VIDEO | Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Home ‣My Favorite Music ‣Artists that Begin with "T"

◄ Back to "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers"

BAND | Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

"American Girl"

Last updated 📅 2025-04-17

Experience the timeless energy of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' iconic 1976 rock anthem, "American Girl"! A standout track from their debut album, its driving rhythm and signature jangle pop guitar riff defined a generation, blending power pop hooks with heartland rock sincerity.

TITLE: American Girl
BAND: Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
GENRE: Heartland Rock, Jangle Pop, New Wave, Pop Rock, Power Pop
RELEASEDAY: November 09
YEAR: 1976

Featured on the self-titled 1976 debut Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, "American Girl" immediately showcased the band's unique sound. It fused Byrds-inspired jangle pop guitar with raw power pop energy and early new wave sensibilities, creating a compelling brand of heartland rock that became instantly recognizable.

Driven by Mike Campbell's legendary opening riff and Tom Petty's evocative lyrics about youthful longing, this 1976 classic remains one of their most beloved songs. Its fusion of pop rock catchiness and rock and roll urgency cemented "American Girl" as an enduring signature track.

SONG MEANING: The song depicts a young woman feeling restless and yearning for something beyond her current circumstances ("Raised on promises..."). Standing on her balcony overlooking the highway, she contemplates the vast possibilities and uncertainties of life, embodying a spirit of youthful longing for escape, adventure, or simply a different future.

Band

"Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers"

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers stand as legends of American rock and roll, celebrated for timeless songwriting, distinctive vocals, and Mike Campbell's iconic guitar work. Their blend of heartland rock, jangle pop, and classic rock influences created decades of enduring, universally beloved anthems.

TITLE: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
ACTIVE: 1976–2017 (1976)
BAND: Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

Their incredible catalog features everything from defiant early classics defining power pop and new wave edges, to reflective later hits. This includes major heartland and garage rock driving anthems released around July 28, 1989, perfectly capturing the feeling of freedom and becoming ultimate cruisin' classics...

TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS: American Girl, Free Fallin', Breakdown, Mary Jane's Last Dance, I Won't Back Down, Refugee, Don't Do Me Like That, Learning to Fly, Runnin' Down A Dream

Go to "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers" Page

BAND | Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

"Free Fallin'"

Glide into Tom Petty's timeless 1989 rock classic, "Free Fallin'." A signature song from his solo album Full Moon Fever, its shimmering guitars and evocative lyrics capture a feeling of bittersweet liberation. This heartland rock anthem remains one of Petty's most beloved and enduring hits.

TITLE: Free Fallin'
BAND: Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
GENRE: Folk Rock, Heartland Rock, Pop Rock
RELEASEDAY: October 27
YEAR: 1989

Released as a major hit single from Tom Petty's massively successful 1989 solo album Full Moon Fever, "Free Fallin'" soared up the charts worldwide...

Watch Video and Read More

◄ Back to "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers"

Breakdown

Mary Jane's Last Dance

I Won't Back Down

Refugee

◄ Back to "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers"

Don't Do Me Like That

Learning to Fly

Runnin' Down A Dream

◄ Back to "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers"

Developer Information