The Last DJ

Tom Petty

About The Last DJ

"The Last DJ" is the title of a song written by Tom Petty and recorded by American rock band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. It was released in September 2002 as the lead single from their album of the same name. The song had moderate success, reaching number 22 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks list in 2002.


Year:
2002
3:30
160 
#2

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Well you can't turn him into a company man
You can't turn him into a whore
And the boys upstairs just don't understand anymore

Well the top brass don't like him talking so much
And he won't play what they say to play
And he don't want to change what don't need to change

There goes the last D J
Who plays what he wants to play
And says what he wants to say, hey, hey, hey

And there goes your freedom of choice
There goes the last human voice
There goes the last D J

Well some folks say they're gonna hang him so high
'Cause you just can't do what he did
There're some things you just can't put in the minds of those kids

As we celebrate mediocrity
All the boys upstairs want to see
How much you'll pay for what you used to get for free?

There goes the last D J
Who plays what he wants to play
And says what he wants to say, hey, hey, hey

And there goes your freedom of choice
There goes the last human voice
And there goes the last D J

Well he got him a station down in Mexico
And sometimes it'll kind of come in
And I'll bust a move and remember how it was back then

There goes the last D J
Who plays what he wants to play
And says what he wants to say, hey, hey, hey

And there goes your freedom of choice
There goes the last human voice
And there goes the last D J

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Tom Petty

Thomas Earl "Tom" Petty (born October 20, 1950) was an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He was the frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and was a founding member of the late 1980s supergroup Traveling Wilburys and Mudcrutch. He had also performed under the pseudonyms of Charlie T. Wilbury, Jr. and Muddy Wilbury. more »

15 fans

Written by: Tom Petty

Lyrics © Adria K Music

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Information
"The Last DJ" is a song written by Tom Petty, recorded by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and released as the title track of their 2002 album.
Music Video
The music video of the song includes visual references to George Orwell's novel "1984", emphasising the themes of corporate control and loss of freedom present in the lyrics.
Symbols and Themes
The song criticizes the greed of the music industry, symbolized by the figure of the "last DJ" who plays what he wants and does not compromise with commercial pressures.
Chart Performance
Despite controversial themes, the song gained commercial success, peaking at number 22 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks.
Awards and Recognition
"The Last DJ" won the Boston Music Award for Album of the Year in 2002.
Inspiration
The song was reportedly inspired by Petty's hometown radio station, gaining insight into the corporatization and commodification of the music industry.
Public Response
The song’s criticism of the music industry led to it being banned from certain radio stations in the United States.
Live Performances
"The Last DJ" became a staple of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' live shows, often serving as the opening song.
Sound Design
The song is characterized by its catchy melody and Petty's unmistakable vocals, combined with the solid rhythm section of the Heartbreakers.
Song Length
The track runs a total of 3 minutes and 30 seconds, becoming one of the shorter, more concise rock anthems in Pett's discography.

Discuss the The Last DJ Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "The Last DJ Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/24351367/Tom+Petty/The+Last+DJ>.

    Missing lyrics by Tom Petty?

    Know any other songs by Tom Petty? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    The Last DJ

    472.9K
    5,912     0

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Which of these lyrics is NOT by The Smiths, but by Morrissey?
    A Yes, we may be hidden by rags, but we've something they'll never have
    B Why pamper life's complexity, when the leather runs smooth on the passenger seat?
    C In the days when you were hopelessly poor, I just liked you more
    D Send at least one thoughtful letter, my heart goes out to you

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Tom Petty's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Tom Petty tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!