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Tom Petty — Square One
Album: Highway Companion
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1475









Released: 2006
Length: 3:19
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Had to find some higher ground
Had some fear to get around
You can't say what you don't know
Later on won't work no more
Last time through I hid my tracks
So well I could not get back
Yeah my way was hard to find
Can't sell your soul for peace of mind

Square one, my slate is clear
Rest your head on me my dear
It took a world of trouble, it took a world of tears
It took a long time to get back here

Try so hard to stand alone
Struggle to see past my nose
Always had more dogs than bones
I could never wear those clothes
It's a dark victory
You won and you also lost
Told her you were satisfied
But it never came across

Square one, my slate is clear
Rest your head on me my dear
It took a world of trouble, it took a world of tears
It took a long time to get back here

Square one, my slate is clear
Rest your head on me my dear
It took a world of trouble, it took a world of tears
It took a long time to get back here

Square one, my slate is clear
Rest your head on me my dear
It took a world of trouble, it took a world of tears
It took a long time to get back here
Comments (82)add comment
After a lot of consideration and listening, and granted there are many great TP songs, I think Square One is his masterpiece. At least, it hits me in the feels every time.
Posted 1 year ago by paulmcnett    [ Reply ]
Sweet.
Posted 4 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
   pure genius in its simplicity.. 
Posted 4 years ago by moodfood    [ Reply ]
One of the best songs.  A week ago, I was fortunate to hear Mike Campbell play "Free Falling" in NYC at the Madison Square Garden Fleetwood Mac concert. It was heavenly.
Posted 5 years ago by milesfinn    [ Reply ]
For me, Tom Petty is the only classic rocker who kept creating quality work all through his career. Not just songwriting, but vocals and production. I love his later albums, including the solo ones like this. They're thoughtful, sometimes biting, sometimes wistful, and they sound great. He may not have been the flashiest, but he endures.  
Posted 5 years ago by ariadne223    [ Reply ]
Never heard this one before. Such a beautiful, melancholy song. Made all the more bittersweet with his passing. RIP, Tom.
Posted 6 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
We have lost many artists recently, but with Tom I feel like a lost a friend.  Peace.
 
Posted 6 years ago by teleskialaska    [ Reply ]
I really regret not seeing Tom Petty last month In Berkeley.  I told a friend and we were going to go but a stupid miscommunication and logistical BS kept me from my last opportunity to see this rock and roll legend.  An opportunity I will never see again.  At least I can say I saw him 35 years ago at the US Festival in San Bernardino.  Great show as I remember.
Posted 6 years ago by rpdevotee    [ Reply ]
 DaMoGan wrote:
RIP Tom

 
Went too soon. Will be sorely missed!
Posted 6 years ago by Vinni_NL    [ Reply ]
RIP Tom
Posted 6 years ago by DaMoGan    [ Reply ]
Ex girlfriend was a huge TP fan. Can't listen to him without being transported back to the good times, bad times and all the healing. Square one, the slate is clear. 
Posted 7 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
Whole album=exellent!
Posted 9 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Good stuff. I need to pick up some of his newer material. Pretty sure the last thing I have from him is Wildflowers... : )
Posted 9 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
Just the song I needed today. Thanks RP
Posted 9 years ago by musikluvr    [ Reply ]
Radio Paradise has introduced me to whole different side of Tom Petty that I'd never heard before. For that alone I'm appreciative but there's a whole lot more.
Posted 10 years ago by vaiodon    [ Reply ]
{#Heartkiss} ........ beautiful song
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
Tom Petty is astonishing. I'd never heard this song before, and now I'm being saturated with his music, and I wonder why I don't have everything he's ever done?  Beautiful song...{#Sunny}
 

Miss you so much, Cynaera...

love this song...
 
Posted 10 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Thought this was TP.  Different kind of cut for him.  Nice!
Posted 10 years ago by joelbb    [ Reply ]
This IS a great tune!  Thanks PSD! 
Posted 11 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
Tom Petty just doesn't do bad albums IMO.   {#Clap}

Posted 12 years ago by hbs47    [ Reply ]
Love this song. Reminds me of my trip to Bali- listened to this cd nonstop. Great traveling music. Love Tom. When I he coming back to bay area?
Posted 13 years ago by JenHammond    [ Reply ]
 Mindscrape wrote:
Usually I like Tom Petty, but I don't like this song. It's too circular.
 

That's an unusual criticism, particularly since the song is titled "Square One" (perhaps that was your intention).  At least you didn't write the nauseatingly over-used adjective "repetitive".

Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Nice one!
Posted 13 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
My uber-talented husband used to play and sing this; he learned it while in rehab. Unfortunately the rehab didn't stick and now he's gone.
RIP funnyman. <3
Posted 13 years ago by fingerpin    [ Reply ]
This whole album is very good...and I'm not a die hard fan.

Posted 13 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Tom Petty is astonishing. I'd never heard this song before, and now I'm being saturated with his music, and I wonder why I don't have everything he's ever done?  Beautiful song...{#Sunny}
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
I've never heard this song before — loving it right now.
Posted 13 years ago by linden    [ Reply ]
Europe are waiting or I´m going to US this summer.
Posted 14 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]
 capandjudy wrote:

Yes!! "Running Down A Dream" is an exceptionally good film. It reintroduced me to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and turned my wife into a fan. Films about rock bands and musicians tend to really get self indulgent and boring but the Bogdanovich film will draw in even someone who is not especially a fan even though it is four hours long.
 
It's good, I bought it, got a deal, Circuit City close out 80% of I think I paid $7 for it. Best $7 I've spent in a while.  ( =

Posted 14 years ago by parrothead    [ Reply ]
 rasta_tiger wrote:
I've never been a big fan of Petty's. Always let his songs play out on the radio but never sought them out. Having said that, I'd really recommend the new documentary on Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. I came across it weeks ago on the Sundance Channel. It was long (4 hrs) but it was really interesting. I gained a whole new level of respect for him. Just a solid songwriter working his trade. Nothing revolutionary but worthy all the same. I think it's called 'Runnin' Down a Dream'. Worth a Netflix rental if you have the time.
 
Got it from a bandmate as a Christmas gift.  Very enjoyable.  It was interesting to see the evolution of the band from
the beginning to the present.

Posted 14 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
A very chilled-out and reflective Tom Petty tune...I'm digging it. {#Yes}
Posted 14 years ago by Tim_in_N_FL    [ Reply ]
best wel een mooi liedje!
Posted 15 years ago by bobcat1963    [ Reply ]
 PurplePrincess wrote:

There is just something about this song that gets me every time.

 
Me too, but not in the good way it gets you. I bought this album on the strength of 2 songs played from it on RP, but it turns out those 2 were the only listenable numbers and I eventually gave the CD away to a charity shop.

Posted 15 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]

There is just something about this song that gets me every time.


Posted 15 years ago by PurplePrincess    [ Reply ]
If you've just had your heart broken, this song slays! Some days it's a 10, others it's a 2
Posted 15 years ago by colleen    [ Reply ]
Jimi_the_Saint wrote:
Opposite reaction, here. I usually don't care for Petty. I've seen him a couple of times, and walk away unimpressed. But this song? I like it a lot.
Same here.Never saw him in concert, but don't really get into most of his stuff. But this quiet little piece really sings . . . Works well with the "unique" qualities of his voice, IMHO . . .
Posted 16 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
This evokes emotions about poor Lica...Good song, thanks
Posted 16 years ago by Naaldekoker    [ Reply ]
Mindscrape wrote:
Usually I like Tom Petty, but I don't like this song. It's too circular.
Opposite reaction, here. I usually don't care for Petty. I've seen him a couple of times, and walk away unimpressed. But this song? I like it a lot.
Posted 16 years ago by Jimi_the_Saint    [ Reply ]
rasta_tiger wrote:
I've never been a big fan of Petty's. Always let his songs play out on the radio but never sought them out. Having said that, I'd really recommend the new documentary on Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. I came across it weeks ago on the Sundance Channel. It was long (4 hrs) but it was really interesting. I gained a whole new level of respect for him. Just a solid songwriter working his trade. Nothing revolutionary but worthy all the same. I think it's called 'Runnin' Down a Dream'. Worth a Netflix rental if you have the time.
Yes!! "Running Down A Dream" is an exceptionally good film. It reintroduced me to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and turned my wife into a fan. Films about rock bands and musicians tend to really get self indulgent and boring but the Bogdanovich film will draw in even someone who is not especially a fan even though it is four hours long.
Posted 16 years ago by capandjudy    [ Reply ]
I've never been a big fan of Petty's. Always let his songs play out on the radio but never sought them out. Having said that, I'd really recommend the new documentary on Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. I came across it weeks ago on the Sundance Channel. It was long (4 hrs) but it was really interesting. I gained a whole new level of respect for him. Just a solid songwriter working his trade. Nothing revolutionary but worthy all the same. I think it's called 'Runnin' Down a Dream'. Worth a Netflix rental if you have the time.
Posted 16 years ago by rasta_tiger    [ Reply ]
Mindscrape wrote:
Usually I like Tom Petty, but I don't like this song. It's too circular.
Hmmm. Perhaps that was what he was going for. "It took a long time to get back here."
Posted 16 years ago by trollboy    [ Reply ]
vaiodon wrote:
Another surprising (for me) Tom Petty track - most of his music I've heard on commercial outlets I don't care for that much but this is very good. Thanks RP.
Another reason to give up entirely on "commercial outlets". They will only bring you pain, sorrow, and overplayed hits.
Posted 16 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
Usually I like Tom Petty, but I don't like this song. It's too circular.
Posted 16 years ago by Mindscrape    [ Reply ]
I agree. I love the whole album. Tom Petty is still a very good song writer.
Posted 16 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
Without a doubt the best Petty song since "Even the Losers." Thank you, Bill.
Posted 16 years ago by jmk999    [ Reply ]
What happened to the Heart Breakers?
Posted 16 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
eastcoast wrote:
I am almost convinced to buy this album...but I have been so disappointed with all his albums I have baught, I am extremely hesitant.
Keep hesitating. I bought this album on the strength of two good tracks played on RP (this wasn't one of them) and, sadly, those were the only two decent tracks on the disk, IMO, and I eventually gave the CD away to a charity shop.
Posted 16 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
thekid wrote:
some song writers are earnestly attempting to get at that ineffable core of the 'human experience'
Ya! what he said!
Posted 16 years ago by go_ski_mully    [ Reply ]
It is songs like this that give me the welcomed feeling that some song writers are earnestly attempting to get at that ineffable core of the 'human experience'... whatever that is. There is a simple elegance to this song that if listened to in a charitable spirit will speak poigniantly of our age and understanding.
Posted 16 years ago by thekid    [ Reply ]
I am almost convinced to buy this album...but I have been so disappointed with all his albums I have baught, I am extremely hesitant.
Posted 17 years ago by eastcoast    [ Reply ]
ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
Hi, my name is Luka. I live upstairs from you. Yeah, I think you've seen me before...
Wait, wait, don't tell me--Tom Petty is being beaten by his woman behind closed doors? Isn't that what the Martina McBride song was about (with genders reversed)? Did I get your point?
Posted 17 years ago by rKokon    [ Reply ]
Normally a Tom Petty fan, I find this one way too whiny. The words, strangely enough, belie his vocal quality--quite puzzling. Can you have confidence in the words while ignoring the sound conveying them? A conundrum. (Anything I cannot stand, it's a whiny man. )
Posted 17 years ago by rKokon    [ Reply ]
Normally I don't much care for Tom Petty. But I like this.
Posted 17 years ago by winter    [ Reply ]
i love this song. i can't help it.
Posted 17 years ago by jubilantme    [ Reply ]
His ability to consistently write good, solid songs has always impressed me. Great live, too.
Posted 17 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
this song is really sweet and great. And it get's better the more I listen to it.
Posted 17 years ago by kobolda    [ Reply ]
Hi, my name is Luka. I live upstairs from you. Yeah, I think you've seen me before...
Posted 17 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste    [ Reply ]
Mugro wrote:
I agree. Tom Petty is usually an automatic mute for me, but this song is not so bad. I think it is something about the guitar work that is not the normal Petty formula. Don't know.
I'm with you. This is really a nice reflective tune. 8
Posted 17 years ago by OldFrenchie    [ Reply ]
vaiodon wrote:
Another surprising (for me) Tom Petty track - most of his music I've heard on commercial outlets I don't care for that much but this is very good. Thanks RP.
I agree. Tom Petty is usually an automatic mute for me, but this song is not so bad. I think it is something about the guitar work that is not the normal Petty formula. Don't know.
Posted 17 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
Another surprising (for me) Tom Petty track - most of his music I've heard on commercial outlets I don't care for that much but this is very good. Thanks RP.
Posted 17 years ago by vaiodon    [ Reply ]
...that is just so darn sweet, I think I'm gonna cry into my keybaord ...hope my boss doesn't look in! ...but seriously, good work Mr Petty we luvs ya!
Posted 17 years ago by go_ski_mully    [ Reply ]
nICE ONE
Posted 17 years ago by cousinhub    [ Reply ]
babygirl614 wrote:
Excellent. This was on the Elizabethtown soundtrack last year, great one!
Just picked up the E'town soundtrack a couple of months ago, before Highway Companion came out, and I loved Square One from the beginning. Only TP had two songs on that soundtrack, the other being "It'll All Work Out" from the 20-year old "Let Me Up" album. So now I'm listening to Let Me Up again, along with E'town and HC!
Posted 17 years ago by rjs    [ Reply ]
Excellent. This was on the Elizabethtown soundtrack last year, great one!
Posted 17 years ago by babygirl614    [ Reply ]
Sweet song...
Posted 17 years ago by liser    [ Reply ]
That was real cool. Just what we expect from Tom Petty
Posted 17 years ago by mrparker    [ Reply ]
Good ol' Tom. What a King of radio. What staying power. That source is pure. A true artist. Thanks :)
Posted 17 years ago by iowaudio    [ Reply ]
So far this is the third track I've heard from the release and I've been enormously pleased and surprised at how much I've enjoyed each cut. This is classic Petty. Gotta go get this one for sure...
Posted 17 years ago by bev    [ Reply ]
Just bought this album. It is a great listen! Rock on Tom!
Posted 17 years ago by 1guppy    [ Reply ]
Surprisingly different and nice. Not what I normally expect from TP.
Posted 17 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
Whenever this song starts, I think it's Gerry Rafferty.
Posted 17 years ago by AphidA    [ Reply ]
not all of this album is good, but this songs is just gorgeous!! (slight flashback to an old waterboys song, but that's a really good thing) thank you tom for making this!! (& bill for playing this)
Posted 17 years ago by gernick    [ Reply ]
milehighYinzer wrote:
It does sound like a track that would be from wildflowers. I got to pick this up today. I dig chill accoustic Petty songs.
my thoughts exactly
Posted 17 years ago by ndfan75    [ Reply ]
This song makes me sigh.....
Posted 17 years ago by jacki    [ Reply ]
fearlessfreep wrote:
beautiful, simple. this gets back to the 'wildflowers' petty ... thanks for playing it.
It does sound like a track that would be from wildflowers. I got to pick this up today. I dig chill accoustic Petty songs.
Posted 17 years ago by milehighYinzer    [ Reply ]
I feel like this album is getting too much RP play, but maybe that's just me.
Posted 17 years ago by Zweiblumen    [ Reply ]
great song, ugly man. love the combo!
Posted 17 years ago by banyan    [ Reply ]
beautiful, simple. this gets back to the 'wildflowers' petty ... thanks for playing it.
Posted 17 years ago by fearlessfreep    [ Reply ]
More please!
Posted 17 years ago by softjeans    [ Reply ]
fuh2 wrote:
I like it already
I agree
Posted 17 years ago by wu1002    [ Reply ]
I like it already
Posted 17 years ago by fuh2    [ Reply ]