Sexsmith started his first band at 14. After moving to Toronto he formed the Uncool and released his cassette Out of the Duff, and a year later, There's a Way. Meanwhile, he worked as a courier, and released Grand Opera Lane in 1991. On the strength of this album he earned a contract which led to the self-titled album Ron Sexsmith of 1995. Between 1997 and 2001, Sexsmith released three more albums before the acclaimed Cobblestone Runway in 2002.
Never Give Up
Ron Sexsmith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm done with these
Of childish things
I've set them free
Filed them away in the past
Gave up on all that don't last
Save for just one thing
I'd never give up on you
Though they try to break us in two
Never give up on you
Whatever I do
Come early spring
I bailed on that
From apron strings
I freed my hands
And woke from the spell that cast
I kicked that habit at last
Oh, but I would stick by you
Wherever you lead me to
Never give up on you
The world may try to break us I two
I'd never give up on you, darlin'
Whatever they do
I'd never give up on you
Because I know you'd do the same for me
Never give up on you
Because you take me as I am
How I'll always be
When times are bad
When things go wrong
What makes you sad
Will make me strong
I'm keeping an eye on your tears
Sweeping up all this broken mirror
Our luck may not come through
But that's something that I'd never do
I'd never give up on you
Though they try to break us in two
Never give up on you, darlin'
Whatever I do
Never give up on you
The lyrics to Ron Sexsmith's song "Never Give Up" are deeply reflective and emotive as they express the singer's unyielding commitment to a loved one. The opening lines indicate a sense of maturity, as the singer expresses that he is done with "foolish dreams" and "childish things". He appears to have moved past frivolous concerns, filing them away in the past, and has given up on things that do not last. However, the lyrics take a poignant turn as the singer reveals that there is one thing he would never give up on - his love for the person he is addressing in the song.
The lyrics are often interpreted as a love letter to a romantic partner, but they could also be interpreted as an expression of loyalty to a friend or family member. The singer acknowledges that the world may try to break them apart, but he vows to never give up on this person, no matter what. The second verse and the chorus reinforce his unwavering commitment to the person he loves. He invokes seasonal imagery, indicating that he has made significant changes, bailing on habits that were holding him back, and freeing his hands. But he will always stick by his loved one, wherever they may lead him.
The final verse is particularly moving, as the singer acknowledges that life can be hard, and that it is important to be there for your loved ones when times are tough. The lines "What makes you sad will make me strong" convey his willingness to stand by the person he loves, even in difficult times. The song's message is ultimately one of hope, resilience, and the power of unwavering love to overcome even the greatest obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
Of foolish dreams
I've abandoned unrealistic hopes
I'm done with these
I'm finished with those dreams
Of childish things
I've abandoned things I did as a child
I've set them free
I'm no longer attached to them
Filed them away in the past
I've moved on from those things
Gave up on all that don't last
I've learned to let go of things that have no lasting value
Save for just one thing
I've kept one thing that's important to me
There's something that I'd never do
I have a limit to what I'm willing to give up
I'd never give up on you
I'm committed to you and our relationship
Though they try to break us in two
Despite external obstacles that may arise
Whatever I do
I will always stand by you
Come early spring
At the start of the season
I bailed on that
I abandoned that idea
From apron strings
From dependence on another person
I freed my hands
I gained more independence
And woke from the spell that cast
I became aware of the illusion I was living in
I kicked that habit at last
I overcame a habit
Oh, but I would stick by you
However, I would always be there for you
Wherever you lead me to
No matter where life takes us
The world may try to break us in two
Regardless of external obstacles
I'd never give up on you, darlin'
I'll always be here for you, my love
Because I know you'd do the same for me
I have faith in our relationship
Because you take me as I am
I understand that you love me for who I am
How I'll always be
The kind of person I will always be
When times are bad
During difficult times
When things go wrong
In moments of adversity
What makes you sad
The things that bring you down
Will make me strong
Will empower me to support you
I'm keeping an eye on your tears
I'm paying close attention to your emotional state
Sweeping up all this broken mirror
Picking up the pieces of our brokenness
Our luck may not come through
Our circumstances may not favor us
But that's something that I'd never do
Despite those challenges, I would never give up on you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LAURENT GERMAIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@zeldasheldon1
Beautiful song. Ron Sexmith is totally under rated awesome singer songwriter. Loved seeing Ron in Sydney.
@miguelmunro
he looks troubled in a beautiful way. love his songs.
@anthonyriley7517
Totally fabulous!
@ronfoster4803
Brilliant & raw, can listen to him all day. Thank you Ron Sexsmith
@KerstinJellback
Beautiful. When I listen to this song I'm thinking of my wonderful son and everything that's happen to us. I love him so much.
@listairgin
Beautiful, and a breath of fresh air to me. Such a fantastic artist. Thanks for your music Ron Sexsmith. 💕☘
@Oasisbill
Ron, you are a genius.
@didoma73
An instant favorite; Ron is a consummate wordsmith, always the most beautiful sentiment
@Oasisbill
This song is just so beautiful, and this version is fragile.
@yrralyrral
Another brilliant song by Ron.