“Don’t Come Around Here No More” is a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, released in 1985 as the lead single from their sixth studio album, Southern Accents. The song is notable for its psychedelic sound and its distinctive music video.

Key Facts:

• Release Date: February 28, 1985
• Album: Southern Accents
• Genre: Rock, psychedelic rock
• Length: 5:06
• Label: MCA
• Writers: Tom Petty, Dave Stewart
• Producer: Tom Petty, Dave Stewart

Chart Performance:

The song reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and became one of the band’s most recognizable hits. It also charted in other countries, gaining international acclaim.

Background and Composition:

The collaboration between Tom Petty and Dave Stewart of Eurythmics fame resulted in a unique blend of rock and psychedelic elements. The song’s lyrics are often interpreted as addressing the end of a romantic relationship, with the repeated refrain “Don’t come around here no more” emphasizing a desire to move on.

Music Video:

The music video, directed by Jeff Stein, features a surreal and whimsical take on “Alice in Wonderland,” with Tom Petty playing the Mad Hatter. The video’s imaginative and colorful imagery, including a scene where Alice is transformed into a cake and consumed, became iconic and was a staple on MTV during the mid-1980s.

Legacy:

“Don’t Come Around Here No More” is considered one of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ classic tracks, known for its distinctive sound and memorable video. The song remains a favorite among fans and is frequently included in the band’s greatest hits compilations and live performances. Its innovative production and collaboration with Dave Stewart highlight Petty’s versatility as an artist.

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