Shirley Caesar (born October 13, 1938 in Durham, North Carolina) is an Amer… Read Full Bio ↴Shirley Caesar (born October 13, 1938 in Durham, North Carolina) is an American Gospel music singer. She is a multi-award winner with eleven Grammy awards and seven Dove awards to her credit. She is a graduate of Shaw University with a degree in Business Administration. She also received an honorary doctorate from Shaw University and another one from Southeastern University.

Pastor Shirley has recorded over forty albums since the 60s exploring her gift and spreading messages of faith. She has participated in over 16 compilations and three gospel musicals, Mama I Want to Sing, Sing: Mama 2, and Born to Sing: Mama 3. Her credits also include a series of commercials for MCI Communications and several awards for her recordings. She has been awarded 11 Grammy Awards, 13 Stellar Awards, 18 Doves, 3 RIAA gold certifications, an Essence Award, McDonald's Golden Circle Lifetime Achievement Award, NAACP Achievement Award, SESAC Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Pastor Shirley has made several notable appearances including the televised Live from Disney World Night of Joy, the Gospel According to VH-1, a White House performance for George Bush, and a speech on the Evolution of Gospel Music to the US Treasury Department.
She has blessed so many around the world and will remain an example.

Don't Give Up
Shirley Caesar Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I can't give up now
I've gone too far to turn around

I've gone down throught the years... Ive shead so many tears
Sometimes on my journey my body gets racked with pain
But i know that my work down here, it won't be in vain
I got a few more rocks and reels till i make it to the top of the hill
I'm too close to my journey's end

To turn back in a world of sin

Overall Meaning

These lyrics from Shirley Caesar's song "Don't Give Up" are a powerful testament to the strength and perseverance needed to overcome life's obstacles. The first line "I can't give up now" sets the tone for the entire song, highlighting the idea that giving up is not an option for someone who has come so far in their journey. The second line "I've gone too far to turn around" adds to this sentiment, emphasizing that the struggles and challenges faced by the singer have brought them to this point, and there is no going back.

The next few lines of the song speak to the difficulties that the singer has faced over the years, including tears and physical pain. However, despite these challenges, the singer remains resolute in their determination to keep going. They believe that their work on this earth is important and they will persevere until the end. The final line of the chorus "To turn back in a world of sin" speaks to the idea that giving up now would be tantamount to giving in to a world that is full of darkness and negativity.

Overall, "Don't Give Up" is a powerful song about the strength and resilience required to overcome life's challenges. It highlights the idea that we can all find the courage to keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity and hardship.

Line by Line Meaning

I can't give up now
I am determined to keep going despite any obstacles

I've gone too far to turn around
I have put in too much effort to quit now

I've gone down throught the years... Ive shead so many tears
I have experienced hardships and sadness in my life

Sometimes on my journey my body gets racked with pain
Physical discomfort is a common occurrence on my path

But i know that my work down here, it won't be in vain
I believe that my efforts will lead to a meaningful outcome

I got a few more rocks and reels till i make it to the top of the hill
I have a few more challenges to overcome before I reach my goal

I'm too close to my journey's end
I have almost reached the end of my journey

To turn back in a world of sin
I refuse to give up and go backwards in a world full of negativity

Writer(s): J. HEARNDON, S. CAESAR

Contributed by Arianna J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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