There used to be this real sense of community integrity in rock. It has really eroded. Everyone seems to be on their own now.
Interpretation
The quote reflects a decline in the sense of unity and community within the music industry, particularly rock music.
Tom Petty expresses nostalgia for a time when the rock music community was characterized by a strong sense of integrity and togetherness. He observes that this communal spirit has diminished over time, leaving individuals feeling isolated in a competitive environment where collaboration and support have been replaced by self-interest.
In practice
In a discussion about the current state of the music industry.
When my record company rejected 'Full Moon Fever', I was hurt so bad. I was pretty far along in my career at that point. I'd never had anything rejected; I'd never really even had a comment. So when that happened, it was really just a board to the forehead. But then, finally, I picked myself up.
I developed a problem with authority. Any time that authority was what I interpreted as being unjust, I stood up to it, and that became my personality.
I don't know, my music has always just come from where the wind blew me. Like where I'm at during a particular moment in time.
Music really isn’t supposed to be perfect. It’s all about people relating to each other and doing something that’s really from the soul. It must come from the soul.
It's hard for me... If I don't have a project going, I don't feel like I'm connected to anything. I don't even think it's that healthy for me. I like to get out of bed and have a purpose.
I think for it to be hip to be idealistic is weird, you know? I mean, even all the best rebels to me, had some sense of hope in them.
Marriages come and go, but divorce is forever.
I like people too much or not at all. I've got to go down deep, to fall into people, to really know them.
... fighting for gay marriage generally involves lying about what we are going to do with marriage when we get there-because we lie that the institution of marriage is not going to change, and that is a lie. The institution of marriage is going to change, and it should change. And again, I don't think it should exist.
Many marriages would be better if the husband and the wife clearly understood that they are on the same side.
Does not a man physically tremble under the mere look of a wild beast or fellow-man that is stronger than himself? Does not a woman redden all over when she feels her lover's eyes on her? How then should one doubt the mysterious power of one individual over another?
Baboons who have friends do much better in terms of their physiology. And if that applies to a baboon, it could certainly apply for a human.
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