In the world of music, few collaborations are as iconic as the Traveling Wilburys. This supergroup, comprised of George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne, was a dream team of musicians who came together to create a unique and memorable body of work. Among their many songs, one stands out as a particularly fascinating and underappreciated gem: 'Handle With Care'.
The story behind this song is a testament to the magic that can happen when creative minds come together. According to Petty, the song was born out of a desire to have fun and not take things too seriously. The Wilburys had a history of working together for fun, and 'Handle With Care' was no exception. The song was originally written as a B-side, and its creation was a happy accident, much like many of the Wilburys' best work.
What makes 'Handle With Care' so intriguing is its simplicity. The lyrics are a laundry list of items found in a recording studio, and at first glance, it might seem like a boring and uninspired song. However, Petty's ability to make something mundane sound interesting is a testament to his skill as a songwriter. The song's heart lies in its ability to capture the essence of the studio environment, and Petty's use of everyday objects as metaphors is a clever and effective device.
One of the most fascinating aspects of 'Handle With Care' is its lack of subtext. Unlike many of Harrison's songs, which are filled with hidden meanings and metaphors, Petty's lyrics are straightforward and to the point. This is not to say that the song is shallow, but rather that it is a product of the Wilburys' desire to have fun and not overthink things. In an era where music is often filled with complex and convoluted lyrics, 'Handle With Care' is a refreshing change of pace.
What makes this song even more intriguing is its connection to Petty's solo work. The song has a similar lighthearted and goofy quality to Petty's solo work, particularly on his album 'Full Moon Fever'. The song's dad-rock aesthetic and playful lyrics are a perfect fit for Petty's style, and it is easy to see how the song could have been a B-side on that album.
In my opinion, 'Handle With Care' is a hidden gem in the Wilburys' catalog. It is a song that showcases the group's ability to have fun and create something memorable, even when the lyrics are seemingly mundane. The song's simplicity and straightforwardness are a refreshing change of pace, and it is a testament to Petty's skill as a songwriter that he can make something so ordinary sound so extraordinary. So the next time you hear 'Handle With Care', take a moment to appreciate the magic that can happen when creative minds come together to create something special.
