Meaning of "I'm A Man" by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

The lyrics of "I'm A Man" critique the exploitative nature of the music industry through the lens of a corrupt and selfish executive, Joe, who prioritizes profit and fame over the well-being and artistic freedom of the performers he controls. Joe's characterization as a ruthless businessman who objectifies artists, referring to them as "angels" and "whores," highlights the industry's tendency to exploit talent for financial gain. The repeated refrain of "He gets to be famous, I get to be rich" underscores the transactional and dehumanizing nature of the relationship between artists and their managers or record labels. The song serves as a powerful commentary on the dark side of the music business, shedding light on the systemic issues of exploitation and manipulation that are often hidden behind the glamour of the industry.