About the song
David Soul’s iconic ballad, “Don’t Give Up on Us,” is a timeless piece of music that continues to resonate with audiences today. Released in 1977, the song was a worldwide sensation, topping charts in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its heartfelt lyrics, soulful melody, and the undeniable charisma of its singer.
Riding the wave of success from his starring role in the popular television series Starsky and Hutch, Soul returned to his musical roots with “Don’t Give Up on Us.” The song, penned by Tony Macaulay, perfectly captured the essence of Soul’s vocal range and emotional depth. With its poignant lyrics about love, loss, and the unwavering hope of reconciliation, the ballad struck a chord with listeners around the globe.
The song’s B-side, “Black Bean Soup,” was a quirky and unexpected addition. Written by actor Gardner McKay and featuring a duet with Soul’s then-partner, actress Lynne Marta, this track added a touch of lightheartedness to the overall release.
Despite its initial success, “Don’t Give Up on Us” would ultimately become Soul’s most recognized hit in the United States. While he continued to enjoy a successful music career in the UK, he never again achieved the same level of chart-topping success in the US. However, the song’s legacy lives on, and it remains a beloved classic for many.
In 2004, Soul re-recorded “Don’t Give Up on Us” after being unexpectedly reminded of the song while riding in an elevator. The new version was inspired by a scene in the film adaptation of Starsky and Hutch, where Owen Wilson’s character sings the song. This re-recording served as a testament to the song’s enduring appeal and Soul’s continued connection to his iconic hit.
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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