Bush began writing songs at 11. She was signed to EMI Records after Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour helped produce a demo tape. Her debut album, The Kick Inside, was released in 1978. Bush slowly gained artistic independence in album production and has produced all her studio albums since The Dreaming (1982). She took a hiatus between her seventh and eighth albums, The Red Shoes (1993) and Aerial (2005). Bush drew attention again in 2014 with her concert residency Before the Dawn, her first show since 1979's The Tour of Life.
The TV series "Stranger Things" used Bush's "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" in Season 4. As a result of the resurgence of interest, in 2022 the song reached #1 on the UK charts, 37 years after its initial release, and generated 100s of millions of streams.
Bush's eclectic and experimental musical style, unconventional lyrics, performances, and literary themes have influenced a diverse range of artists. She has been nominated for 13 British Phonographic Industry accolades, winning for Best British Female Artist in 1987, and has been nominated for three Grammy Awards. In 2002, Bush was recognized with an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music. Bush was appointed a CBE in the 2013 New Year Honours for services to music. She was nominated three times for induction in the 2018, 2021, and 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Don't Give Up
Kate Bush Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
Don't give up
'Cos 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 that 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 any more
Going to 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 its never been easy
Don't give up
'Cause I believe there's a place
There's a place where we belong
Kate Bush's song "Don't Give Up" tells the story of a man who has given up hope due to the numerous failures he has encountered in his life. Despite growing up strong and being taught to fight and win, he finds himself at the end of his rope, feeling that he has no more fight left in him. He has even changed his face and name, yet no one seems to want him anymore. This is where Kate steps in, urging him not to give up because he still has friends who believe in him, even in his darkest moments. She reminds him that even though things can be tough, there is always a place where we belong, and encourages him to believe in himself again.
The song represents a message of hope and resilience in the face of difficulties. It is meant to inspire those who are struggling to hold on and keep believing in themselves, even when the going gets tough. The powerful delivery of the message through Kate's vocal performance and the elegant music composition makes it a timeless classic.
Line by Line Meaning
In this proud land we grew up strong
We were raised in a place where strength was valued.
We were wanted all along
Our community valued our presence.
I was taught to fight, taught to win
I was trained to be successful in life.
I never thought I could fail
I believed in my own abilities and potential.
No fight left or so it seems
I am exhausted and hopeless.
I am a man whose dreams have all deserted
I have lost my hopes and aspirations.
I've changed my face, I've changed my name
I have tried to start over, but it hasn't helped.
But no-one wants you when you lose
When you are down and out, people tend not to care.
Don't give up
Keep fighting.
'Cos you have friends
You are not alone.
You're not beaten yet
You still have a chance to succeed.
I know you can make it good
I believe in your potential.
Though I saw it all around
I could see the hardships of others, but never imagined it would happen to me.
Never thought that I could be affected
I never thought I would experience hard times.
Thought that we'd be last to go
I believed that my community would not face hardships.
It is so strange the way things turn
Life has a way of taking unexpected turns.
Drove the night toward my home
I was heading back to the place where I grew up.
The place that I was born, on the lakeside
My birthplace was a peaceful and idyllic setting.
As daylight broke, I saw the earth
The morning revealed the devastation caused by a destructive force.
The trees had burned down to the ground
The trees that had stood tall and strong were no more.
You still have us
You have people who care.
We don't need much of anything
You don't have to give us anything in return.
'Cause somewhere there's a place where we belong
We can find a place of comfort and belonging.
Rest your head
Take a break from the struggles.
You worry too much
Don't let anxiety consume you.
It's going to be alright
Things will work out.
When times get rough
In moments of hardship.
You can fall back on us
You can rely on the support of others.
Please don't give up
Please keep fighting.
Got to walk out of here
I need to leave this place.
I can't take any more
I have reached my limit.
Going to stand on that bridge
I will face my fears.
Keep my eyes down below
I will focus on the task at hand.
Whatever may come
Regardless of what happens.
And whatever may go
Despite any potential setbacks.
That river's flowing
Life is moving forward.
Moved on to another town
I tried to start over in a new place.
Tried hard to settle down
I wanted to establish roots.
For every job, so many men
There is such fierce competition for employment.
So many men no-one needs
Despite the competition, there are too many people looking for work.
No reason to be ashamed
It is not shameful to ask for help.
We're proud of who you are
We value and respect you.
You know its never been easy
You have faced challenges in the past.
'Cause I believe there's a place
I believe there is a hopeful future.
There's a place where we belong
There is somewhere we can feel at home.
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tratore
Written by: PETER GABRIEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@patrickscanlon544
I almost gave up. I came back from the Gulf War broken and hopeless. I turned to the drink and isolated myself. When things were at their worst my father came and brought me home and helped me in his gentle way, where army doctors and their pills couldnโt. He made me see that there was peace and goodness in the world. He passed seven years ago and I miss him every day. Iโm still strong Da.
@coralbay00
Inspirational brother. Continue doing him proud as I can assure you he still sees you ๐ค๐ค
@PeterNgola
Thank you for your service Patrick , Take care of yourself mate!
@williammcmillan1108
sorry /i lost my dad as well
@danielblanchet7577
Sorry for your loss, I know what it feels like believe me, my wife passed 8 years ago and I still miss her, been alone ever since 'cos no one can replace her and no one ever will ! God it's hard !!!
@mystavalon200
Awsome story
Stay strong ๐ช
@jenniferjanejames2873
One of the most powerful songs for anyone struggling.
@gabecollett
Yes. Masterpiece.
@sylvainnouet6447
โคโคโค
@tetraquark2402
I keep returning to it