“Into the Great Wide Open” is a poignant and narrative-driven rock song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, released in September 1991 with “Makin’ Some Noise” on the B-side as the second single and title track from their album Into the Great Wide Open. Written by Tom Petty and produced by Petty, Jeff Lynne, and Mike Campbell, the song is a blend of storytelling, atmospheric instrumentation, and Petty’s signature blend of rock and folk influences.
The lyrics tell the story of Eddie, a young man who moves to Hollywood in pursuit of stardom. Eddie experiences initial success, signing a record deal and finding fame, but eventually succumbs to the pitfalls of the industry, leading to a sense of disillusionment. Musically, the song features a mid-tempo rock arrangement, driven by jangly guitars, a steady rhythm, and Jeff Lynne’s signature production style, which adds depth and warmth to the track. Petty’s understated and evocative vocal delivery complements the song’s reflective tone, making it both accessible and emotionally resonant.
The music video, directed by Julien Temple, is a mini-film starring Johnny Depp as Eddie, alongside appearances by Gabrielle Anwar, Faye Dunaway, Matt LeBlanc, Terence Trent D’Arby, and Chynna Phillips.. It visualizes the song’s narrative with a blend of surreal and literal elements, depicting Eddie’s rise and fall in the music industry. The video’s cinematic quality and star-studded cast helped it become one of the band’s most memorable visuals.
“Into the Great Wide Open” was a moderate commercial success, charting in the top 40 in several countries, including the United States, where it became a staple on rock radio. On the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks, the song reached number four