Written for Song Lyric Sunday –
“In from the Cold”.
This is my response to the challenge.
This week at Jim Adam’s Song Lyric Sunday, the theme is “In from the Cold” and our challenge is to write about a song that mentions ‘cold’.
Tom Petty was born October 20, 1950 in Gainesville, FL. A difficult, often abusive relationship with his alcoholic father contrasted with a nurturing relationship with his mother, who introduced him to music. Meeting Elvis at the age of 10 ignited his dream, along with seeing The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. His first band, Mudcrutch, laid the groundwork for the Heartbreakers, which Petty formed in 1975; fame came with songs such as “Breakdown”, “Learning to Fly”, and “Refugee”. After the Heartbreakers, Petty had a successful solo career and was also a member of the Traveling Wilburys. He sold over 80 million records, won multiple Grammys, and earned an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Tom Petty passed away on October 2, 2017 after completing a major tour; he was 66 years old.
“Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Tom Petty is a classic rock anthem from 1989 about chasing ambitions, inspired by driving and Petty’s idol, Del Shannon, who is mentioned in the lyrics. It was co-written by Petty, Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Fleetwood Mac), and Jeff Lynne (ELO), and was featured in the epic 2007 Peter Bogdanovich documentary of the same name which chronicled the band’s history. The song’s iconic riff and guitar solo capture the feeling of freedom and pursuit of dreams, while the film explores the band’s journey and Petty’s life. Petty loved driving and listening to the radio, and the song captures that feeling of freedom on the road. It is featured on Petty’s 1989 solo album, Full Moon Fever, which was produced by Jeff Lynne.
This is “Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Tom Petty
My next song this week is by ELO and the creative genius of Jeff Lynne …. singer/songwriter/composer/producer extraordinaire. He was also a good friend of Tom Petty and one of his fellow Traveling Wilburys. Lynne was born December 30, 1947 in Birmingham, England. He became interested in music during his youth and was heavily inspired by The Beatles. In addition to all his previously mentioned credits, he is widely acknowledged for his musical compositions for “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”, “Super 8” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”. He is known worldwide as the co-founder and sole-consistent member of Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) which he formed in 1970. Since 1972, he has written all the music recorded by ELO, including the hits “Mr. Bluesky” and “Livin’ Thing”. Beyond ELO, Lynne is a well-respected producer known for his work on George Harrison’s Cloud Nine and Tom Petty’s Full Moon Fever. Lynne was inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame in 2017 and has toured as “Jeff Lynne’s ELO” in recent years. In July 2025, Jeff Lynne continued his ELO “Over and Out” farewell tour despite a broken hand sustained in a taxi accident just before a show in Birmingham. Although unable to play guitar during the initial performances, he continued to sing and perform, later dealing with a subsequent systemic infection.
“Latitude 88 North” was originally written and recorded as a demo during ELO’s 1977 Out of the Blue album sessions. Unfinished and frozen for almost 30 years, this gem was rediscovered in 2007 in Lynne’s personal tape archive; he completed the song for the 30th anniversary remaster of the Out of the Blue album. The lyrics evoke a sense of isolation and desolation, set against the backdrop of a remote Arctic region (referencing the title’s latitude). It depicts the feeling of loss and longing for a loved one in a freezing, desolate environment. Of particular interest to all you cartographers and map lovers, the 88th parallel north is located in the Arctic Circle, only 2º (or 138 miles) away from the North Pole. It passes through the northernmost region of the earth, encircling the pole at a high altitude.
This is “Latitude 88 North” by Electric Light Orchestra
Now, just for fun, I have one more video for you. Even though there’s no reference to “cold”, I simply had to play the iconic “Runaway” by Del Shannon. In the song, Del is wondering what went wrong with the love he had with his girl, why she ran away, and where she’ll stay. He remembers all the times they shared and, in his loneliness, misery and feelings of loss, the tears start to fall like rain. If that’s not “cold’, my friends, I don’t know what is. Oh, BTW …. “Runaway” was also covered by the Traveling Wilburys with Jeff Lynne on lead vocals; you can watch that version HERE. What goes around, comes around.
From 1961, this is “Runaway” by Del Shannon, written by Del Shannon and Max D. Cook
Big thanks to Jim Adams for hosting another great Song Lyric Sunday this week and every week. Be sure to follow the link and check out his site.
Thanks for stopping by for a look and a listen.
That’s all she wrote, kids. See you on the flip side. 😎
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