I Won't Back Down

by Tom Petty
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Lyrics

Well, I won’t back (G)down.

No, I won’t back (G)down.

You can (Em)stand me (D)up at the (C)gates gin’ of a hell, but I won’t back (G)down.

Gon na stand my (G)ground,

won’t be turned a (G)round.

And I’ll (Em)keep this (D)world from the (C)drag in’ me a round.

but I’ll stand my (G)ground.

Gon na

And I won’t back down.

(C)Hey

(D)ba by,

there ain’t no eas (G)y way (D)out.

(C)Hey,

(D)I

will (Em)stand (D)my (G)ground,

and I (Em)won’t (D)back (G)down.

Well, I

(C)Hey

(D)ba by,

there ain’t no eas (G)y way (D)out.

(C)Hey,

(D)I

will (Em)stand (D)my (G)ground,

and I (Em)won’t (D)back (G)down.

No I (Em)won’t (D)back (G)down.

I Won't Back Down by Tom Petty

26 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of G at 115 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

Learn how to accompany it· the chords and what each hand plays, on Super Simple Chords ↗

About “I Won't Back Down”

What key is "I Won't Back Down" in?
"I Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty is in the key of G with a tempo of 115 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "I Won't Back Down" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.
Can I play "I Won't Back Down" without reading sheet music?
Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.
What chords are used in "I Won't Back Down"?
This arrangement of "I Won't Back Down" uses 4 chords: C, D, Em, G. Only a handful of chords — a great pick for early learners.
How long does it take to learn "I Won't Back Down" on piano?
30–60 minutes for a basic playthrough using color-coded notes; 1–2 weeks of daily 15-min practice to perform smoothly hands-together.
What other songs by Tom Petty can I play here?
Try "YOU DON'T KNOW HOW IT FEELS", "SOUTHERN ACCENTS", "THE WAITING". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.