Tom Petty was a rock singer, songwriter, and musician famous for his heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies. He rose to fame in the late 1970s with his band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Over his career, he sold over 80 million records and became one of the best-selling artists in music history. He was also a member of The Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne.
About the Song
“Crawling Back to You” is a deeply emotional and personal song featured on his 1994 album, “Wildflowers.” It explains about regret, loneliness, and longing to reconnect with someone you once left behind.
The song stands out for its soft acoustic sound, honest lyrics, and calm rhythm that slowly builds into something powerful. Many fans consider it one of his most underrated masterpieces.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 1, 1994 |
| Album | Wildflowers & All The Rest (2020) |
| Writer | Tom Petty |
| Producer | Rick Rubin, Tom Petty, Mike Campbell |
Lyrics of Crawling Back to You
Verse 1
Waiting by the side of the road
For day to break so we could go
Down into Los Angeles
With dirty hands and worn out knees
Chorus
Ooh, I keep crawlin’ back to you
Ooh, I keep crawlin’ back to you
Verse 2
The ranger came with burning eyes
The chambermaid awoke surprised
Thought she’d seen the last of him
She shook her head, let him in
Chorus
Ooh, I keep crawlin’ back to you
Ooh, I keep crawlin’ back to you
Bridge
Hey baby, there’s somethin’ in your eyes
Tryin’ to say to me
That I’m gonna be alright if I believe in you
It’s all I want to do
Verse 3
It was me and my sidekick
He was drunk and I was sick
We were caught up in a barroom fight
‘Til an Indian shot out the lights
Verse 4
I’m so tired of being tired
Sure as night will follow day
Most things I worry about
Never happen anyway
Chorus
Ooh, I keep crawlin’ back to you
Ooh, I keep crawlin’ back to you
Ooh, I keep crawlin’ back to you
Ooh, I keep crawlin’ back to you
I keep crawlin’ back to you
Similar Songs Like Crawling Back to You
For those who connect with the emotional depth and thoughtful mood of Crawling Back to You, Tom Petty has many other songs with similar feelings.
- Wildflowers: This gentle tune opens the album with comfort and peace. It feels like being told you belong, no matter where you are.
- Insider: A quiet duet with Stevie Nicks, this track reveals emotional walls and the desire to protect someone, even when love feels complicated and fragile.
- Southern Accents: This song talks about home, identity, and the longing that comes with both pride and pain.
Similar Artists Like Tom Petty
These artists offer a mix of energetic rock and thoughtful songwriting that fans of Tom Petty appreciate.
- Bruce Springsteen
Genre: Rock / Heartland Rock
Top albums: Born to Run (1975), Darkness on the Edge of Town (1978), The River (1980), Nebraska (1982) - John Mellencamp
Genre: Rock / Americana
Top albums: Scarecrow (1985), The Lonesome Jubilee (1987), Uh-Huh (1983), Life, Death, Love and Freedom (2008) - Bob Seger
Genre: Rock / Classic Rock
Top albums: Night Moves (1976), Stranger in Town (1978), Against the Wind (1980), The Distance (1982) - Jackson Browne
Genre: Folk Rock / Soft Rock
Top albums: Late for the Sky (1974), The Pretender (1976), Running on Empty (1977), I’m Alive (1993) - Warren Zevon
Genre: Rock / Singer-Songwriter
Top albums: Warren Zevon (1976), Excitable Boy (1978), Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School (1980), Life’ll Kill Ya (2000)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crawling Back to You a Love Song?
Yes, but it’s a complicated one. While it deals with themes of love, it also touches on anxiety, self-doubt, and the cycle of returning to someone after emotional hardship.
Has Crawling Back to You Been Performed Live?
Yes, Tom Petty often included the song in his live performances, where its emotional depth connected strongly with the audience.
Is There a Music Video for Crawling Back to You?
No official music video was released for the song, but it remains popular due to its inclusion in album releases and live recordings.
