The swell of grassroots momentum for The Dirty Guv'nahs has generated consi… Read Full Bio ↴The swell of grassroots momentum for The Dirty Guv'nahs has generated considerable buzz up and down the East Coast recently. Their live shows are selling out venues and theatres from New York City to Florida, where fans pack in to experience a full-bore musical energy characteristic of The Avett Brothers, early Black Crowes, and The Rolling Stones. The group's unlikely genesis took place in their beloved hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee. where the community has subsequently elected 'The Guvs' as the 'Best Band In Knoxville' for 4 years running. The Guvs' sound, which has been described as 'a passionate, jubilant slice of rock meets Americana,' is accomplished through a sturdy foundation of gritty guitar tones and tight rhythms, accented with smooth harmonies, crunchy Hammond organ, bluesy piano and vigorous lead guitar solos. The soulful melodies and catchy choruses come courtesy of the band's front man, James Trimble, who has drawn comparisons to Jagger, Morrison, and Springsteen in terms of both voice and energy. The finished delivery is a 'must see live act' that was accurately described by a recent review in Nashville's Music Connection Magazine -- 'The Dirty Guv'nahs possess a vintage zest that's simple enough to attract a variety of listeners, yet a sound mature enough to capture a grizzled industry veteran. This band doesn't just play music; they capture the human spirit through song.'

Don't Give Up On Me
The Dirty Guv'nahs Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

First class, never had a ticket made
Whole life, living in the aisle way
Back row, the window if felt so cold
Last night, singing on the interstate
Released, feeling I could breathe again
Today, heaven it don’t feel close

All I really want is someone to tell me I’m wanted

Can you hear me? I’m longing to know tonight

Gimme an answer
I need a fighter
I’m a long way off, hanging on a little string
Hoping you notice
Loaded with questions
Old enough to know, young enough to still believe
Don’t give up on me

The story that i’m living in
It’s a story in my mind
Thought life it would be different
I thought i’d have more time
And control…
It’s hard to decide
When your soul…
Is caught inside your mind

All I really want is someone to tell me I’m wanted
Can you hear me? I’m longing to know tonight

So give me an answer
I need a fighter
I’m a long way off, hanging on a little string
Hoping you notice
Loaded with questions
Old enough to know, young enough to still believe
Don’t give up on me

You know I will, I’ll come running
You know I will, I’ll come running
You know I will, I’ll come running
Yeah, you know I will

Don’t give up on me

Overall Meaning

The Dirty Guv'nahs’s song Don't Give up on Me is a melancholic plea to someone for help, support, encouragement, and reassurance. The first verse speaks of a person who has always been on the margins, trying to find a way to belong. He has never had the opportunity to fly first class, always living his life as if he were in the aisle way. Even on his best days, he still feels cold and alone like he is sitting in the back row of an empty plane. The chorus vocalizes what he wants most; he wants someone to tell him that he is wanted, that he is not alone in his struggles, and that someone is there for him.

The second verse digs deeper into his internal struggle. He feels like his life is a story that he is living, but everything is not going according to plan. His thoughts, desires, and ambitions are all trapped inside his head, and he cannot seem to find a way to express them. The chorus returns again, emphasizing his need for someone who can help him sort out his thoughts and emotions.

The bridge comes as a culmination of his plea, as he declares that he will come running to whoever provides him with the support and love he needs. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, echoing his longing for someone to show him the care he’s looking for.

Line by Line Meaning

First class, never had a ticket made
I've never been given the opportunity to experience the best things in life

Whole life, living in the aisle way
My life has been stuck in mediocrity and unnoticed

Back row, the window if felt so cold
Even in the moments of my life that should have brought joy, I felt alone and lost

Last night, singing on the interstate
For a brief moment, I felt free and alive, but that feeling didn't last

Released, feeling I could breathe again
I experienced a moment of relief and a sense of hope, but quickly lost that feeling

Today, heaven it don’t feel close
I feel far from experiencing true happiness in my present situation

All I really want is someone to tell me I’m wanted
I am searching for validation and a sense of belonging from someone else

Can you hear me? I’m longing to know tonight
I am desperate for someone to acknowledge my existence and show me that I matter

Gimme an answer
I am asking for clarity and direction in my life

I need a fighter
I am looking for someone who is strong and will fight alongside me to overcome the challenges in life

I’m a long way off, hanging on a little string
I feel distant from where I want to be in life and am barely holding on

Hoping you notice
I am longing for someone to show me that they care and see me

Loaded with questions
I have many unanswered questions about my purpose and direction in life

Old enough to know, young enough to still believe
Despite being aware of the harsh realities of life, I still hold onto hope and believe in the possibilities

Don’t give up on me
I am pleading with someone not to abandon me and to continue fighting for me

The story that i’m living in
I am living a life that is like a personal story with twists and turns

It’s a story in my mind
The events of my life are subjective and are shaped by my own perception

Thought life it would be different
I had different expectations for my life and current struggles

I thought i’d have more time
I expected to be in a different place in life at this point

And control… It’s hard to decide When your soul… Is caught inside your mind
I struggle with making decisions and feeling in control because my emotions and thoughts are constantly conflicting

You know I will, I’ll come running Yeah, you know I will
I am committed to being there for someone who supports and cares for me

Writer(s): James Trimble, Michael Jenkins

Contributed by Tyler O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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