About the song
“Something Good Coming” by Tom Petty is a reflective and hopeful track from his 1994 album Wildflowers, which is widely regarded as one of his most mature and emotionally resonant works. Unlike some of his more raucous rock anthems with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, this song showcases Petty’s introspective side, offering a tender glimpse into the emotional complexity of life and relationships. It’s a song about hope, the passage of time, and the possibility of change, even in the face of uncertainty.
Released as part of an album that marked a departure from the more commercial, radio-friendly sound of Petty’s earlier work, “Something Good Coming” stands out for its understated, acoustic-driven arrangement. The song’s gentle, almost folk-like instrumentation creates a serene, contemplative atmosphere that allows Petty’s lyrics and voice to take center stage. With the subtle strumming of acoustic guitars and delicate keyboard flourishes, the song has a soft, almost lullaby-like quality that underscores the optimism in the message.
Lyrically, “Something Good Coming” is about resilience and the belief that despite the struggles, challenges, and disappointments we face in life, there is always the possibility of something positive on the horizon. The narrator expresses a deep sense of longing for something better, even though it’s not immediately clear what that might be. Lines like “I’ve been waiting for something good to come” capture this sense of quiet anticipation, suggesting that life, though difficult, has the potential for growth and renewal.
There’s an inherent sense of calm in Petty’s delivery, as he gently sings about perseverance and finding hope amid adversity. The song’s simplicity is its strength, as it avoids melodrama or overstatement, choosing instead to convey its message through quiet reflection and understated beauty. In many ways, it’s a song of patience—trusting that eventually, something good will come, even if it takes time to manifest.
“Something Good Coming” was not one of the major commercial hits from Wildflowers, but it has become a fan favorite for its emotional depth and the sincerity of its message. The song’s themes resonate with listeners who are familiar with the emotional highs and lows of life and love. The idea that something good can emerge out of difficult or painful circumstances is a universal sentiment that continues to hold weight, particularly during times of personal or societal uncertainty.
From a broader perspective, “Something Good Coming” fits neatly within the themes of Wildflowers, an album that is full of reflective, soul-searching tracks. As Petty himself noted, Wildflowers was an album that felt more personal and introspective than much of his previous work. In contrast to the driving, often restless energy of earlier Heartbreakers’ material, Wildflowers is full of songs that explore vulnerability, growth, and the quiet but undeniable power of hope. “Something Good Coming” is a prime example of this shift in focus.
Musically, the song also showcases the depth of Petty’s songwriting. The subtle production, with its mix of acoustic guitar, piano, and light percussion, enhances the track’s reflective nature. It feels intimate, as though Petty is confiding in the listener, sharing his thoughts on life’s uncertainty with the understanding that we all experience those moments of waiting for something better to come.
In conclusion, “Something Good Coming” by Tom Petty is a testament to the power of quiet optimism and the patience required to wait for life’s good moments to unfold. While the song may not have received the widespread attention of some of Petty’s bigger hits, it has earned a lasting place in his catalog as a song that offers both comfort and hope. Its understated beauty and emotional resonance continue to make it a favorite for fans who appreciate the deeper, more contemplative side of Petty’s songwriting. “Something Good Coming” reminds us that, even in times of uncertainty, the potential for something better is always just ahead, if we have the patience to wait for it.
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Lyrics
I’m watching the waterWatching the coastSuddenly I knowWhat I want the mostAnd I want to tell youStill I hold backI need some timeGet my life on trackI know that look on your faceBut there’s somethin’ lucky about this placeAnd there’s somethin’ good comin’For you and meSomethin’ good comin’There has to beAnd I’m thinking ’bout mamaAnd about the kidsAnd the way we livedAnd the things we didHow she never had a chanceNever caught a breakAnd how we pay for our big mistakesI know so well the look on your faceAnd there’s somethin’ lucky about this placeThere’s somethin’ good comin’Just over the hillSomethin’ good comin’I know it willAnd I’m in for the long runWherever it goesRidin’ the riverWherever it goesAnd I’m an honest manWork’s all I knowYou take that awayDon’t know where to goAnd I know that look that’s on your faceThere’s somethin’ lucky about this placeThere’s somethin’ good comin’For you and meSomethin’ good comin’There has to be