About the song
“Don’t Give Up on Us” stands as a timeless anthem of love and perseverance, brought to life by the charismatic American-British singer David Soul. Released in 1977, this Tony Macaulay masterpiece catapulted Soul back into the spotlight after his stint on the wildly popular TV series Starsky and Hutch.
The song’s journey to success was swift and monumental. Achieving a remarkable four-week reign atop the UK Singles Chart in early 1977, followed by a week at the pinnacle of the Billboard Hot 100, “Don’t Give Up on Us” firmly etched itself into music history. Its tender melodies and heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply with audiences, earning it a coveted spot on the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart as well.
What makes this song even more special is its B-side, “Black Bean Soup,” a charming duet featuring Lynne Marta, with lyrics penned by actor Gardner McKay. This addition not only showcased Soul’s vocal versatility but also highlighted his chemistry with Marta, with whom he shared a personal connection at the time.
Despite Soul’s subsequent musical efforts, “Don’t Give Up on Us” remains his defining hit in the United States, earning him a place in VH1’s 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders list. His enduring popularity prompted a revisit to the song in 2004, spurred by an unexpected encounter with its rendition in a film adaptation of Starsky and Hutch, featuring Owen Wilson.
Beyond Soul’s rendition, “Don’t Give Up on Us” has found new life through covers by various artists across the globe. Irish singer Darren Holden’s 1997 rendition reached No. 23 in Ireland, while in the Philippines, it became a staple covered by notable artists such as Zsa Zsa Padilla and Piolo Pascual for the soundtrack of a 2006 film of the same name.
The song’s cultural impact extends to cinema, where it was notably sung by Owen Wilson in the Starsky and Hutch film, further embedding its emotive narrative into popular culture. It also made an appearance in the film Johnny English Reborn in 2011, cementing its status as a beloved classic across generations.
“Don’t Give Up on Us” not only showcases David Soul’s vocal prowess but also encapsulates a poignant message of hope and determination, making it a cherished piece of musical history cherished by fans worldwide.
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Lyrics
Don’t give up on us, baby
Don’t make the wrong seem right
The future isn’t just one night
It’s written in the moonlight
Painted on the stars
We can’t change ours
Don’t give up on us, baby, we’re still worth one more try
I know we put a last one by
Just for a rainy evening when maybe stars are few
Don’t give up on us, I know we can still come through
I really lost my head last night
You’ve got a right to start believin’
There’s still a little love left even so
Don’t give up on us, baby
Lord knows we’ve come this far
Can’t we stay the way we are?
The angel and the dreamer
Who sometimes plays a fool
Don’t give up on us, I know
We can still come through
It’s written in the moonlight
Painted on the stars
We can’t change ours
Don’t give up on us, baby, we’re still worth one more try
I know we put a last one by
Just for a rainy evening when maybe stars are few
Don’t give up on us, I know we can still come through
Don’t give up on us, baby
Don’t give up on us, baby