| "Don't Back Down" | |
|---|---|
| Song bythe Beach Boys | |
| from the albumAll Summer Long | |
| Released | July 13, 1964 |
| Recorded | October 18, 1963 and April 2 – May 19, 1964 |
| Studio | Western Studios |
| Genre | Vocal surf[1] |
| Length | 1:52 |
| Label | Capitol Records |
| Songwriter(s) | Brian Wilson,Mike Love |
| Producer(s) | Brian Wilson |
| "Don't Back Down" | |
|---|---|
| Single bythe Queers | |
| from the albumDon't Back Down | |
| Recorded | August 17, 1996 |
| Genre | Punk rock |
| Length | 1:58 |
| Songwriter(s) | Brian Wilson, Mike Love |
| Producer(s) | J.J. Rassler, Mass Giorgini |
"Don't Back Down" is a song by the Americanrock bandthe Beach Boys and the final track on their 1964 albumAll Summer Long. Written byBrian Wilson andMike Love, the lyrics describe a group of surfers who "don't back down from that wave", explaining that they "gotta be a little nuts" to show the girls "who's got guts". It was the group's last surfing-themed song until 1968's "Do It Again".[2]
In 1990, an earlier version of "Don't Back Down" was included on a reissue CD that compiledLittle Deuce Coupe andAll Summer Long, and in 2014, a new stereo mix was featured on the archival releaseKeep an Eye on Summer. In 1996,punk rock bandthe Queers recorded acover version of the song that served as the lead single for their albumDon't Back Down.
The song, in the key of A-flat, modulates to the key of A during each chorus, and returns to A-flat during the verse. A modulation during the chorus had previously been used by Wilson in songs such as "Don't Worry Baby".[citation needed]
AllMusic criticRichie Unterberger called the track a "relatively little-known treasure" and praised it for its "uncommonly anxious lyrics."[3] Music historian Andrew Hickey called the song "one of [All Summer Long's] best tracks."[2] Musicologist Philip Lambert said that"'Don't Back Down' positively explodes with surfing energy and vitality."[4]
An alternate version, sharing some of the elements of the final produced version, has a more serious tone. Lines such as "I know what it's like when you feel like backing down" and "Just grit your teeth, take it on, but don't back down!" give this version a personal, conversational and challenging direction.[according to whom?]
Per Craig Slownski.[5]
