Tom Petty was one of my all time favorites. And inspiration as a singer, performer, and a songwriter. Petty passed away just over a year ago...on October 2nd, 2017.
You may know that I was once in a Tom Petty tribute band. This was the one song that I would perform by myself, without the band. Just me and a guitar. Such a simple, yet perfectly written song about exactly what the lyrics tell you...standing your ground and not backing down. I think of this song often when things get tough. And it helps.
"I Won't Back Down" is from Petty's 1989 solo album Full Moon Fever.
And so, Tom, I pay tribute to you again. I hope you have found peace and bliss, and I hope you are still writing great songs out there. I hope to hear them someday.
I WON'T BACK DOWN
words and music by TOM PETTY
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
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 stand my ground
And 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
© Tom Petty
