About the song
“Handle with Care” stands as a quintessential masterpiece from the Traveling Wilburys, the iconic British-American supergroup formed in the late 1980s. Released in October 1988, this song not only marked their debut single but also served as the opening anthem for their inaugural album, Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1. Comprising musical legends George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty, the Traveling Wilburys emerged unexpectedly from what was initially a humble collaboration.
The genesis of “Handle with Care” is steeped in serendipity. Originally conceived as a potential bonus track for a George Harrison single release in Europe, the song transcended its initial purpose due to overwhelming reception from record company executives. Recognizing its potential, they encouraged Harrison and Lynne to expand the project into a full-fledged album, thus sparking the birth of the Traveling Wilburys. The songwriting credits for “Handle with Care,” as with all tracks on Vol. 1, reflect the collective genius of all five members, highlighting Harrison’s primary role while honoring the collaborative spirit that defined their work.
Upon its release, “Handle with Care” swiftly ascended the charts, becoming the Wilburys’ most commercially successful single. It peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 and secured the number 2 spot on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart. Internationally, it reached number 21 on the UK Singles Chart and achieved top-five status in Australia and New Zealand. The song’s music video, directed by David Leland, further solidified its popularity, becoming a staple on MTV during the late 1980s and reinforcing the Wilburys’ global appeal.
Beyond its chart success, “Handle with Care” became a cherished piece in the live repertoire of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, with frequent performances that underscored its enduring influence. The song’s poignant legacy was reaffirmed at the Concert for George in 2002, where Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, among others, paid tribute to George Harrison, underscoring the profound impact of the Wilburys’ music.
Decades after its inception, “Handle with Care” continues to resonate, transcending generations with its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics. Most notably, Dhani Harrison, George’s son, took center stage with Jeff Lynne’s ELO during their 2019 US tour, embodying the song’s enduring spirit and ensuring its legacy endures for years to come. As a cornerstone of the Traveling Wilburys’ oeuvre, “Handle with Care” remains a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and the enduring magic of music.
Video
Lyrics
Been beat up and battered ’round
Been sent up, and I’ve been shot down
You’re the best thing that I’ve ever found
Handle me with care
Reputations changeable
Situations tolerable
Baby, you’re adorable
Handle me with care
I’m so tired of being lonely
I still have some love to give
Won’t you show me that you really care?
Everybody’s got somebody to lean on
Put your body next to mine, and dream on
I’ve been fobbed off, and I’ve been fooled
I’ve been robbed and ridiculed
In daycare centers and night schools
Handle me with care
Been stuck in airports, terrorized
Sent to meetings, hypnotized
Overexposed, commercialized
Handle me with care
I’m so tired of being lonely
I still have some love to give
Won’t you show me that you really care?
Everybody’s got somebody to lean on
Put your body next to mine, and dream on
I’ve been uptight and made a mess
But I’ll clean it up myself, I guess
Oh, the sweet smell of success
Handle me with care