Don'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". ==Critical reception==

AllMusic critic Richie Unterberger called the track a "relatively little-known treasure" and praised it for its "uncommonly anxious lyrics." Music historian Andrew Hickey called the song "one of [''All Summer Long's''] best tracks." ==Alternate version==

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. ==Personnel==

Per Craig Slownski. ;The Beach Boys • Mike Love – lead, backing, and harmony vocals • Al Jardine – backing and harmony vocals, electric bass guitars • Brian Wilson – chorus falsetto, backing, and harmony vocals; upright, tack, or grand piano; Hammond B3 organ; arranger • Carl Wilson – backing and harmony vocals, electric rhythm guitars • Dennis Wilson – backing and harmony vocals, drums ;Additional musicians and production staff • Hal Blaine – drums • Wilton Felder- bass guitar • Chuck Britz – engineer • Ray Pohlman – 6-string electric bass guitar • The Honeys (Marilyn Rovell, Diane Rovell, Ginger Blake) – backing vocals ==References==