Runnin’ Down a Dream

I’ve always been taken with “road trip” songs and movies. On top of the list of favorites, especially once I began seriously planning this extended road trip adventure, is Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream”. I would turn it up, belt out the lyrics (with emphasis on those in bold below), and dream that this adventure that I’m now on would come to fruition.

Today, after the senseless slaughter in Las Vegas, these lyrics take on a more melancholy meaning.  There has to be something better.

It was a beautiful day, the sun beat down
I had the radio on, I was drivin’
Trees flew by, me and Del were singin’ little Runaway
I was flyin’

Yeah runnin’ down a dream
That never would come to me
Workin’ on a mystery, goin’ wherever it leads
Runnin’ down a dream

I felt so good like anything was possible
I hit cruise control and rubbed my eyes
The last three days the rain was unstoppable
It was always cold, no sunshine

I rolled on as the sky grew dark
I put the pedal down to make some time
There’s something good waitin’ down this road
I’m pickin’ up whatever’s mine

Yeah runnin’ down a dream
That never would come to me
Workin’ on a mystery, goin’ wherever it leads
Runnin’ down a dream