Don't Give Up

Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel

About Don't Give Up

"Don't Give Up" is a song written by English musician Peter Gabriel and recorded as a duet with Kate Bush for Gabriel's fifth solo studio album So (1986). The single version was released as the second single from the album in the UK in 1986 and as the fifth single in the United States in 1987. It spent eleven weeks in the UK Top 75 chart in 1986, peaking at #9.


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In this proud land we grew up strong
We were wanted all along
I was taught to fight, taught to win
I never thought I could fail

No fight left or so it seems
I am a man whose dreams have all deserted
I've changed my face, I've changed my name
But no one wants you when you lose

Don't give up
'Cause you have friends
Don't give up
You're not beaten yet
Don't give up
I know you can make it good

Though I saw it all around
Never thought I could be affected
Thought that we'd be last to go
It is so strange the way things turn

Drove the night toward my home
The place that I was born, on the lakeside
As daylight broke, I saw the earth
The trees had burned down to the ground

Don't give up
You still have us
Don't give up
We don't need much of anything
Don't give up
'Cause somewhere there's a place
Where we belong

Rest your head
You worry too much
It's going to be alright
When times get rough
You can fall back on us
Don't give up
Please don't give up

Got to walk out of here
I can't take anymore
Gonna stand on that bridge
Keep my eyes down below
Whatever may come
And whatever may go
That river's flowing
That river's flowing

Moved on to another town
Tried hard to settle down
For every job, so many men
So many men no-one needs

Don't give up
'Cause you have friends
Don't give up
You're not the only one
Don't give up
No reason to be ashamed
Don't give up
You still have us
Don't give up now
We're proud of who you are
Don't give up
You know it's never been easy
Don't give up
'Cause I believe there's a place
There's a place where we belong

(Don't give up, don't give up, don't give up)
(Don't give up, don't give up, don't give up)
(Don't give up, don't give up, don't give up)
(Don't give up, don't give up, don't give up)

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Kate Bush

Catherine "Kate" Bush (born 30 July 1958) is an English singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. Her eclectic musical style and idiosyncratic vocal style have made her one of the United Kingdom's most successful solo female performers of the past 30 years. more »

7 fans

Written by: Peter Gabriel

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Date
"Don't Give Up" by "Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel" was released as a single in October 1986.
Relevance and Inspiration
The song was inspired by the severe unemployment situation in England at the time. Gabriel composed the song in response to Dorothea Lange's famous photographs of the Great Depression in the USA.
Collaboration
"Don't Give Up" is one of the most prominent collaborations between Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush, two of the most distinguished British musicians at that time.
Album Contribution
The song features on Peter Gabriel's fifth studio album, "So," which is his best-selling album worldwide and helps bring him mainstream success.
Chart Performance
It reached number 9 in the UK Singles Chart and number 1 in the Irish Singles Chart.
Song Structure and Theme
The song is distinguished by its unique two-part structure-- Peter Gabriel sings the first part in a low register, and Kate Bush responds in a high, ethereal tone. It alternates between their perspectives of a man and woman in despair and reassurance respectively.
Music Video
The music video directed by Godley & Creme is equally compelling, featuring Gabriel and Bush embracing while rotating on a circular stage.
Cover Versions
"Don't Give Up" has been covered by many artists over the years, including Willie Nelson and Sinead O'Connor, Alicia Keys and Bono, P!nk, and even Taylor Swift during a live performance.
Critical Reception
The song is highly praised for its emotional portrayal of despair and hope and for the exceptional vocal performances of Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush. Various music critics and fans often consider it one of the best duets of all time.
Pop Culture Influence
The song continues to resonate with audiences today, making appearances in TV shows such as "Miami Vice", "Cold Case", and "EastEnders", and consistently being played on radio stations across the world.
Live Performances
Notably, Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush performed "Don't Give Up" live only once, during the Secret Policeman's Third Ball in 1987. They reunited to sing it again at an event in 2002, but unfortunately, Kate was unable to attend.
Alternate Versions
An alternate version of "Don't Give Up" (titled "Don't Break Down") was recorded with a slightly altered lyric. On this version, Peter Gabriel sings both parts. However, this alternate version has never been officially released.

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    "Don't Give Up Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/8983449/Kate+Bush/Don%27t+Give+Up>.

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1987

    Billboard #72


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