

Petty was inspired to write the song after he was forced to wait for an executive from his record label at a meeting without knowing the purpose of the meeting. The song's popularity was acknowledged by Rolling Stone, who placed it at #1 on their list of the "Top 10 Tom Petty Songs of All Time." It is one of the band's most popular and recognizable songs, receiving regular radio play over the past few decades. The song was released in 1981 as a part of the band's album "Hard Promises." If you find inaccuracies, you can request we run a fact check here or highlight specific content to report it. Interesting facts about "The Waiting" by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers: The song as a whole is a celebration of love and happiness, but it acknowledges the reality that sometimes it can be challenging to wait for those moments. He expresses his willingness to be there for her in difficult times, promising to always support her. In the final verse, the narrator encourages his partner not to let anything get to her, as he pledges to be there for her always. It also suggests that he now understands not to chase after anyone else anymore. The second verse echoes the sentiments of the opening verse, reiterating that no one has made him feel the way he does currently. The metaphor of seeing "one more card" feels like a reference to a hand of cards in a game, providing the image of the stakes being raised regularly. The narrator is waiting for something to happen, with each passing day feeling as though he is being dragged out further and further. The chorus of the song is where the titular phrase "the waiting is the hardest part" is repeated multiple times, driving home the message of the song. Despite his feelings, he remains realistic and describes no one being able to prepare him for this particular sensation, suggesting that it is something unique and unanticipated. He acknowledges that he has never experienced anything like it before, and he is uncertain if he will ever experience it again. The opening lines serve as a declaration of happiness and contentment, with the narrator likening his current situation to that of heaven, something that is almost too good to be true. "The Waiting" by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers is a song that explores the complexity of waiting for something to happen, particularly in a romantic context. I'll be your bleedin' heart, I'll be your cryin' foolĭon't let this go too far, don't let it get to you Oh, don't let it kill you, baby, don't let it get to youĭon't let 'em kill you, baby, don't let 'em get to you To make me wanna live like I wanna live now Yeah, then there were those that made me feel goodīaby, you're the only one that's ever known how Well yeah, I might have chased a couple of women around You take it on faith, you take it to the heart
