I Won't Back Down

Tom Petty

About I Won't Back Down

"I Won't Back Down" is a song by American rock musician Tom Petty. It was released in April 1989 as the lead single from his first solo album, Full Moon Fever. The song was written by Petty and Jeff Lynne, his writing partner for the album. It reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Album Rock Tracks chart for five weeks, starting the album's road to multi-platinum status.


Year:
1989
2:56
4,151 
#43

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Well, I won't back down
No, I won't back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won't back down

No, I'll stand my ground
Won't be turned around
And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down
Gonna stand my ground

And I won't back down
(I won't back down)
Hey, baby, there ain't no easy way out
(I won't back down)
Hey, I will stand my ground
And I won't back down

Well I know what's right
I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushin' me around
But I'll stand my ground

And I won't back down
(I won't back down)
Hey, baby, there ain't no easy way out
(I won't back down)
Hey, I will stand my ground
And I won't back down

(I won't back down)
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
(I won't back down)
Hey, I won't back down
(I won't back down)
Hey, baby, there ain't no easy way out
(I won't back down)
Hey, I will stand my ground
And I won't back down
No, I won't back down

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Tom Petty

Thomas Earl "Tom" Petty (born October 20, 1950) was an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He was the frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and was a founding member of the late 1980s supergroup Traveling Wilburys and Mudcrutch. He had also performed under the pseudonyms of Charlie T. Wilbury, Jr. and Muddy Wilbury. more »

15 fans

Written by: Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty

Lyrics © Gone Gator Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Composition
"I Won't Back Down" was written in 1981 by Tom Petty, the lead singer of the Heartbreakers, along with Jeff Lynne, a member of the Electric Light Orchestra.
Album Data
The song is a single from Tom Petty's first solo album, "Full Moon Fever," which was released in 1989.
Chart Performance
Upon its release, "I Won't Back Down" peaked at number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in the United States.
Song Inspiration
Tom Petty said that the inspiration for "I Won't Back Down" came from his resolution to fight the fall of originality in the music industry and stand up for what he believed in.
Music Video Facts
The music video for the song features cameo appearances by George Harrison, who also played the guitar for the track, and Ringo Starr.
Tribute Intentions
The song was played as a tribute to Tom Petty at the 2017 American Music Awards following his death earlier that year.
Legal Battle
The singers of the 2014 hit song "Stay With Me," Sam Smith and Tom Petty, reached an out of court settlement after Petty's team noticed similarities between the two songs. As a result, Petty and Lynne were credited as co-writers on "Stay With Me."
Uses in Political Campaigns
Various political figures, including George W. Bush and Donald Trump, have used "I Won't Back Down" in their campaigns before they were asked to remove it.
Public Response
The song's lyrics on optimism and resilience have resonated with many listeners, leading it to become a popular anthem during times of crisis such as after the September 11 attacks and following Petty's death.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists have covered the song throughout the years, ranging from Johnny Cash to Ed Sheeran.

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    I Won't Back Down

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1989

    Billboard #12


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