Pop Song 399 of 500 "Handle with Care' Traveling Wilburys 1988

Pop Song 399 of 500 "Handle with Care' Traveling Wilburys 1988

English-American supergroup Traveling Wilburys, comprising George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty.

The song's message as being "about getting out from under the shell of the '60s fallout, along with a strong theme of survival".

The song's structure comprises rounds containing three distinct sections: Harrison's verses, the Orbison-sung "I'm so tired of being lonely" bridge, and a second bridge led by Dylan. Author Ian Inglis writes that Harrison's verses reflect his having overcome hardships and challenges throughout his musical career, with the line "Oh, the sweet smell of success!" conveying a mix of optimism, resignation and cynicism regarding the concept of stardom.

Been beat up and battered around
Been sent up and I've been shot down
You're the best thing that I've ever found
Handle me with care
Reputation's changeable
Situation's tolerable
But 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 day care 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