This is why he wrote the song .. As for its historical context, Tom actually wrote and recorded “I Won't Back Down” after an arsonist tried to murder him and his family by setting their house on fire. And doing so proved to be a form of self-therapy for him. In fact at one point he thought the song was too personal to actually catch on. He also performed this as part of a salute to heroes tribute right after Sept 11
My previous comment disappeared somehow! This was in the late 80's. This song was basically written to the arsonist, who was never caught. The arsonist doused the home's back entry stairs with lighter fluid and set them on fire while they were having breakfast. Tom and a housekeeper tried to put the fire out but it engulfed the whole house almost immediately, and destroyed everything except his basement studio. The housekeeper was injured but not fatally, nobody else was hurt, and Tom ended up taking the family on tour while the house was rebuilt. Being attacked in his own home by a stranger, presumably in response to his fame or music, is something he had in common with fellow Wilbury George Harrison--George and his wife were both stabbed and almost killed by a lunatic in their home.
He said exactly what the USA was thinking and feeling after sept 11...... it was the perfect song for that night and was so powerfully done......chills
A guy I grew up with ended up marrying a woman who was a close friend to Tom Petty's 2nd & final wife - Dana York. And so the two couples spent an occasional evening together. And while I myself never had the pleasure of meeting Tom Petty - my buddy had nothing but good things to say about him. Just what you would think - that Tom Petty was a down-to-earth celebrity who enjoyed relaxing and enjoying the moment with a drink and a smoke. Never pretentious and never rude. At least to my buddy and his wife. So my appreciation for Tom Petty as an artist and as a human being has only grown over time. I'm pleased you have reacted to several of his songs. He's an amazing artist with a deep catalog of music for you to explore. Thanks for posting this.
Everything I'ver read about him supports the "he's just a good dude". From not pursuing litigation against people who plagiarized his music (saying that he trusts it was accidental, who knows where inspiration comes from, and that he's probably done the same accidently) to when Dhani Harrison was getting stressed because Prince wasn't showing up for rehearsals and Dahni didn't know what he was planning (for his Father's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) and Petty just said "Whatever it's going to be it will be amazing." Gone too soon. Thanks for sharing your own more personal experiences.
Tom Petty is sadly missed. A classy, humble human being who was also incredibly talented. I know it's not a popular song, but I've always loved The Apartment Song. What a fun couple of minutes.
@@tonycampbell4982 it was/is a great song! It was only overshadowed by the big hits on the album (it wasn't a single, nor did it get a lot of airplay on AOR/Classic Rock stations). But really, the entire Full Moon Fever album is outstanding, and one of the highlights of his long, stellar career!
Tom Petty's just a straight up legend. Says a lot about him that the friends he had to help him in the video were George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Ringo Starr! And Mike Campbell's slide guitar on this track is just iconic.
Petty was a rebel that stood up to the music industry on several occasions, even when it threatened his career. If you want to see one of the best music documentaries you'll ever see, watch "Running Down a Dream". You'll see how Petty stood up and fought for himself and fans. You'll also see how he worked with tons of other legends like Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynn, and countless others. This man was a national treasure and is a beloved figure in music....unless of course you're one of the people trying to screw him or fans. Then of course, he's probably not your favorite person in the world. Even if you're not a Petty fan the documentary is worth watching. It's fantastic. Check it out.
Back in the day, at the time albums were $7.98, Tom's record company wanted to use his upcoming album to be the first to be priced $8.98. Tom wasn't having it, threatening to name the album "$7.98"! 🖕😂👍
He won’t back down from life or obstacles or people’s BS. In the 90’s when this was out I used to listen to it before every managers meeting. It helped me so much not to take shit from the other department heads! Love Tom Petty like family… RIP ❤️
Awesome. That's true art to me, when different people with sometimes even vastly different perspectives can enjoy a song like this for possibly very different reasons. He was an Artist with that capital 'A', for sure.
I love this song and I love Tom Petty's voice. I believe he is saying he won't back down on what he knows is right and living his life on his terms against all the obstacles life can throw at you. He said, "in a world that keeps on pushing me around, gonna stand my ground and I won't back down"...that says it all! 💖💖
If you watch football, this song has been played/sung in memory of him at multiple Florida Gators games. It also had a resurgence in popularity after 911. Edit to add: you also may not recognize that his backup singers are Jeff Lynne and George Harrison.
I was at the Florida-LSU game the weekend after his death when they first did that. It was happened organically, but It was so well received, the fans, they lobbied the UF athletic department to make it a permanent tradition.
Tom was from Gainesville, Florida, the Florida gators play this and all their fans sings this, at the end of the 3rd quarter of every home football game.
Huge, well known catalog. Rock n Roll hall of famer. Iconic and instantly recognizable voice. And yet I have always felt like Tom Petty was a bit overlooked compared to "bigger" rock stars of his day such as Springsteen. But Tom Petty's legacy is undeniable and he'll be missed for decades. RIP Tom.
I agree. Many of us who grew up with his music consider him every bit as important as Springsteen and the Stones. And like them, he kept producing new music until his death. But while he is rarely completely ignored, including him often seems more of an afterthought.
I'll take Tom Petty and his trusty Heartbreakers over Bruce and the E Street boys all day everyday and twice on Sunday. That's not a knock on Springsteen just I prefer Tom.
I LOVE you both. I'm 73 years old and I've heard most all of the music you cover, BUT, I love your reactions to the songs and LOVE to see how much you get into the songs you've never heard! One of the most honest and truthful reactions!! Keep up the Great work!!!!!
It might be worth listening to some Travelling Wilburys. Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, George Harrison, Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison. They don't have a massive selection but some real gems.
Tom sang this song on a TV event the day after 9/11 in a coming together of musicians to unify the country. He sang it slow, with a fierce, angry and steady stare into the camera. It was powerful. Never forget it. Summed up what the US response would be. Don’t F___with the USA.
Tom Petty was America's most prolific and celebrated singer-songwriter from the early 80s through the 90s. Whether with the Heartbreakers, solo, or with the Traveling Wilburys, Tom Petty produced some of the most genius music in the history of the genre. His lyrics were as spot-on to the human condition (and of layered meanings) as Bob Dylan's greatest tracks. Tom Petty's heavy smoking and struggles with substance abuse took him from us way too soon, but he's left us one of the most amazing music catalogs in rock & roll. He will be missed for many, many years to come.
I used to be a newspaper sportswriter who covered local high school sports. One of the girls hoops teams in Vermont -- Wilmington High -- was a small school powerhouse. Their coach played this song to start practice every day. It set the tone. Those Warriors were a joy to cover 20 years ago.
Lost my friend last year after a battle with cancer this was his favorite song. Jimmy you may have lost the battle but you never backed down. RIP. Buddy
There are not many albums you can just throw on and enjoy but Tom Petty is one of the greatest and well worth the listen. Great song to introduce to the world.
Classic Petty! This was also sung by Jonny Cash on his final album. Cash also did Hurt on that one. Petty was from Florida and always had a nasal twang. Standing up for the right thing! Pure and simple. Gates of Hell folks. 😽💋🎶
Tom Petty has many great songs to check out. Among them: Learning to Fly, Runnin' Down a Dream, Don't Come Around Here No More, The Waiting, Don't Do Me Like That, Even the Losers, Here Comes My Girl to name a few. Many Brad and Lex have already done.
I love Tom Petty's voice, saw him in the mid 80's at the Tower Theater in Philly, Til Tuesday opened great concert. Then I moved to St. Augustine in early 90's and Tom had a house in Cresent Beach and he came to a bar called Trade winds with a friend and the bouncer told him that will be $2 (cover charge) his friend said this is Tom Petty. So the bouncer said sing something and he did then the bouncer said nice that will be 2 bucks. When he told us what was said we all died laughing 😃. Thanks for your reaction. 👍
I loved Tom Petty!! He was a nice person, and very unique. His record label wanted to raise the price $2.00 on his albums, ( in the 70's ) and Tom said, "No!" It meant a lot more money for him & the record com, but he said his fans pay enough, no price gouging, and try as the record com might...Tom stood his ground, he won't back down
Tom Petty has a deep catalog with an astonishing number of great tunes. Try Free Fallin', The Waiting, Into the Great Wide Open, The Last DJ...there are too many to list!
Tom Petty was a highly principled man. He stood up to a lot of people. He famously declared bankruptcy to get out of a bad record deal. He also stood up to his record company when the wanted to sell his Hard Promises album for $9.99 when the usual retail price for an LP record was 8.99. He didn’t want his fans to pay any more than was necessary for his music. He won that battle.
"I Won't Back Down" was released in April 1989 as the lead single from his first solo album, Full Moon Fever. The song was co-written by Petty and Jeff Lynne. Don't try to read into the song, I think the notion was that you should stand up for yourself in your believes and don't let people push you around because you are different.
Can hear Jeff Lynne's writing influence all through this song, same as Tom Petty's other Jeff Lynne songs: Free Fallin', Runnin' Down A Dream, Learning To Fly, Into The Great Wide Open.
Tom Petty's voice is described as" Gainesville cool." or Florida/LosAngeles accent. He has the Florida southern accent mixed with the Acapulco Gold accent of Southern California.
Most people refer to all Tom Petty’s music simply as Tom Petty but I draw a distinction between his solo music and his albums with the Heartbreakers. This song from his first solo album “Full Moon Fever” is my favorite. Free Falling and Learning To Fly are my other favorites.
It represents his standing up against the music industry. He is a legend that you’ve just only touched on. First is The Traveling Wilberrys next is Mudcrutch, last is Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Check out Mudcrutch Scare Easy
Maybe it's open to many interpretations. 🤔 How bout some Traveling Wilburys? Handle with care and or End of the line. It was a super group with George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan.
You guys should cover "Don't Come Around Here No More". It's by far my favorite Petty song - trippy and surreal, but sounding great. When you react to it, try to react to the original video - it adds so much insanity that can't be missed!
You should watch the Florida Gator fans all sing this at the Football stadium aka the Swamp in Toms home town Gainesville shortly after his passing. Very emotional!
Tom and the gang grew up in the Gainesville area. As Mud Crutch, they toured everywhere in FL. Kinda brings it home don't it. Check out "Southern Accent", Three chords and the truth! Peace & Love, cheers
My favorite Tom Petty song 🎵 Written by him + Jeff Lynne. Produced by them and Mike Campbell. The music video shows lateTom and late George Harrison on guitars 🎸 🎸 , Jeff Lynne on a bass guitar. These are true to the studio 🎙 Ringo Starr was in the video 📹, BUT he did NOT play in the studio: Philippines Jones played drums 🥁 Other version. Jeff Lynne sings lead. Sometimes in ELO concerts, he sings this and other songs he wrote for other singers. Suggested video 📹: Tom Petty sings Face in the Crowd. RIP George Harrison and Tom Petty 😢
This is my mom’s favorite song. She used it as a ring tone especially since she works for the government & her bosses have something against females & Asians. Literally trying hard to get her fired the legal way with political bs but because of her position (can’t really say what her job is), they can’t be aggressive but thanks to her minions she knew what they tried to do in every turn. She retired years later, while those bosses are in the midst of getting demoted & fired (one of them did) lots of lawyers & legal stuff that took months with evidence that mysteriously disappeared or witnesses getting deported or fired. It was like a tv show drama.
The reason this song sounds familiar is the melody was used in the Sam Smith song "Stay With Me." Tom Petty thought about suing, but decided against it, saying "These things happen in the studio, and usually there's someone there to say 'You can't do that.' That didn't happen here." Co-writer Jeff Lynn wasn't as forgiving, and did sue. He settled out of court with a songwriting credit for the Sam Smith song, as well.
Refugee. You Got Lucky. Last Dance With Mary Jane. The Waiting. Free Fallin'. Or my personal fave, You Don't Know How It Feels. I mean, Tom Petty was incapable of writing a bad song. RIP, Tom. When he passed in 2017, I bawled as if I had lost an old friend.
I Love this song so much and believe me I sing it now and when a fight comes around that I know Im right, I the kind who wont back down to something I know is right
Tom Petty was an acquired taste of vocals, I for one loved his voice, my husband cant handle him. So he is like Stevie Nick's of the man version, you either love him or dont. I love both of them. Love the unique sounds in vocals
CHECK OUT!!!! The Travilin Willbury's was AWESOME. This one time band, meaning only had one album had: Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynn, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, and of course Tom Petty.
During 9/11 this was like an anthem I was like 6 but I remember like on tv, news, commercials, ball games it was like the “America comin for some ass” song lol
If you guys are from Florida, you might have seen this played at halftime of the UF (Gators) home football games. Tom Petty is from Gainesville originally.
Thats that whole Santa Monica California vibe sound in the 80s vampires skateboarding etc... Teenagers against the world ill face whatever life throws at me but i wont back down. Free Falling is another good one. Its Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Typical Teenage Bullying
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This is why he wrote the song .. As for its historical context, Tom actually wrote and recorded “I Won't Back Down” after an arsonist tried to murder him and his family by setting their house on fire. And doing so proved to be a form of self-therapy for him. In fact at one point he thought the song was too personal to actually catch on. He also performed this as part of a salute to heroes tribute right after Sept 11
My previous comment disappeared somehow! This was in the late 80's. This song was basically written to the arsonist, who was never caught.
The arsonist doused the home's back entry stairs with lighter fluid and set them on fire while they were having breakfast. Tom and a housekeeper tried to put the fire out but it engulfed the whole house almost immediately, and destroyed everything except his basement studio. The housekeeper was injured but not fatally, nobody else was hurt, and Tom ended up taking the family on tour while the house was rebuilt.
Being attacked in his own home by a stranger, presumably in response to his fame or music, is something he had in common with fellow Wilbury George Harrison--George and his wife were both stabbed and almost killed by a lunatic in their home.
Their performance on the 9/11 tribute was one of the best that night and gave new meaning to the song
@@alwaysengines If you think about it, it had fit perfectly with the original meaning of the song, as in refusal to concede to violence or threats.
The satanic cowards in the music industry tried to kill him….Tom wouldn’t “play ball” and cost them a ton of $ by fighting record prices
He said exactly what the USA was thinking and feeling after sept 11...... it was the perfect song for that night and was so powerfully done......chills
A guy I grew up with ended up marrying a woman who was a close friend to Tom Petty's 2nd & final wife - Dana York. And so the two couples spent an occasional evening together. And while I myself never had the pleasure of meeting Tom Petty - my buddy had nothing but good things to say about him. Just what you would think - that Tom Petty was a down-to-earth celebrity who enjoyed relaxing and enjoying the moment with a drink and a smoke. Never pretentious and never rude. At least to my buddy and his wife. So my appreciation for Tom Petty as an artist and as a human being has only grown over time. I'm pleased you have reacted to several of his songs. He's an amazing artist with a deep catalog of music for you to explore. Thanks for posting this.
Yeah Tom was stoned 110% of the time
Everything I'ver read about him supports the "he's just a good dude". From not pursuing litigation against people who plagiarized his music (saying that he trusts it was accidental, who knows where inspiration comes from, and that he's probably done the same accidently) to when Dhani Harrison was getting stressed because Prince wasn't showing up for rehearsals and Dahni didn't know what he was planning (for his Father's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) and Petty just said "Whatever it's going to be it will be amazing."
Gone too soon. Thanks for sharing your own more personal experiences.
Tom Petty is sadly missed. A classy, humble human being who was also incredibly talented.
I know it's not a popular song, but I've always loved The Apartment Song. What a fun couple of minutes.
I love the Apartment song!
Me too! 👍
You couldnt be more wrong it was very populat at different times.
@@tonycampbell4982 it was/is a great song! It was only overshadowed by the big hits on the album (it wasn't a single, nor did it get a lot of airplay on AOR/Classic Rock stations). But really, the entire Full Moon Fever album is outstanding, and one of the highlights of his long, stellar career!
Yer so bad and apartment song are 2 most underrated full moon fever tunes.
Tom Petty's just a straight up legend. Says a lot about him that the friends he had to help him in the video were George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Ringo Starr! And Mike Campbell's slide guitar on this track is just iconic.
The Travilin Willbury's was AWESOME. This had: Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynn, George Harrison, and Roy Orbison.
Petty was a rebel that stood up to the music industry on several occasions, even when it threatened his career. If you want to see one of the best music documentaries you'll ever see, watch "Running Down a Dream". You'll see how Petty stood up and fought for himself and fans. You'll also see how he worked with tons of other legends like Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynn, and countless others. This man was a national treasure and is a beloved figure in music....unless of course you're one of the people trying to screw him or fans. Then of course, he's probably not your favorite person in the world. Even if you're not a Petty fan the documentary is worth watching. It's fantastic. Check it out.
Back in the day, at the time albums were $7.98, Tom's record company wanted to use his upcoming album to be the first to be priced $8.98. Tom wasn't having it, threatening to name the album "$7.98"! 🖕😂👍
And the whole album Last DJ which I've come to love many years later despite being lukewarm when I first listened to it.
He won’t back down from life or obstacles or people’s BS. In the 90’s when this was out I used to listen to it before every managers meeting. It helped me so much not to take shit from the other department heads! Love Tom Petty like family… RIP ❤️
Awesome. That's true art to me, when different people with sometimes even vastly different perspectives can enjoy a song like this for possibly very different reasons. He was an Artist with that capital 'A', for sure.
Brad & Lex, you'll love his "Here Comes My Girl" and "Don't Do Me Like That" !!!
That nasal sound is just Tom Petty's voice. Unique and easily identifiable for sure.
He's from Gainesville!
Young 'uns call it country, Yankees call it dumb
Reminiscent of a hero of his Roger McGwinn
@@wilcross50 And we call those Yankees idiots. Imagine not liking Tom Petty.
@@davidteller7681 Roger McGwinn with a dash of Bob Dylan here and there.
I love this song and I love Tom Petty's voice. I believe he is saying he won't back down on what he knows is right and living his life on his terms against all the obstacles life can throw at you. He said, "in a world that keeps on pushing me around, gonna stand my ground and I won't back down"...that says it all! 💖💖
If you watch football, this song has been played/sung in memory of him at multiple Florida Gators games. It also had a resurgence in popularity after 911.
Edit to add: you also may not recognize that his backup singers are Jeff Lynne and George Harrison.
Great 👍 video 📹
Years ago, before becoming famous. While in Florida, Joe Walsh taught Tom Petty guitar lessons. 🎸
It is now played between the 3rd and 4th quarters at Gator games since Tom died... everybody sings and it is awesome. 😎
I was at the Florida-LSU game the weekend after his death when they first did that. It was happened organically, but It was so well received, the fans, they lobbied the UF athletic department to make it a permanent tradition.
@@TidePride RIP Tom Petty. But......GO GATORS!
Tom was from Gainesville, Florida, the Florida gators play this and all their fans sings this, at the end of the 3rd quarter of every home football game.
Huge, well known catalog. Rock n Roll hall of famer. Iconic and instantly recognizable voice. And yet I have always felt like Tom Petty was a bit overlooked compared to "bigger" rock stars of his day such as Springsteen. But Tom Petty's legacy is undeniable and he'll be missed for decades. RIP Tom.
I agree. Many of us who grew up with his music consider him every bit as important as Springsteen and the Stones. And like them, he kept producing new music until his death. But while he is rarely completely ignored, including him often seems more of an afterthought.
I'll take Tom Petty and his trusty Heartbreakers over Bruce and the E Street boys all day everyday and twice on Sunday. That's not a knock on Springsteen just I prefer Tom.
I LOVE you both. I'm 73 years old and I've heard most all of the music you cover, BUT, I love your reactions to the songs and LOVE to see how much you get into the songs you've never heard! One of the most honest and truthful reactions!! Keep up the Great work!!!!!
It might be worth listening to some Travelling Wilburys. Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, George Harrison, Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison. They don't have a massive selection but some real gems.
Second that!
End of the Line!!!
Tom is my favorite and I’m happy to see his music still being listened to. ❤
One of his best songs! There are so many however!
Tom sang this song on a TV event the day after 9/11 in a coming together of musicians to unify the country. He sang it slow, with a fierce, angry and steady stare into the camera. It was powerful. Never forget it. Summed up what the US response would be. Don’t F___with the USA.
Tom Petty was America's most prolific and celebrated singer-songwriter from the early 80s through the 90s. Whether with the Heartbreakers, solo, or with the Traveling Wilburys, Tom Petty produced some of the most genius music in the history of the genre. His lyrics were as spot-on to the human condition (and of layered meanings) as Bob Dylan's greatest tracks. Tom Petty's heavy smoking and struggles with substance abuse took him from us way too soon, but he's left us one of the most amazing music catalogs in rock & roll. He will be missed for many, many years to come.
I used to be a newspaper sportswriter who covered local high school sports. One of the girls hoops teams in Vermont -- Wilmington High -- was a small school powerhouse. Their coach played this song to start practice every day. It set the tone. Those Warriors were a joy to cover 20 years ago.
Lost my friend last year after a battle with cancer this was his favorite song. Jimmy you may have lost the battle but you never backed down. RIP. Buddy
Lex was absolutely in the groove and completely loving tom petty's vocals
There are not many albums you can just throw on and enjoy but Tom Petty is one of the greatest and well worth the listen. Great song to introduce to the world.
"Don't come around here no more" next please....it's a great song!!!
I agree Brad. I like it, he sounds great. Unique very special voicea n d artist. RIP Tom Petty
Tom Petty played this song and 4 others at the half-time show at Superbowl XLII. It was the last time I remember enjoying a half-time show.
Classic Petty! This was also sung by Jonny Cash on his final album. Cash also did Hurt on that one. Petty was from Florida and always had a nasal twang. Standing up for the right thing! Pure and simple. Gates of Hell folks.
😽💋🎶
Also the back ground vocals were done by Jeff Lynne of ELO and George Harrison of the Beatles. The drummer is Ringo Starr of the Beatles.
Tom Petty has many great songs to check out. Among them: Learning to Fly, Runnin' Down a Dream, Don't Come Around Here No More, The Waiting, Don't Do Me Like That, Even the Losers, Here Comes My Girl to name a few. Many Brad and Lex have already done.
Walls by Tom Petty is also good
His Wildflowers album had some great tracks too.
Don’t Come around no more, is a boss song!
They ll play this at my funeral!!! 🔥
Saw the Full Moon Fever tour...the whole crowd was singing this song especially the chorus!
I love Tom Petty's voice, saw him in the mid 80's at the Tower Theater in Philly, Til Tuesday opened great concert. Then I moved to St. Augustine in early 90's and Tom had a house in Cresent Beach and he came to a bar called Trade winds with a friend and the bouncer told him that will be $2 (cover charge) his friend said this is Tom Petty. So the bouncer said sing something and he did then the bouncer said nice that will be 2 bucks. When he told us what was said we all died laughing 😃. Thanks for your reaction. 👍
I'm from Philly. I think my older sister was at that show.
I greatly admire that Tom never gave in - he stayed true to his vision and gave us a whole lotta great music.
"There ain't no easy way out"......of life, I always thought of this song to be deep in way.
RIP Tom we miss you dearly. His twangy voice is so distinct.
This song reminds me of the 90s, T-Tops, and summer cruises in my Buick Grand National Turbo.
I loved Tom Petty!! He was a nice person, and very unique. His record label wanted to raise the price $2.00 on his albums, ( in the 70's ) and Tom said, "No!" It meant a lot more money for him & the record com, but he said his fans pay enough, no price gouging, and try as the record com might...Tom stood his ground, he won't back down
One of my favorite jams of his.
Was never a huge Tom Petty fan but I always really liked this song the most. Great reaction
It says in a world that keeps pushing me around I wont back down. It means stand you ground and let people know you are not afraid of them.
Tom Petty has a deep catalog with an astonishing number of great tunes. Try Free Fallin', The Waiting, Into the Great Wide Open, The Last DJ...there are too many to list!
The Waiting is my favorite song from him, but honestly he has so many awesome hits.
Tom Petty was a highly principled man. He stood up to a lot of people. He famously declared bankruptcy to get out of a bad record deal. He also stood up to his record company when the wanted to sell his Hard Promises album for $9.99 when the usual retail price for an LP record was 8.99. He didn’t want his fans to pay any more than was necessary for his music. He won that battle.
It was awesome this past season the crowd at the Florida U football game all started singing this. Really cool moment
Tom Petty was amazing voice guitar player when he passed I was heartbroken his music got me through dark times
"I Won't Back Down" was released in April 1989 as the lead single from his first solo album, Full Moon Fever. The song was co-written by Petty and Jeff Lynne. Don't try to read into the song, I think the notion was that you should stand up for yourself in your believes and don't let people push you around because you are different.
Nope it was very specific actually. He was singing this directly to the arsonist who burned his house down.
This was huge when it came out in 1989…then got massive airplay again 12 years later after the 9/11 attacks🥰
Such a great song👍🏼
At the end of this video is the beginning of the next track on the CD, “Runnin Down a Dream”. Definitely a fun song to listen to. Fun video, too.
Probably my favorite Tom Petty song; if you liked this, try Tom Petty: "Don't Come Around Here No More."
Ooh! I like that one!
Can hear Jeff Lynne's writing influence all through this song, same as Tom Petty's other Jeff Lynne songs: Free Fallin', Runnin' Down A Dream, Learning To Fly, Into The Great Wide Open.
Gator Nation Proud! 🧡🐊💙
We love & miss Tom!
I love your channel. You get it so wrong most times. You rock!
Played on the anniversary of his death at an UF football game with the whole stadium singing along!
That’s a great clip on You Tube!
Tom Petty (& the Heartbreakers) makes some of the best driving music.
He said I’ll keep this world from dragging me down. Just the things life throws at you
Tom Petty's voice is described as" Gainesville cool." or Florida/LosAngeles accent. He has the Florida southern accent mixed with the Acapulco Gold accent of Southern California.
I've lived in Gainesville for 41 years. No matter how famous he became, Tom never lost his hometown roots.
Soooooooo literal...don't be hating on Tom!!
His greatest hits album is a MUST for road trips!
Most people refer to all Tom Petty’s music simply as Tom Petty but I draw a distinction between his solo music and his albums with the Heartbreakers. This song from his first solo album “Full Moon Fever” is my favorite. Free Falling and Learning To Fly are my other favorites.
Tom Petty is from Gainesville Florida. You should youtube Florida Gators stadium singing this, 90,000 people at one time, awesome!
It represents his standing up against the music industry. He is a legend that you’ve just only touched on. First is The Traveling Wilberrys next is Mudcrutch, last is Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Check out Mudcrutch Scare Easy
That sound prompted my friends and I, back in the early 80s, to dub them "Tom Pitiful and the Soul Crushers"
Maybe it's open to many interpretations. 🤔 How bout some Traveling Wilburys? Handle with care and or End of the line. It was a super group with George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan.
This song could really just be a ballad about life. Life pushes us around and we won't back down. That's how I like to interpret it.
You guys should cover "Don't Come Around Here No More". It's by far my favorite Petty song - trippy and surreal, but sounding great. When you react to it, try to react to the original video - it adds so much insanity that can't be missed!
You should watch the Florida Gator fans all sing this at the Football stadium aka the Swamp in Toms home town Gainesville shortly after his passing. Very emotional!
Tom and the gang grew up in the Gainesville area. As Mud Crutch, they toured everywhere in FL. Kinda brings it home don't it. Check out "Southern Accent", Three chords and the truth! Peace & Love, cheers
This is a great song with great lyrics which most can relate to.
Tom Petty is a Florida man too
My favorite Tom Petty song 🎵
Written by him + Jeff Lynne. Produced by them and Mike Campbell.
The music video shows lateTom and late George Harrison on guitars 🎸 🎸 , Jeff Lynne on a bass guitar. These are true to the studio 🎙 Ringo Starr was in the video 📹, BUT he did NOT play in the studio: Philippines Jones played drums 🥁
Other version. Jeff Lynne sings lead. Sometimes in ELO concerts, he sings this and other songs he wrote for other singers.
Suggested video 📹: Tom Petty sings Face in the Crowd.
RIP George Harrison and Tom Petty 😢
I absolutely LOVE the Ska Version of this song by REEL BIG FISH!! 🐟 🐠
can always hear tom's other projects ...with stevie nicks on - stop dragging my heart around ....or his contribution to the Travelling Wilbury's
This is my mom’s favorite song. She used it as a ring tone especially since she works for the government & her bosses have something against females & Asians. Literally trying hard to get her fired the legal way with political bs but because of her position (can’t really say what her job is), they can’t be aggressive but thanks to her minions she knew what they tried to do in every turn. She retired years later, while those bosses are in the midst of getting demoted & fired (one of them did) lots of lawyers & legal stuff that took months with evidence that mysteriously disappeared or witnesses getting deported or fired. It was like a tv show drama.
The reason this song sounds familiar is the melody was used in the Sam Smith song "Stay With Me." Tom Petty thought about suing, but decided against it, saying "These things happen in the studio, and usually there's someone there to say 'You can't do that.' That didn't happen here." Co-writer Jeff Lynn wasn't as forgiving, and did sue. He settled out of court with a songwriting credit for the Sam Smith song, as well.
Tom Petty is an Institution..... we should ALL be thankful for the many GREAT tunes he gave us....I know I am.....RIP Brother Tom.
First time I saw Tom was in the 1970s in Gainesville at a place called "Skeeter " they had great burgers .
Bruce Hornsby- Just the way it is
Refugee. You Got Lucky. Last Dance With Mary Jane. The Waiting. Free Fallin'. Or my personal fave, You Don't Know How It Feels. I mean, Tom Petty was incapable of writing a bad song. RIP, Tom. When he passed in 2017, I bawled as if I had lost an old friend.
I Love this song so much and believe me I sing it now and when a fight comes around that I know Im right, I the kind who wont back down to something I know is right
another Petty masterclass of effortlessly crafted pop rock perfection.
Tom Petty was an acquired taste of vocals, I for one loved his voice, my husband cant handle him. So he is like Stevie Nick's of the man version, you either love him or dont.
I love both of them. Love the unique sounds in vocals
CHECK OUT!!!! The Travilin Willbury's was AWESOME. This one time band, meaning only had one album had: Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynn, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, and of course Tom Petty.
Everything Jeff Lynne produces sounds like ELO. And I think that's a good thing.
He won't back down from anything that confronts him. Life in general. RIP Tom.
This song was my anthem while battling cancer.
Tom Petty the Prince of Rock from Jacksonville Florida.
During 9/11 this was like an anthem I was like 6 but I remember like on tv, news, commercials, ball games it was like the “America comin for some ass” song lol
Tom Petty is an incredibly prolific songwriter. His catalogue is extensive. Check out him and the Heartbreakers and The Traveling Wilbourys.
"Well I know what's right
I got just one life"
Truth.
If you guys are from Florida, you might have seen this played at halftime of the UF (Gators) home football games. Tom Petty is from Gainesville originally.
The next song that started to play is runnin down a dream. You should do a reaction to that song.
It's an song of encouragement. Don't back down.
Ex beatles in the video clip, this song is amazing since released one of my favorites
After Tom Petty died, during a Florida Gators game the crowd spontaneously sang this song acapella. The videos on RUclips.
You can hear a lot of Jeff Lynne influence on this and other songs on the same album. Brilliant.
Thats that whole Santa Monica California vibe sound in the 80s vampires skateboarding etc... Teenagers against the world ill face whatever life throws at me but i wont back down. Free Falling is another good one.
Its Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Typical Teenage Bullying
Great song and the little bit of George just adds to it!
That should be an anthem for many people. It is for me.
Tom Petty, Mark Knopfler and even Bob Dylan all kinda have that nasaly voice where they sorta talk their lyrics, but it totally works!
This hits me different since his passing. We lost something big when he left us.
Ha! Brad! You're diggin'it! 😂🤣😂🤣❤️