The Song was released in October 1988 as their debut single and as the opening track of their album Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1. The song was the first recording made by the group, although it was originally intended as a bonus track on a European single by George Harrison.
The song was written primarily by Harrison, although, as with all the tracks on Vol. 1, the writing credit lists all five members of the band: Harrison, Lynne, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty.
"Handle with Care" was the Wilburys' most successful single.
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
Songwriters: Bob Dylan / George Harrison / Jeff Lynne / Roy K Orbison / Tom Petty
Handle with Care Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing, The Bicycle Music Company
