TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS - A WOMAN IN LOVE (IT’S NOT ME)

Released: June 29, 1981

Charted:  US: #79 

"A Woman in Love (It's Not Me)" is a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, released in June 1981 as the second single from their album “Hard Promises”. Despite its moderate chart success the song is notable for its musical contrasts, blending gently melancholic R&B verses with a sudden shift into hard rock. Tom Petty's storytelling prowess shines through, adding a cinematic quality to the song's narrative. The song was co-written by Tom Petty and Mike Campbell. Their partnership dates back to Petty's time in Mudcrutch, where Campbell was recommended by drummer Randall Marsh to play rhythm guitar. 

Donald "Duck" Dunn, a renowned session musician for Stax Records, played bass on this. His impressive résumé includes collaborations with artists such as Booker T. & the M.G.'s, The Blues Brothers, Muddy Waters, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, and many others. He's perhaps best known for his work with Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty on "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around."

During the recording sessions for the album “Hard Promises”, there was anticipation of a visit from John Lennon, which unfortunately never occurred due to his tragic assassination. In homage to Lennon, the inscription "We love you, JL" was included on the master copy of the album and later on every vinyl record. This heartfelt tribute can be found in the blank ring between the grooves and the label on vinyl records.

The music video was directed by Jim Lenahan, who managed the band's lighting during tours. Shot in black and white, the video features the band performing in a warehouse, with smoke and sunbeams adding to the artistic atmosphere. Two years later, The Police released their own black and white video for "Every Breath You Take," also shot in the same location and with the same cinematographer, Daniel Pearl.