I Won't Back Down Lyrics - Sharon Van Etten

About “I Won’t Back Down”

Cover by Sharon Van Etten.
Tom Petty’s iconic track I Won’t Back Down, released as the lead single from his 1989 album Full Moon Fever, is a powerful anthem of resilience and determination. The song was inspired by a harrowing incident in 1987, when an arsonist set fire to Petty’s home in Florida while his family was inside. Despite this traumatic event, Petty emerged with a renewed sense of strength and resolve, which is reflected in the lyrics of this song.

The track is widely recognized for its message of standing firm in the face of adversity, making it one of Petty's most enduring and relatable works. The simple yet impactful lyrics, combined with contributions from musical legends like Jeff Lynne, George Harrison, and Mike Campbell, have cemented the song's place in rock history.

• Album: Full Moon Fever


• Release Date: April 24, 1989


• Producers: Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Mike Campbell


• Writers: Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne


• Genre: Rock, Pop-Rock, Heartland Rock


• Language: English


• Country: USA

Annotations and Meaning.

[Verse 1]

"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" - These lines express an unwavering determination to stand firm, no matter the challenges faced. The reference to "the gates of Hell" symbolizes the extreme difficulties and adversities that one might encounter.

[Chorus]

"(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" - The chorus reinforces the central theme of perseverance, acknowledging that there are no shortcuts or easy escapes when facing life’s challenges.

[Verse 2]

"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" - This verse highlights the importance of staying true to one’s principles, despite the pressures and challenges imposed by the world. The acknowledgment of having "just one life" adds a sense of urgency and determination to the narrator's stance.

[Chorus]

The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the song's powerful message of resilience and the refusal to give in, even when faced with overwhelming odds.

Tom Petty’s I Won’t Back Down has become an anthem for those seeking strength and resolve in the face of adversity. The song’s universal message has resonated with listeners worldwide, making it one of Petty’s most beloved and influential works.