Tom Petty wrote “Runnin’ Down a Dream” as a reflection on the pursuit of one’s dreams, using the imagery of driving on a long road while listening to a favorite song (“My Little Runaway” by Del Shannon) as a metaphor for chasing aspirations and holding onto hope while navigating life’s journey; the “Del” reference in the lyrics directly points to his admiration for the artist Del Shannon.
I spent time “Runnin’ Down a Dream” by waterfall hunting across New York and Massachusetts the summer and fall of 2024. It was amazing therapy and helped a great deal in my recovery from trauma bonding.