In a song titled "Playing Dumb", one line states "For every confession that wasn't on the level; For every man of God that lives with hidden devils".

Although the song does not appear as one of the album's main 11 tracks, it does come with the Blu-Ray and vinyl editions of the album.

In an interview with Billboard Magazine, Petty clarified that he wasn't criticising the Catholic religion as a whole.

"I'm fine with whatever religion you want to have," he said.

"If I was in a club, and I found out that there had been generations of people abusing children, and then that club was covering that up, I would quit the club. And I wouldn't give them any more money," Petty added.

Petty's new album, to be released on July 29, also touches on American politics and what the rocker decries as the greed of the wealthy one per cent of the population.

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