Meaning of "The Best of Everything" by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

"The Best of Everything" by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers tells a story of wistful reminiscence and reflection on a past relationship. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman whose potential career paths were pondered by the narrator, depicting her possibly working in a restaurant or singing in a nightclub. The uncertainty of her life choices and the fleeting nature of their relationship add a sense of nostalgia and longing. The narrator's genuine wish for her to find happiness and fulfillment wherever she may be shows a sense of maturity and acceptance of the passage of time. The contrasting imagery of bad nights that seem to linger versus good nights that pass too quickly speaks to the universal experience of cherishing fleeting moments of happiness while enduring the enduring impact of difficult times. Overall, the song captures the bittersweet essence of memories and the wistful hope for a former lover's well-being and contentment, despite the impermanence of their connection.