Depot Street

Album: single release only (1975)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Tom Petty left his native Gainesville for the West Coast on April Fool's Day, 1974, his then-band Mudcrutch having gone as far as they could go locally. They were signed by Shelter Records, and "Depot Street," credited to Thomas Petty, was their first release. Running to 3 minutes 26 seconds, it was produced by Denny Cordell.
  • It might be tempting to think this song is autobiographical, but although there is a Depot Lane in Gainesville, there is no Depot Street, and his father's name was not Mackintosh.
  • The B-side was another Petty composition, "Wild Eyes." The record was an unofficial promo release. In the US, depot is pronounced DEEP-oh; in the UK, DEPP-oh. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for all above

Comments: 1

  • Cee from Florida, UsaActually, it’s Depot AVENUE. My sister and brother in law lived on that street when they were students at the University of Florida.

    When my husband spoke to his old high school friend on the phone and told him we had heard his record on the local radio station, Tommy was annoyed because “Wild Eyes” was supposed to be the A side!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.

Adam Duritz of Counting Crows

Adam Duritz of Counting CrowsSongwriter Interviews

"Mr. Jones" took on new meaning when the song about a misguided view of fame made Adam famous.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.

Classic Metal

Classic MetalFact or Fiction

Ozzy, Guns N' Roses, Judas Priest and even Michael Bolton show up in this Classic Metal quiz.

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music Scene

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music SceneSong Writing

With $50 and a glue stick, Bruce Pavitt created Sub Pop, a fanzine-turned-label that gave the world Nirvana and grunge. He explains how motivated individuals can shift culture.