Earlier today, when I first heard the news of Tom Petty suffering a heart attack, one song immediately popped into my head…I Won’t Back Down…and it’s been there ever since. (It is also one of two Petty songs that are the background music in my skydiving video from 1999, the other being Free Fallin’.)
As news of his passing was confirmed, I had one thought: Thanks for the music. I was fortunate enough to see him live three times (2002 and 2005 x 2) and the sets were amazing. A-MAZING. I often forget how many Petty songs I actually know and love, but today is truly a sad day. RIP Tom Petty. While you may be gone, your music will live on forever.
I Won’t Back Down
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
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