TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS - DON’T DO ME LIKE THAT

Released: November 5, 1979

Charted:  US: #10 

"Don't Do Me Like That" is a song written by Tom Petty and performed by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Released in November 1979 as the lead single from the album "Damn the Torpedoes", it soared to number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the band's sole Top 10 hit. The single also reached number 3 in Canada. Regardless of receiving airplay by Capital Radio in the UK during the summer of 1980, the track didn't crack the Top 75 chart there.

"Don't Do Me Like That" was born from Tom Petty's experiences after relocating with his first band, Mudcrutch, from Florida to Los Angeles in 1974. In the song, Petty pleads with a girl not to leave him, drawing from the pain of witnessing a friend's recent heartbreak. While it's not considered one of Petty's deeper compositions, Creem magazine labeled it a "throwaway romp." Nonetheless, the song resonated with audiences, becoming one of Petty's most beloved tracks.

Tom Petty initially contemplated giving "Don't Do Me Like That" to The J. Geils Band, feeling it aligned with their musical style, especially since his band had previously toured with them. The J. Geils Band declined the offer, citing their ongoing album mixing process. Encouraged by producer Jimmy Iovine, Petty and the Heartbreakers decided to record the song themselves. The decision paid off, as the track soared to number 10 on the Hot 100, marking the band's first Top 10 hit.

Billboard lauded "Don't Do Me Like That" for its "strong lyrical hook" supported by dynamic rock instrumentation and an "urgent" vocal delivery. Cash Box described it as bouncing along with a steady beat, engaging hook, and lively production, while Record World praised its irresistible hook.