Armed with solid training and raw talent, they mix and combine their different musical backgrounds. Their complex arrangements, inspired by both classical and modern composers, are particularly striking to hear and see during their live shows. Devon Portielje’s remarkable voice is beautifully backed up by Connor Molander and Dylan Phillips. Phillips often plays drums and keys simultaneously as Molander and Portielje shuffle between guitar, keys, samplers, and percussion folky three-part harmonies hold down moody, psychedelic arrangements and electronic-infused soundscapes. They have recently welcomed a 4th member on stage, multi-instrumentlist Isaac Symonds, who adds his voice as well as playing guitar, keyboards and percussions.
Give Up
Half Moon Run Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To absolve it
To make peace with
All those weekends
We all just give up
Yeah we all stand down
With a lesson learned
With our eyes half shut
It's been obvious
Hallelujah
I've been saved by no one again
And again
But we all just give up
Yeah we all stand down
With a lesson learned
With our eyes half shut
The lyrics to "Give Up" by Half Moon Run are introspective and reflective in nature, with the band acknowledging the tendency for people to simply give up or stand down when faced with challenging situations. The opening lines "I just wanted/To absolve it/To make peace with/All those weekends" suggest a longing for resolution and a desire to move on from past mistakes or regrets. The repetition of the phrase "we all just give up/Yeah we all stand down" reinforces this idea, as the band seems to be grappling with the human tendency to give in to defeat or hopelessness.
However, the song also contains a glimmer of hope, with the lines "With a lesson learned/With our eyes half shut/No confusion/It's been obvious" suggesting that despite the challenges faced, the band has learned important lessons and gained clarity about the path forward. The use of the word "Hallelujah" in the line "Hallelujah/I've been saved by no one again/And again" suggests a kind of spiritual or emotional release, as though the band is acknowledging the difficulty of the journey but still finding cause for joy and gratitude.
Overall, the lyrics to "Give Up" speak to the universal human experience of struggle, failure, and redemption. The band's honest and vulnerable approach makes the song particularly resonant, as it invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of perseverance and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
I just wanted
I had a desire
To absolve it
To find forgiveness
To make peace with
To reconcile with
All those weekends
All those times spent
We all just give up
We all surrender
Yeah we all stand down
We all retreat
With a lesson learned
We have gained knowledge
With our eyes half shut
Without fully understanding
No confusion
No uncertainty
It's been obvious
It has been clear
Hallelujah
An exclamation of relief
I've been saved by no one again
I have been self-reliant once more
And again
Repeatedly
But we all just give up
But we all surrender
Yeah we all stand down
We all retreat
With a lesson learned
We have gained knowledge
With our eyes half shut
Without fully understanding
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Cloud9, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CONNER MOLANDER, DYLAN PHILLIPS, DEVON PORTIELJE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@xiuwalker
The strings sound even better than the album version, just incredible. This version actually rivals the original studio recording. I'm blown away
@flecks_piano
I know right. I missed them when they played live in my city, ain't gonna miss that opportunity again. These performances are just so goddamn good.
@annab8317
Totally agree, the strings fit SO WELL
@behr121002
I absolutely love Half Moon Run; I love their writing and playing style, most particularly with songs like Give Up above, and Full Circle . (And full credit to the ladies on strings-- absolutely beautiful playing, adding an emotonal richness to the tune.)
Love their ability to create a mental mood with songs like those. So glad I discovered them in 2013. They also all come across as serious musicians, humble, low-key; I respect them them tremendously.
May these talented Canadians continue for years to come!
@tiredassbibliophile1167
I was at the final concert of their tour in London, and it was the best concert I've ever been too! You guys are incredible, never stop making music! Hope to see you again when Quarantine ends!
@gordonhenderson6615
Paperback Writer, indeed the London concert was the last I saw before lock down too and a great one too ! More of this please, as close as a concert we are going to get these next many weeks !
@tiredassbibliophile1167
@Gordon Henderson ikr it was like the last bit of freedom before all of this
@brittabergander7214
Yes, I have been there aswell in London, first song? brilliant.Never give up!
@julienschmitt-sl8nn
Il existe encore de vrai artiste !
Love !❤❤❤❤
@rovingwaves1199
Best live band, sick drummer especially. Must be hard for you guys, please release more music so we can support you!