Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers — Breakdown (Live)
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Length: 7:47
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It's all right if you love me
It's all right if you don't
I'm not afraid of you running away
Honey, I've got the feeling you won't
There is no sense in pretending
Your eyes give you away
Something inside you is feeling like I do
We said all there is to say
Baby Breakdown
Go ahead and give it to me
Breakdown honey take me through the night
Breakdown now I standin' here can't you see
Breakdown, it's all right
It's all right
It's all right
Breakdown
Go ahead and give it to me
Breakdown honey take me through the night
Breakdown now I standin' here can't you see
Breakdown, it's all right
It's all right
It's all right
It's all right if you don't
I'm not afraid of you running away
Honey, I've got the feeling you won't
There is no sense in pretending
Your eyes give you away
Something inside you is feeling like I do
We said all there is to say
Baby Breakdown
Go ahead and give it to me
Breakdown honey take me through the night
Breakdown now I standin' here can't you see
Breakdown, it's all right
It's all right
It's all right
Breakdown
Go ahead and give it to me
Breakdown honey take me through the night
Breakdown now I standin' here can't you see
Breakdown, it's all right
It's all right
It's all right
Comments (211)add comment
i think it's all right. 
Knock out!!!
Such an awesome version of this song! It really shows how good tunes can morph and grow with the many, many live airings they might get, a tight band and an inventive frontman. There's another liver version in which the band starts up and the audience sings the whole song. Joyfully. Petty wryly comments "you're gonna put me out of a job."
Well I remember how it was to hear this song come over the FM airwaves! IT BLEW US AWAY! That one was the "first" live version I'll never forget, and when I saw Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers live at Red Rocks, it was an even better one, but, hey, this one will do, because we are dealing with immortal stuff here!
Damn I miss Tom Petty!
TillDerDill wrote:
Can someone explain it to a kid that doesnt understand it?
33 1/3 RPM was one of the standard speeds for vinyl records back in the day.
Can someone explain it to a kid that doesnt understand it?
33 1/3 RPM was one of the standard speeds for vinyl records back in the day.
markybx wrote:
Can someone explain it to a kid that doesnt understand it?
That reminds me (random anecdote follows), a DJ friend of mine, a few years back, threw a big party to celebrate his 33 1/3 birthday. Kids these days wouldn't understand the significance.
Can someone explain it to a kid that doesnt understand it?
Great band. Overplayed here. Sorry.
Cynaera wrote:
Maybe think of it this way: When the groove is right, there's all manner of improvisations that keep the groove going. A lot of live music is about wandering, testing, playing, and just getting saturated in the whole experience. If an artist is comfortable with the band, and if the audience is receptive, it's pretty hard to stick to the original version of a song. It's about playfulness, flexibility, and trust.
If you're not happy with the live version of this, stick with the studio version and quit bitching. (I mean that in a gently snarky way, with a hug and a cup of chamomile tea.)
It's also a handy way to figure who are the fans, the fanatic and the wannabees. You can hear 4 separate rounds of applause as the various levels of devotion figure out what going on ( more specifically, which song they're starting). The liberties the artist takes with their song and the interactions with the audience are a big part why I go to see live performances. also, to a lesser extent to see if they can actually do live what they put on record (he said, dating the hell out of himself).
Maybe think of it this way: When the groove is right, there's all manner of improvisations that keep the groove going. A lot of live music is about wandering, testing, playing, and just getting saturated in the whole experience. If an artist is comfortable with the band, and if the audience is receptive, it's pretty hard to stick to the original version of a song. It's about playfulness, flexibility, and trust.
If you're not happy with the live version of this, stick with the studio version and quit bitching. (I mean that in a gently snarky way, with a hug and a cup of chamomile tea.)
It's also a handy way to figure who are the fans, the fanatic and the wannabees. You can hear 4 separate rounds of applause as the various levels of devotion figure out what going on ( more specifically, which song they're starting). The liberties the artist takes with their song and the interactions with the audience are a big part why I go to see live performances. also, to a lesser extent to see if they can actually do live what they put on record (he said, dating the hell out of himself).
Stetsonman wrote:
I know; he'll never get anywhere.
the bloke cannot sing
I know; he'll never get anywhere.
Good Christ. I miss Tom Petty more every day.
Stetsonman wrote:
And yet it still works...
the bloke cannot sing
And yet it still works...
the bloke cannot sing
I saw them in Lucca / Italy. And to this very day it was the best show of my life for many many reasons. 1. Lucca / italy ^^ 2. my brother getting one great italian wine after another 3. omg... TOOOOOM PETTTYYY 4. maybe only 4-5 k people in the crowd - all cool - all of them singing with everything they can. One of the best memories of my life.
So no matter how long the intro might be... keep it going!
So no matter how long the intro might be... keep it going!
I love the live version on pack up the plantation!
Man, there's some pain in this performance. A medley of tough breaks.
You almost want to take him in your arms and hug him until he stops shaking.
You almost want to take him in your arms and hug him until he stops shaking.
ColdMiser wrote:
Saw a bumper sticker recently that said 78 RPM, a speed we can all live with
Trivia question: How many grooves are on a 33 1/3 album?
Only one groove, baby
Saw a bumper sticker recently that said 78 RPM, a speed we can all live with
Trivia question: How many grooves are on a 33 1/3 album?
Only one groove, baby
It's the old cliché "you had to be there"....
Oh hey look, it's a mashup. Clever.
Live is life!
70 years and I never experienced Tom Petty in concert real time. My daughter did and she was blown away, and thanked me afterward. It's all right...
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were one of the best, tightest, most musical, and most "feeling" bands to ever take the stage. Their music is not complicated, but like it or not, they were absolute masters of their craft in a live setting.
Cynaera wrote:
Maybe think of it this way: When the groove is right, there's all manner of improvisations that keep the groove going. A lot of live music is about wandering, testing, playing, and just getting saturated in the whole experience. If an artist is comfortable with the band, and if the audience is receptive, it's pretty hard to stick to the original version of a song. It's about playfulness, flexibility, and trust.
If you're not happy with the live version of this, stick with the studio version and quit bitching. (I mean that in a gently snarky way, with a hug and a cup of chamomile tea.)
Agree 100% - well said.
The Heartbreakers and Petty were so tight, and so in-the-groove in a live setting, as anyone who has seen them will attest to. Their reach never exceeded their grasp, and they could feel that groove for hours.
Songs like this - moments like this - are what make live music such a wonderful experience.
Maybe think of it this way: When the groove is right, there's all manner of improvisations that keep the groove going. A lot of live music is about wandering, testing, playing, and just getting saturated in the whole experience. If an artist is comfortable with the band, and if the audience is receptive, it's pretty hard to stick to the original version of a song. It's about playfulness, flexibility, and trust.
If you're not happy with the live version of this, stick with the studio version and quit bitching. (I mean that in a gently snarky way, with a hug and a cup of chamomile tea.)
Agree 100% - well said.
The Heartbreakers and Petty were so tight, and so in-the-groove in a live setting, as anyone who has seen them will attest to. Their reach never exceeded their grasp, and they could feel that groove for hours.
Songs like this - moments like this - are what make live music such a wonderful experience.
Jelani wrote:
You've held that {incorrect} position for over a decade. To rebut, I re-share the reply to an earlier comment of yours from the great Cynaera:
Cynaera wrote:
Maybe think of it this way: When the groove is right, there's all manner of improvisations that keep the groove going. A lot of live music is about wandering, testing, playing, and just getting saturated in the whole experience. If an artist is comfortable with the band, and if the audience is receptive, it's pretty hard to stick to the original version of a song. It's about playfulness, flexibility, and trust.
If you're not happy with the live version of this, stick with the studio version and quit bitching. (I mean that in a gently snarky way, with a hug and a cup of chamomile tea.)
He really ruins this song in this version.
You've held that {incorrect} position for over a decade. To rebut, I re-share the reply to an earlier comment of yours from the great Cynaera:
Cynaera wrote:
Maybe think of it this way: When the groove is right, there's all manner of improvisations that keep the groove going. A lot of live music is about wandering, testing, playing, and just getting saturated in the whole experience. If an artist is comfortable with the band, and if the audience is receptive, it's pretty hard to stick to the original version of a song. It's about playfulness, flexibility, and trust.
If you're not happy with the live version of this, stick with the studio version and quit bitching. (I mean that in a gently snarky way, with a hug and a cup of chamomile tea.)
He really ruins this song in this version.
AbileneTexas wrote:
Me too.
I saw him 4x and he was in fact amazing live
Me too.
I saw him 4x and he was in fact amazing live
TLynneHenry wrote:
Me too.
This is making me regret that I never saw Petty live in concert.
Me too.
tomperth1 wrote:
Live and Learn, makes not dying worthwhile!
I always enjoyed Tom Petty's music, without being a huge fan. Then a friend gave me a copy of his Greatest Hits, and I was knocked out - song after song of immense quality.
Live and Learn, makes not dying worthwhile!
This is making me regret that I never saw Petty live in concert.
Silvervanman wrote:
Absolutely. Is this guy one of the moronic "play something we know" brigade? I love it when a band improvises and it's half the reason for going to see them live anyway, otherwise might as well sit at home and put the record on
When I saw TP he did Breakdown similar but it kinda went with the audience participation, and we were loving it. He gave his all on stage and we loved him for it. That and the great music. And, that's alright.
Absolutely. Is this guy one of the moronic "play something we know" brigade? I love it when a band improvises and it's half the reason for going to see them live anyway, otherwise might as well sit at home and put the record on
When I saw TP he did Breakdown similar but it kinda went with the audience participation, and we were loving it. He gave his all on stage and we loved him for it. That and the great music. And, that's alright.
Cynaera wrote:
Maybe think of it this way: When the groove is right, there's all manner of improvisations that keep the groove going. A lot of live music is about wandering, testing, playing, and just getting saturated in the whole experience. If an artist is comfortable with the band, and if the audience is receptive, it's pretty hard to stick to the original version of a song. It's about playfulness, flexibility, and trust.
If you're not happy with the live version of this, stick with the studio version and quit bitching. (I mean that in a gently snarky way, with a hug and a cup of chamomile tea.)
Absolutely. Is this guy one of the moronic "play something we know" brigade? I love it when a band improvises and it's half the reason for going to see them live anyway, otherwise might as well sit at home and put the record on
Maybe think of it this way: When the groove is right, there's all manner of improvisations that keep the groove going. A lot of live music is about wandering, testing, playing, and just getting saturated in the whole experience. If an artist is comfortable with the band, and if the audience is receptive, it's pretty hard to stick to the original version of a song. It's about playfulness, flexibility, and trust.
If you're not happy with the live version of this, stick with the studio version and quit bitching. (I mean that in a gently snarky way, with a hug and a cup of chamomile tea.)
Absolutely. Is this guy one of the moronic "play something we know" brigade? I love it when a band improvises and it's half the reason for going to see them live anyway, otherwise might as well sit at home and put the record on
h8rhater wrote:
Even better at the Whiskey in'77
My first rock and roll show: TP and the Heartbreakers, Merriweather Post, Summer '79. They put a fire in me that I've had since that day. Damn the Torpedoes. Full speed ahead.
The end of an era come too soon. Tom Petty. RIP.
The end of an era come too soon. Tom Petty. RIP.
Even better at the Whiskey in'77
Goes to 9 today
And I thought for a second it's Suzy Quattro funny , I wonder if I am sound and well
Jesus Christ! What a fabulous version of this song! I’m a give it a 10
Thanks for the great music Tom,rest easy🙏
I always enjoyed Tom Petty's music, without being a huge fan. Then a friend gave me a copy of his Greatest Hits, and I was knocked out - song after song of immense quality.
Miannb wrote:
I +1'd this tune b/c of that little bit of "Hit the Road, Jack" - glad my wife got to see TP a month before his too-soon-death....a little jealous I couldn't go though....what's hers is mine, right, including her memories? Long Live RP and RIP TP!!
The segue into "Hit the Road, Jack" just flat out killed me.
I +1'd this tune b/c of that little bit of "Hit the Road, Jack" - glad my wife got to see TP a month before his too-soon-death....a little jealous I couldn't go though....what's hers is mine, right, including her memories? Long Live RP and RIP TP!!
Great to hear a live version of this Tom Petty classic! :)
Intro makes double alive this unique song.
TP's best!
h8rhater wrote:
I saw a show on that tour, standing in the front row; awesome.
My first rock and roll show: TP and the Heartbreakers, Merriweather Post, Summer '79. They put a fire in me that I've had since that day. Damn the Torpedoes. Full speed ahead.
The end of an era come too soon. Tom Petty. RIP.
The end of an era come too soon. Tom Petty. RIP.
I saw a show on that tour, standing in the front row; awesome.
"It's All Right"
this kicks ass!
s'alright!
Long live TP.
markybx wrote:
Saw a bumper sticker recently that said 78 RPM, a speed we can all live with
That reminds me (random anecdote follows), a DJ friend of mine, a few years back, threw a big party to celebrate his 33 1/3 birthday. Kids these days wouldn't understand the significance.
Saw a bumper sticker recently that said 78 RPM, a speed we can all live with
That reminds me (random anecdote follows), a DJ friend of mine, a few years back, threw a big party to celebrate his 33 1/3 birthday. Kids these days wouldn't understand the significance.
Classic Tom Petty 
The segue into "Hit the Road, Jack" just flat out killed me.
cc_rider wrote:
Rock In Peace.
Rock In Peace.
Thank you Tom, you channeled magic in your music and touched my heart with your sometimes quiet, sometimes defiant, always pure, raw reality.
"Music is probably the only real magic I have encountered in my life. There's not some trick involved with it.
It's pure and it's real.
It moves, it heals, it communicates.
And does all these incredible things."
- Tom Petty 1950 - 2017
"Music is probably the only real magic I have encountered in my life. There's not some trick involved with it.
It's pure and it's real.
It moves, it heals, it communicates.
And does all these incredible things."
- Tom Petty 1950 - 2017
Sigh. . . RIP Tom, you were a great inspiration.
My first rock and roll show: TP and the Heartbreakers, Merriweather Post, Summer '79. They put a fire in me that I've had since that day. Damn the Torpedoes. Full speed ahead.
The end of an era come too soon. Tom Petty. RIP.
The end of an era come too soon. Tom Petty. RIP.
Another brilliant light extinguished…
RIP, Tom. Thank you for sharing your talents over the years.
RIP, Tom. Thank you for sharing your talents over the years.
Another great one gone. This, more than the aches and pains and blurry eyesight, makes me feel like I'm aging.
Thanks for the great music, old friend. RIP
Thanks for the great music, old friend. RIP
Thank you for everything, Tom. What an outstanding songwriter, musician, and, from all accounts both personal and reported, person. You are already missed terribly.
TampaPurple wrote:
From one Floridian to another - Thanks, Tom, for all the music. Rest in Peace.
Almost forgot but see in the comments this was my upload, 7 years ago.
Something reassuring about hearing it today, despite the terrible news. Live versions can have their quirks but this is a reminder, beyond all the "radio hits" what a great performer Tom Petty (& the Heartbreakers!) were. We'll have it forever.
Something reassuring about hearing it today, despite the terrible news. Live versions can have their quirks but this is a reminder, beyond all the "radio hits" what a great performer Tom Petty (& the Heartbreakers!) were. We'll have it forever.
No one gets out'ta here alive. But while you were here, Sir Tom of the Petty clan, you did good! I wish you well with whatever awaits you, and for that matter I say the same for us all. Go with grace! Salute! 
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Shocking. Sad. More evidence of the end of another era. But it's life. That's the way it works. Tom, you and the band sure ran down that dream. Simple but sincere and smokin' hot rock and roll.
Big Love to Mr. Petty. 
talented songwriter and musician
fantastic band
so sad
fantastic band
so sad
From one Floridian to another - Thanks, Tom, for all the music. Rest in Peace.
RIP Tom. You provided a great deal of the music to the soundtrack of my life. Thank you.
R.I.P. Tom Petty! 
Sad news and too young to go.
Been listening to a lot of Tom Petty and Traveling Wilburys to honor the recent and sudden passing of a legend :-(
So sad...RIP, Tom.
THANK YOU BILL!!!!
RIP Mr. Petty.
RIP Mr. Petty.
CruzanBits wrote:
From one IT guy to another... luckily they have not figured out that a simple 'reboot' fixes 9 out of 10 IT problems otherwise we really would be out of a job
I use the phrase "You're gonna put me out of a job" all the time when someone takes it upon themselves to just Google something rather than asking me, the IT guy. Makes me smile every time.
From one IT guy to another... luckily they have not figured out that a simple 'reboot' fixes 9 out of 10 IT problems otherwise we really would be out of a job
I use the phrase "You're gonna put me out of a job" all the time when someone takes it upon themselves to just Google something rather than asking me, the IT guy. Makes me smile every time.
love it! absolutely beautiful.
This is an incredible version of an immortal song. I was lucky and blessed to see them jam at Red Rocks summer of '85. Incendiary...
did I hit 10 by mistake? this is the anti-Deadote. 😁 I remember this song from Row 2. sallright.
Meolla_Reio wrote:
i know right the studio version never got much air so play that again for the 37-millionth time
Can we please stop with this (live) theme? Unbelievably annoying. I would have liked the song otherwise. =
i know right the studio version never got much air so play that again for the 37-millionth time
Can we please stop with this (live) theme? Unbelievably annoying. I would have liked the song otherwise. =\
His silly improv-o-rap/spoken word BS totally ruins this.
Great, but seems overplayed lately.
Amazing version.....always love hearing it!
awesome music (+ Grace Jones' stunning visage : )
treatment_bound wrote:
She is rather intimidating...
..
Nah, just think Oscar with shoulders
She is rather intimidating...
..
Nah, just think Oscar with shoulders
Yup... this got my head bobbing up and down! :-)
how can i find this exact version on YouTube? gahhh.... lOvE
123K
123K
Go G-ville, FL!! 
Got me smiling!
Thank you TJOpoopertoot! Super sounds from a super band
This was my upload and it's always a lovely surprise to hear it come on and brighten up the day.
As it nears its end, I realize I've been smiling for the last five minutes.
Classic song of course, and nice album cover art.
All that chit-chat is good chit-chat...
All time classic song from his Tom-ness, although I generally hate live recordings (including this one) unless I was at the concert!
these guys are alright
This is one of THE ultimate live song recordings. I always enjoy hearing it.
pkimbrel wrote:
Don't usually go for Tom Petty, but this is good. Slipping in "Hit the Road Jack" is a nice touch.
Don't usually go for the live recordings. But this is awesome!!
Don't usually go for Tom Petty, but this is good. Slipping in "Hit the Road Jack" is a nice touch.
Don't usually go for the live recordings. But this is awesome!!
i remember nights closing up the restaurant for the night, requesting this song, and shouting along, "BREAK DOWN!" different context, but a great song. and this live version is brilliant.
funkyalfonso wrote:
Really? I thought Grace Jones sang it wonderfully. Sorta dangerous.
She is rather intimidating...
..
Really? I thought Grace Jones sang it wonderfully. Sorta dangerous.
She is rather intimidating...
..
The, "buppa bubbubba buppa bubbubba buppa bubbubba buppa bubbubba buppa bubbubba buppa bubbubba" part gets harder and harder to listen to. Otherwise a great song.
Learning to fly... ;-)
RP probably shouldn't play this, because every time this plays - I have to leave RP to listen to this album again (and again).
SIR TOM!!!
funkyalfonso wrote:
Really? I thought Grace Jones sang it wonderfully. Sorta dangerous.
Just the song? Grace Jones is dangerous. Must, must check that cover out. Loved her song "Slave to the Rhythm" and her version of "Warm Leatherette." Oh, and "Walking In the Rain."
Really? I thought Grace Jones sang it wonderfully. Sorta dangerous.
Just the song? Grace Jones is dangerous. Must, must check that cover out. Loved her song "Slave to the Rhythm" and her version of "Warm Leatherette." Oh, and "Walking In the Rain."
10, of course!
Tom Petty is one of the best "big shows" I've ever seen. He can really connect, even with a 25K people in the crowd. Great entertainer.
Businessgypsy wrote:
He is indeed a heck of a designer. I saw an exhibition of his in Boston in January 2009. Very cool stuff.
Businessgypsy wrote:
Shepard Fairey sometimes infuriates me with his attitudes and preachiness - but the dude is a hell of a designer and a master propagandist. I might want to knuckle up with him over politics, but I'd be honored to buy him a beer afterward and discuss space division. Excellent cover art, Mr. Fairey.
He is indeed a heck of a designer. I saw an exhibition of his in Boston in January 2009. Very cool stuff.
Shepard Fairey sometimes infuriates me with his attitudes and preachiness - but the dude is a hell of a designer and a master propagandist. I might want to knuckle up with him over politics, but I'd be honored to buy him a beer afterward and discuss space division. Excellent cover art, Mr. Fairey.
enkay wrote:
Smeagol? Is that you?
You gollum be kidding!
Smeagol? Is that you?
You gollum be kidding!
Lazarus wrote:
love this live version as much as I love biting the heads of live delicious fish...
Smeagol? Is that you?
love this live version as much as I love biting the heads of live delicious fish...
Smeagol? Is that you?
love this live version as much as I love biting the heads of live delicious fish...
hbs47 wrote:
Clearly you have never been to a Tom Petty concert which is a shame for you. The audience is encouraged to sing along on Breakdown. They have been since the song was written and first performed 30+ years ago. Check out the live version on 1984's Pack Up the Plantation. They are doing what the artist wishes. It wouldn't the same without it.
A great live album, spoilt by the audience. Probably American or at least learned from them , why can't you just listen to the music and then applaud at the end. You have say look at me I recognise a tune, and go yeah at every opportunity.
Singing along is different.
Singing along is different.
Clearly you have never been to a Tom Petty concert which is a shame for you. The audience is encouraged to sing along on Breakdown. They have been since the song was written and first performed 30+ years ago. Check out the live version on 1984's Pack Up the Plantation. They are doing what the artist wishes. It wouldn't the same without it.
This is a nice, chill rendition of a song that I don't much care for in its studio incarnation. Could do without the crowd noise, but it still merits a solid 6.
Like it.
rlr511 wrote:
Because he is an amazing artist and at 7:6 Richter Scale and 609 postings says it all... Keep it up Bill and Rebecca here's one happy bunny here..
not sure why RP plays this guy so much. there's only so much Tom Petty i can take on a daily basis.
Because he is an amazing artist and at 7:6 Richter Scale and 609 postings says it all... Keep it up Bill and Rebecca here's one happy bunny here..
bb_matt wrote:
Nice comparison! Has the same swagger as Phil and his boys in their prime.
So clearly the same era and similar style to Thin Lizzy - really reminds me of them, or them of this :)
Classic.
Classic.
Nice comparison! Has the same swagger as Phil and his boys in their prime.
not sure why RP plays this guy so much. there's only so much Tom Petty i can take on a daily basis.
So clearly the same era and similar style to Thin Lizzy - really reminds me of them, or them of this :)
Classic.
Classic.
marvelous...
Second rock show I've ever been to -- (first was Chuck Berry). Saw them in a Reno gymnasium just before they hit the big time -- they were jammin new songs -- American Girl and Rebels. Rebels is still one of my top faves.