site.

[rug]

68. Hardly the only one. Besides you single blog post for evidence, google it.

[PeaceNikki]

69. mmmm, bzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Nope, you're the only one.

My blog post was an interview in which the artist who wrote it was discussing the process of writing it.

What have you got?

Correction: you plus one anonymous idiot on the comments section of a lyric site. Who, for all we know, could be you!!

[rug]

73. You keep telling yourself that.

General Comment
Although I love this song, its always kinda given me this creepy vibe like hes talking about getting with someone young that he shouldnt be. None the less, it's a funny song. Any song that can use juju beads and still turn out good is alright in my book.
Melissalev420 on March 09, 2006

General Comment
i agree i always loved the song but it always reminded me of like a pedophile and he doesnt want the girl to tell anyone (Don't say a word, 'bout what we're doin') that he is molesting her (Don't tell your momma)
tweek420 on August 06, 2006

General Comment
i agree with you both. it seems to be characterized by sexual deviance, although we have no way of really knowing. it could be that his "honeybee" was a super rich socialite, of age, but also taken, and he's saying, "keep it on the DL," because even though infidelity isn't as taboo as sexual deviance, it's still socially unacceptable. my question however is about the short pants. and juju beads. but honestly, i don't think we'll ever get to know. obviously this relationship wasn't allowed and so my opinion is, is that he took advantage to bring parts of their relationship public without risking the negative consequences. like, the juju beads and short pants are inside relationship info.
2worldon July 03, 2007

http://songmeanings.com/songs/view/10656/

Even in the 90s no one is going to tell an interviewer he wrote a song about child molesting.

Don't tell your momma

[PeaceNikki]

75. totes legit source!

lol

also, the interview with him i posted was from 2012.

[rug]

85. "you're the only one who reads it that way"

Totally bogus statement.

Then I'm sure he'd tell the press he wrote a song about a child molester twenty years before.

It must be "rocking hilarity".

[PeaceNikki]

87. you + one random anonymous idiot in the general comments of lyric site.

lol.

I am literally laughing. Out loud, even.

At you.

[rug]

89. I'm used to speaking to random anonymous idiots, nikki.

But, since you started this particular conversation, for your own particular reasons, it was incumbent to demonstrate you do not have the only authorized truth.

I take it you're opposed to that sort of thing.

[PeaceNikki]

90. lol... BURN!!

No, look up. You actually started it. Why? Likely to divert attention away from his criticisms of the RCC. Which is ridiculous on every level.

Thanks for the belly laughs, though!!

[rug]

91. I seriously doubt you're laughing.

[PeaceNikki]

92. Oh, I am. Out loud, even. At you.

[rug]

93. I'm surprised you're able to punctuate.

I don't. Believe. You.

[PeaceNikki]

94. My cat just posted a status on his FB page corroborating my story.

I'd link you but I don't he'd want to be your friend.

[rug]

95. Me either. You live in an imaginary world.

[PeaceNikki]

96. Honest to fuck, I didn't think I could laugh harder, but you did it, rug!!

Bravo!!

Well done!

[rug]

97. Most humor is grounded in truth.

[AtheistCrusader]

158. *snort*!

[AtheistCrusader]

80. The third 'general comment' absolutely disagrees with you.

The first comment, young != child.

[rug]

70. Yes, it must be about cheating.

Don't say a word, 'bout what we're doin'
Don't say nothin ' little honey bee

[PeaceNikki]

74. He says things you don't like about the RCC and you just find weird ways to try to make him look bad

lol, whatever.

[rug]

76. You keep fantasizing linkages.

I didn't write the song. Too bad it distracts you from your usual Catholic bashing.

[PeaceNikki]

77. .

[rug]

79. ,

[PeaceNikki]

82. ok, you and 2 others who actually talk through it and how it's probably not if you keep reading.

[AtheistCrusader]

83. Of your three examples, one flat disagrees with you, one doesn't actually support you, and the third

is the only one that supports your claim.

so... two people?

[rug]

88. "difficult to deduce for certain"

One is all that is required to rebut her claim.

[HornBuckler]

102. You must be kidding.

If you think the song is about child abuse or molestation you're projecting that. Might wanna check yourself.

[rug]

104. Project what?

Don't say nothin' little honey bee
Don't tell your momma, don't tell your sister

[HornBuckler]

108. Lyrics are open to interpretation.

The fact that you jump to child molestation is odd indeed. Perhaps he is singing about religious differences? Or perhaps it is an interracial relationship in a bigoted community? The jump to children is on you, especially when the artist contradicts your view.

[rug]

109. Sure, religious differences.

Interracial relationship.

Could be apiaries.

Or clover.

Maybe your denial says something about you. But I'm not an internet psychologist so I wouldn't make such an asinine statement.

[HornBuckler]

112. Yet you're convinced Tom is singing

About kid diddling. Thanks Sigmund.

[rug]

114. I hope you were better at reading than you are at psychology.

[HornBuckler]

118. I am still alive and continue to read.

It's cool, you hear child molestation whereas most everyone else does not. Look above, you'll find no company.

[rug]

119. I didn't write the song.

And my hearing is good. So good I didn't hear anything about "religious differences" or other defensive nonsense.

[HornBuckler]

123. I have no reason to doubt your hearing.

Honey Bee is no masterclass in poetry but as with all art it is open to interpretation. You are free to think Green Eggs and Ham is about Mussolini's fetish for breakfast sandwiches but it would not carry much weight.

[rug]

124. Yes, it's all open to interpretation, even Ted Nugent songs.

[PeaceNikki]

135. false. tweek420 from songmeanings.com agrees with rug.

[nomorenomore08]

127. Do you think Springsteen's "I'm on Fire" is about a sexual predator also?

"Hey little girl, is your daddy home?
Did he go away and leave you all alone?"

Plenty of songs you could read nefarious intent into, if you tried.

[rug]

128. Sure you can read into lyrics.

But then, you can simply read.

Don't say a word, 'bout what we're doin'
Don't say nothin' little honey bee
Don't tell your momma, don't tell your sister

[AtheistCrusader]

132. I note you chopped off her boyfriend...

That seems a little disingenuous.

[rug]

136. That sounds a little sinister.

[AtheistCrusader]

137. As well it should.

[rug]

138. If I give you beer and travel money, will you go away?

[AtheistCrusader]

141. Random.

[rug]

143. Indeed.

[AtheistCrusader]

131. The timestamp isn't an indictment, but

how do you propose to prove that isn't your own post?

[rug]

133. Your Cartesian logic eludes me.

[AtheistCrusader]

134. I'm sure it doesn't.

[nomorenomore08]

125. So there aren't *any* legitimate criticisms to be made RE: the Catholic hierarchy?

I find it hard to believe someone with a Karl Marx avatar would think that.

[rug]

130. Speaking of nefarious interpretations,

the comment is about this song compared to that song.

Somehow, I suspect your knowledge of Marx is limited to an avatar.

[nomorenomore08]

139. I was just wondering why you brought it up in this particular thread.

Were you comparing Petty's song to Nugent's infamous "Jailbait"?

[rug]

142. I'm assessing how murky you can make the obvious.

[AtheistCrusader]

145. It's not obvious. It's a tortured conclusion.

To arrive at that conclusion, you must:


Assume the 'honeybee' is underage, based on the 'mother/sister' comment, which is tenuous given the 'boyfriend' comment. There are a variety of reasons a liaison of that sort might need to be surreptitious, not having anything to do with age beyond possibly still living at home, maybe.

Assume the singer is talking about himself, rather than a young man possibly himself. Shorts reference.

I find the dearth of comments in youtube of the nature you are ascribing, very telling.

[nomorenomore08]

146. Okay, I take it you're not a Tom Petty fan. To each their own.

But what does that have to do with his perfectly valid criticisms of organized religion?

[el_bryanto]

167. Pretty weak argument. nt

[Schema Thing]

157. well unless you know kids who can give someone a car

it is about child molestation.

[archaic56]

30. Bless TOM Petty

Bless Tom Petty.. as an anti pedophile activist.. i say bless the man..The RETHUGS and their gay bashing is just the same as their Obama bashing.. covering up the crimes of wolves in sheeps clothing. Perhaps because of the type of activism I do, I have seen the horrible attacks survivors who have become activists have endured online. The way I feel about it is this.. One is a child but for 18 years adults have no right to get their pleasure from children.. end of rant

IF more folks had stood up against this horror years ago.. well..maybe my sister would be alive and my daughter would not be lost to me.

Yes, I have a dog in this fight..but I'd be complicit if I wasn't in the fight in the first place

The only people who should be shamed by sexual abuse are those who perpetrate perpetuate, and profit from it.

[Zorra]

31. Tom Petty 'Got Chills' When Democrats Used His Music

Tom Petty usually has to tell Republican politicians to stop using his music at rallies, but was pleasantly surprised to hear it at Wednesday's Democratic National Convention. President Obama had walked on stage to Petty's song "I Won't Back Down" shortly after a speech from Bill Clinton. "I got chills," Petty told Rolling Stone. "They knew it would be okay. I've had a chance to meet the President and talk to him about the music he listens to." Artists are just as politically minded as the rest of us - perhaps more so - and it often leads to disagreements when politicians use their music without permission.

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/wtf/tom_petty_got_chills_when_democrats_used_his_music.html

I've always had a few Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tunes on my playlists for almost 4 decades.

[mac56]

45. He came down hard on Michele Bachmann when she used "American Girl" at her stump speeches.

She was chastened.

[defacto7]

32. K & R

Big time K & R

[Phlem]

34. Guess you need to be a rock legend

for words like these to get any traction. Any other person on DU saying things like this would get slammed and banned.




They are more lost than they think they're found.

[underpants]

36. I completely agree but the WHY is clear

The "club" sells eternal salvation - or at least not going to hell.

The bloodthirsty "Christians" comes from the TV "news"

[OriginalGeek]

46. I've loved Tom Petty since I first found out I could pick the music I listen to

My second ever concert was TP on the Long After Dark tour and I've seen him 5 or 6 times since then.


Hope he sings forever.

[mountain grammy]

48. It's my experience, most people with talent are liberal..

and Tom Petty has a whole lot of talent. Thanks, Tom, for speaking out.

[PeaceNikki]

49. Alternet missed another REALLY important point on his new album.

Petty also tells Billboard that on Hypnotic Eye, he critiques the greed displayed by politicians who support the extremely wealthy to the detriment of the lower classes. "Very few people know how to handle power and once they just become completely immoral, they're dangerous people," Petty explains. "That attitude is what, to me, wipes out the middle class."

In addition to songs about contemporary issues, Hypnotic Eye also includes a tune that was inspired by a harrowing personal incident in Tom's life: the second of two fires that destroyed homes in which he lived. The song "All You Can Carry" specifically is about how he carried a Hofner bass that he owned to safety as the house burned.

"I grabbed that and went, 'Hell, is this going to happen to me twice in my life where everything I own is just wiped out?'" he tells Billboard. "And then I thought, 'Well, I'm OK with that.' Because things come back, but people don't."

Read On ABC News Radio: http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2014/7/18/tom-petty-critiques-catholic-church-greedy-politicians-on-ne.html#ixzz38KFfigsi

Seriously, how can you not love this man?

[freshwest]

60. Thanks for the link on him. Just gets better with all I'm reading. (dial-up warning)

[PeaceNikki]

64. I've been an obsessed fan for a couple decades now. I love seeing others lovin' on him, too.

[freshwest]

71. Me too. I really wish I'd seen him in concert!

[PeaceNikki]

72. He still tours. A lot. And just releasing a new album.

If can can, do. He puts on a great show and always travels with AMAZING artists. I've seen him with Stevie Nicks and Pearl Jam, BB King to name a few. He's travelling with Steve Winwood right now.

http://www.tompetty.com/tour2014

[SomeGuyInEagan]

99. New album got four stars in latest Rolling Stone

Issue arrived at my house yesterday. Four star review for Hypnotic Eye, solid review.

And, if you get the chance, see him and the Heartbreakers live.

[PeaceNikki]

100. As I said upthread, I've seen him 11 times... and will continue to every chance I get.

I first saw him in 1989. He comes to Milwaukee often. Howie Epstein was from here. Amazing show every single time. I own everything he's recorded, including the pre-order of Hypnotic Eye.

[SomeGuyInEagan]

156. I should have written "one" should, not "you"

They put on a great show. Campbell and Benmont are underrated players. Thurston's harmonizing is great, but Howie's harmonizing and backing vocals were over-the-top wonderful.

[freshwest]

151. Winwood fan, too. But alas, I can't do all that stuff anymore. Thanks for anohter link.

[Endgames]

51. I'm more of a hard rock and heavy metal guy...

so I like Nugent's music better, but Tom's politics are the best.

[Arugula Latte]

53. Tom cut to the chase. An evil, corrupt institution is still and evil, corrupt institution

even if it wears its supernatural/magical thinking/faith shield. Those who support it financially are supporting its crimes and cover-ups, even if they themselves are liberal and non-corrupt.

[randys1]

78. Love this line, hope he puts it in a song

It seems to me that no one’s got Christ more wrong than the Christians.

[Tikki]

81. Excellent, like his music...

Tikki

[RagAss]

86. So proud of my fellow Gainesville, Florida native.

[spanone]

101. k&r...

[rebe303]

103. I Heart TP

I've always loved and admired him soooooo much. No one gets away with BS or cruelty in his realm.

[lunasun]

106. I thought this was good for the 80's

Let your TV bleed !
Cowritten with Bob Dylan
► 4:02► 4:02

[Cha]

110. I feel the same way Tom Petty does about "religion". Thank you, Tom Petty!.. thank you, geardaddy~

"It seems to me that no one’s got Christ more wrong than the 'Christians'." Except the Liberal Christians a whole other story.

[nomorenomore08]

115. And he's certainly aged better than the Nuge...

[JEFF9K]

116. Petty is an excellent songwriter, with many hits to his credit. All Ted Nugent had ...

... was that goofy "Ass Scratch Fever," or whatever it was called.

[nomorenomore08]

140. There's also "Great White Buffalo." But two good riffs do not a great career make, by a long shot.

[Aerows]

122. Tom Petty kicks ass

I also love Joan Jett.

[babylonsister]

129. I haven't cared for his music

much, but I think I'm a convert.

How odd is this that someone who is respected talks common sense and we're all amazed? I wish more people with a loud voice would shout it out!

Thanks!

[Live and Learn]

152. If you haven't cared for his music, you haven't listened enough.

Give him some ear time and I guarantee he will captivate you.

[DonCoquixote]

144. remember people like him

when people start the whole "saw off the south" threads..Here is Tom, a rare actual FLORIDA NATIVE, who is a strong liberal.

[flamingdem]

150. Love it!

Like him more than before, how great to know this about him

[loudsue]

153. We need to start having "Liberal Concerts" to raise money for liberal causes.

I think they'd be wildly successful....polarizing, but successful.

[sendero]

154. I am a huge music lover...

... I was always more or less neutral about Tom Petty. Then I saw a documentary about him that included a lot of interview footage. I became and remain an instant fan.

[PeaceNikki]

155. I'm glad to hear that. I think he's so underrated.

Even people who are neutral about him have to admit that the number of hits he's produced is amazing.

Was it "Running Down a Dream"? This thread inspired me to rewatch it last night. He truly is a musician in every sense. He mixes rock and the blues so well.

[samsingh]

160. i'm impressed

[Z_California]

163. When you sell music for a living

it's a risk to speak your mind. I'm downloading his (and the Heartbreakers) new album today.