The Hotel Napkin Where He Outlined The Chords To “The Waiting”

April 1, 2025

It was a rainy afternoon in 1981 when Tom Petty found himself holed up in a small hotel room in Los Angeles. The weight of his career was heavy on his shoulders. After hitting it big with hits like “Breakdown” and “Listen to Her Heart,” he faced the pressure of following up that success. With a new album on the horizon, the expectation loomed like the gray clouds outside. As he stared at the blank walls of his room, desperate for inspiration, he felt a wave of doubt wash over him.

In the midst of this struggle, Petty grabbed a napkin from the hotel room table and a pen. The napkin was plain and crinkled, but to him, it might as well have been a blank canvas. He began to jot down a few chords, trying to capture the feelings that loomed over him like a storm. It was in those quiet moments, amidst the sounds of rain tapping against the window, that he found his voice. As the chords began to take shape, he felt a spark ignite within him. They were simple chords, but they held a profound truth: the feeling of waiting for something better to come along, the yearning for change.

Hours passed as Petty poured his heart into the napkin, scribbling lyrics that reflected his own struggles and the universal experience of waiting for a breakthrough. The song, which he would later title “The Waiting,” became a powerful anthem. It spoke to anyone who had ever felt stuck or unsure about what lay ahead, capturing that bittersweet feeling of anticipation. Petty realized that the essence of the song was not just in the music itself but also in the emotions it conveyed. The napkin was transformed from an ordinary item into a vessel of inspiration, holding the key to his next big hit.

When “The Waiting” was finally recorded and released, it resonated with fans across the nation, climbing the charts and solidifying Tom Petty’s status as a music legend. The song became a symbol of hope and resilience, reminding people that sometimes the best things come to those who wait. It was a turning point in his career, showcasing not just his talent, but also his ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level. Petty’s passion for music shone through every note, proving that even in moments of doubt, creativity could flourish in the unlikeliest of places.

Reflecting back on that rainy day, Petty often spoke about the importance of persistence. The simple act of writing on a hotel napkin showed him that inspiration could be found in the most mundane circumstances. It reinforced his belief that music was not just a job, but a lifeline, a way to communicate the struggles and joys of life. “The Waiting” became more than just a song; it was a reminder that patience and resilience are crucial in the pursuit of dreams.

In the years that followed, Petty continued to create music that inspired millions, always embracing the power of authenticity in his work. The napkin, once a forgotten piece of hotel stationery, held the story of an artist’s journey through doubt and into the light, illustrating the beauty of perseverance in the face of challenges. And as he played “The Waiting” on stages across the world, he carried with him the knowledge that sometimes, just a simple napkin can change the course of one’s life forever.