Don't Give Up
The Noisettes Lyrics


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Sometimes they'll want to cut you down
Betta scratch that itch cos the time is now
They tell you that you gotta have a heart of steel
If you want to keep up can you afford to feel?

When the system's wrong you gotta tear it down
let it fall to the sea bed like a rusty crown
To the stars in the moonbeams glare
Shackles on your feet gonna disappear

What if I tried to tell you to do what for?
Can't you see baby life's knocking right at your door
Ooh I just don't know for sure.
What if I tried to tell you to do what for?

Don't give up don't give up
Don't give up don't give up
Don't give up don't give up
Don't give up don't give up

She's got a talented face and a suitcase
Ain't got no desire to go no place
In her case she's got no desire
with her hand in the flame say's she don't feel the fire
To the 'yes' in the evenings air demons
in your head got to disappear
To the stars under the moon means glare
The Shackles on your meat will disappear

What if I tried to tell you to do what for?
Can't you see baby life's knocking right at your door




She said, "Ooh I just don't know for sure"
What if I tried to tell you to do what for?

Overall Meaning

The Noisettes' "Don't Give Up" is an upbeat and encouraging song that urges the listener to persevere despite adversity. The lyrics speak to the struggles of pursuing one's dreams and goals, and the obstacles that can arise along the way. The first verse speaks to the pressures and criticism that can come from others when pursuing something meaningful, but ultimately encourages the listener to follow their passion, even if it means going against the norm. The line "If you want to keep up, can you afford to feel?" is particularly poignant, questioning whether the listener can handle the emotional toll of taking risks and pushing boundaries.


The second verse encourages the listener to challenge and dismantle the status quo when it is unjust or oppressive. The imagery of a rusty crown falling to the sea bed conveys a sense of overthrowing an unjust system. The mention of "shackles on your feet" that will disappear suggests a sense of liberation and breaking free from constraints. The chorus serves as a repeated mantra to not give up on one's dreams and to keep pushing forward, even in the face of difficulty and doubt.


Overall, "Don't Give Up" serves as a rallying cry for the listener to pursue their passions despite opposition, to strive for justice and equality, and to maintain hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

Sometimes they'll want to cut you down
At times, others may try to discourage or limit you


Betta scratch that itch cos the time is now
Take action now and don't wait any longer


They tell you that you gotta have a heart of steel
You're expected to be tough and not show emotions


If you want to keep up can you afford to feel?
Is it possible to be sensitive and still succeed?


When the system's wrong you gotta tear it down
When something isn't working, it's necessary to change it completely


Let it fall to the sea bed like a rusty crown
Let the old ways sink away and replace them with something new


To the stars in the moonbeams glare
Looking up and dreaming big


Shackles on your feet gonna disappear
Limitations that hold you back will eventually go away


What if I tried to tell you to do what for?
Questioning the value or purpose of someone's advice


Can't you see baby life's knocking right at your door
Opportunities are waiting for you to take them


Ooh I just don't know for sure.
Uncertainty about which path to take


Don't give up don't give up
Keep pushing forward


She's got a talented face and a suitcase
A person who appears talented and successful but lacks direction


Ain't got no desire to go no place
Lack of motivation or inspiration


In her case she's got no desire
Describing someone with little ambition or passion


With her hand in the flame say's she don't feel the fire
Being numb to life or not feeling alive


To the 'yes' in the evenings air demons
Changing one's attitude or mentality to be positive


In your head got to disappear
Letting go of negative thoughts and beliefs


The Shackles on your meat will disappear
Physical or emotional limitations will eventually fade away




Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BRYAN ADAMS, NICK BRACEGIRDLE, MARTIN BRANNIGAN, RAY HEDGES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@sarkisavakian8887

I remember listening to this track over and over again, every time I couldn't get past a race in Driver: San Francisco

@Bunnicula2011

same lol

@empwnzu

this song just gives off the vibes to drive fast enough to win the race๐Ÿ˜‚

@ToddKeener

Why don't they make bands like this anymore?

@DerEggad

Listen to some Royal Blood.

@ToddKeener

Der Eggad
O.K!

@nicholasbaker8012

+Tod Keener Because band like this make themselves :)

@00sinders

More to the point, why isn't this band like this anymore?

@silasmarner7586

You gotta be hip, gotta be from London, and rawwwwwk hard and take lots of drugs and booze but at the same time maintain your a-game.

4 More Replies...

@DerrickRuthless

Just heard this song for the first time in The Great on Hulu. Damn good tune!

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