After a short marriage which ended in 1992, Griffin began playing in Boston coffee houses and was scouted by A&M Records who signed Griffin on the strength of her demo tape. This resulted in her debut album Living With Ghosts -- a set of demos featuring only Ms. Griffin and her guitar -- which garnered critical acclaim in 1996. Her sophomore album, Flaming Red, demonstrated a more rocking, full-band sound. The ill-fated Silver Bell album was never released by her record label, however, and the label terminated her recording contract shortly after that. Many of the songs from Silver Bell were re-recorded for subsequent albums.
After switching to ATO Records Griffin brought out three albums in rapid succession: 1000 Kisses and Impossible Dream, which were both nominated for Grammy awards, and A Kiss in Time, a well-received live album. In March 2007, she released Children Running Through to great critical acclaim.
She has penned a wide variety of songs - Long Ride Home, Top of the World, Tony, Forgiveness, Chief, Mad Mission--that touch her listeners deeply. A number of high profile artists have covered Patty's songs, including the Dixie Chicks, Bette Midler, Emmylou Harris, The Wreckers, Solomon Burke and pop star Kelly Clarkson; these have brought her exposure in the more mainstream pop and country worlds outside of folk music circles. Upon hearing Solomon Burke's cover of one of her tunes, she said she almost didn't feel worthy of singing it anymore.
Following her collaboration with Mavis Staples on a tune for a compilation album Peter York, suggested Griffin make an album of gospel songs. Griffin agreed on the condition that Buddy Miller, a friend and bandmate, produced the record. Downtown Church was recorded at the Downtown Presbyterian Church in Nashville with a 2010 release date. The album features long-time friends Buddy and Julie Miller, as well as Shawn Colvin and Emmylou Harris. It also includes songs by Hank Williams, Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton, and "All Creatures of Our God and King," a song accredited to St. Francis of Assisi.
Griffin featured on Robert Plant's solo album, Band of Joy, which was released in September 2010
Griffin's album American Kid was released on May 7, 2013
I Don't Ever Give Up
Patty Griffin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I did what I did, I've got no one to blame
But I don't give up, no, I don't ever give up
It's all I've got, it's my claim to fame
I'm no fighter but I'm fighting
This whole world seems uninviting
But I don't give up, no, I don't ever give up
Liars are lying, airplanes are flying
Love isn't here, love isn't here
But it's somewhere
Time to forget me, but something won't let me
Love isn't here, love isn't here
But it's somewhere
And I cleaned and I washed up
This dream I don't ever give up
I don't ever give up, I don't ever give up
No, I don't ever give up, no, I don't ever give up
No, I don't ever give up, I don't ever give up
Patty Griffin's "I Don't Ever Give Up" is a song about perseverance and resilience. Griffin sings about being a grown-up in a world that is often unforgiving and challenging. She admits that she's made mistakes, but she refuses to give up on herself. Her refusal to give up is what she claims as her "claim to fame."
The second verse highlights Griffin's fight against the world. She acknowledges that the world can be uninviting and daunting, but she still chooses to fight. She falls sometimes, but she always gets back up, sometimes even stronger. The refrain "no, I don't ever give up" is a powerful statement of determination that runs throughout the song.
The chorus echoes the sentiment that love may not always be present - it can feel absent or disconnected in our lives- but it exists somewhere. Griffin affirms that even though she may be struggling with letting go of something or someone, she still hasn't given up hope.
Overall, "I Don't Ever Give Up" is a song that speaks to the fact that life can be challenging, but perseverance and resilience are key in overcoming those challenges. It's a song about never giving up and always pushing forward.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm no kid in a kid's game
I am not naive and understand the seriousness of my situation.
I did what I did, I've got no one to blame
I take full responsibility for my actions and their consequences.
But I don't give up, no, I don't ever give up
I am determined and resilient despite the challenges I face.
It's all I've got, it's my claim to fame
My perseverance is my defining characteristic and what sets me apart.
I'm no fighter but I'm fighting
I may not have the natural inclination to fight, but I am still doing what needs to be done.
This whole world seems uninviting
The world is not making it easy for me to succeed.
I fall down sometimes, sometimes I come back flying
I may experience setbacks, but I use them as opportunities to learn and grow stronger.
Liars are lying, airplanes are flying
The world is moving on and people are not always truthful.
Love isn't here, love isn't here
I cannot find the love I am seeking in my life at the moment.
But it's somewhere
I still hold out hope that love exists and is out there for me.
Time to forget me, but something won't let me
Others may want me to give up, but I still have a fighting spirit within me.
And I cleaned and I washed up
I took care of myself and my surroundings, renovating my dreams.
This dream I don't ever give up
I refuse to let go of my dreams and will keep pursuing them.
No, I don't ever give up, no, I don't ever give up
I repeat my determination and dedication to never giving up on myself or my dreams.
No, I don't ever give up, I don't ever give up
I emphasize my commitment to keep moving forward and persevering.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PATRICIA J. GRIFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind