The song that “frightened” Tom Petty so much he didn’t want to release it
The shaking impact of Tom Petty is impossible to discount in the realm of music history. Rising up as the rock world’s answer to Bob Dylan, Petty delivered a searing set of poignant lyrics backed by a guitar-heavy band that always seemed intent on cranking up the volume to the max. Some artists make a huge impact before shrinking away. Others permeate the industry and seep into every corner of it, while some artists manage to do both without blinking an eye, like Tom Petty.
The late, great Petty is one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century and beyond. His skills both lyrically and his expert ear for a tune have made him one of the most revered acts in rock. He managed to do so with a plethora of songs that not only resonated with the wider public, but felt personal, from the heart and therefore touched the audiences in the same place.
One track was so deeply entrenched in Petty’s personal struggles that he even admitted it scared him. ‘I Won’t Back Down’ from Full Moon Fever is often considered one of the songwriter’s finest efforts, and part of the reason for the widespread adoration is the unique connection he has.
The reason for Petty’s own connection to the track was likely its place in his life. Just before the recording of the album, Petty’s house burned down in an arson attack which, though thankfully not taking anyone’s life, left him and his family notably shaken. Then, just a few days before stepping into the studio, Petty found himself in court against Goodrich tyres, who had attempted to use his song ‘Mary Has a New Car’ without his permission in one of their adverts.
“That song frightened me when I wrote it,” admitted Petty in 2006. The tune is packed full of powerful sentiments, and Petty’s unwillingness to release it shows just how personal it was. “I didn’t embrace it at all,” he continued.
Adding: “It’s so obvious. I thought it wasn’t that good because it was so naked.”
Thankfully, Petty would see fit to release the track, and by doing so, he gave the world one of his most beloved songs: “Everyone around me liked the song and said it was really good, and it turns out everyone was right – more people connect to that song than anything I ever wrote,” Petty reflected in 2006. “I’ve had so many people tell me that it helped them through this or it helped them through that. I’m still continually amazed about the power a little three-minute song has.”
Though in very different situations, each one helped Petty create his defiant anthem and put Full Moon Fever on the map as one of Petty’s best albums. Now, “You can stand me up at the gates of hell / But I won’t back down” is not only one of Petty’s best lyrics but one of the defining lines in music history.
