Album: Hard Promises (1981)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Tom Petty doesn't say much about the lyrical content of his songs, but he did tell Melody Maker in 1981 regarding "Insider": "It's one of those things in a relationship that really is the stinger. You know, you didn't trust me, you couldn't trust me... that's the way it always come out. Trust.

    When I wrote that song, I wrote it very quickly, I mean maybe in ten, 15 minutes. I just wrote it all down on paper and then I just picked up the guitar and tried to sing each line out. It took me maybe an hour to do that - it don't happen every day, fans! But the lyrics were real quick."
  • When Stevie Nicks joined Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers for some songs on their 2006 tour, Petty introduced this song by saying he he wrote it for Stevie. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Donna - Berkeley, CA

Comments: 5

  • Steve from Torrance, CaOne of the greatest "I guess I wasn't good enough for you" songs ever written. Very poignant.
  • Donna from Lodi, CaPetty did write this song for Stevie but then had a change of heart. He decided to keep it and put it on his album "Hard Promises". He then wrote "Stop Dragging My Heart Around" and gave that song to Stevie.
  • Vernon from Trinidad, Wi, OtherStevie sings backup on this as well, and the title of the album "Hard Promises" comes from these lyrics.
  • Sara Mackenzie from Middle Of Nowhere, Flthis song is great!! =^_^=
  • Vanessa from Chicago, Ili love this song ...:)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."

Hardy

HardySongwriter Interviews

The country hitmaker talks about his debut album, A Rock, and how a nursery rhyme inspired his hit single "One Beer."

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" Album

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" AlbumSong Writing

In the summer of 1990, you could get arrested for selling a 2 Live Crew album or performing their songs in Southern Florida. And that's exactly what happened.

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien Songs

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien SongsSong Writing

The trail runs from flying saucer songs in the '50s, through Bowie, blink-182 and Katy Perry.

Michelle Branch

Michelle BranchSongwriter Interviews

Michelle Branch talks about "Everywhere," "The Game Of Love," and her run-in with a Christian broadcasting network.