Don't Give Up

I'm suprised noone has really addressed the context of this song. Whatever the song was written about - a personal breakdown it would seem - it was a song that was vitally important for the UK. This song was released during Margret thatchers' "industrial 80s". It was a time when Thatcher had reduced the power of Trade Unions and many people had lost their jobs. I always saw this song as being for those people. Especially the line: "So many men no-one needs" It fits perfectly.

One of the deepest songs I ve heard,the emotions of the unlucky unemployed go through such hopelessness and disillussionment in africa where i come from. Very encouraging that the persona has someone who understands "you still have us.."I ve gone through it but there comes a time when it ends and life has a new beginning. Hang on, tears endure for the night but joy comes in the morning. Seasons come and seasons go. Our maker stands for ever....Keep encouraging them Peter.

My son told me about this song and how it was played in the background of a documentary he had seen to do with the coal miners in England in the 80's as pits were being closed as a result of the Thatcher Era which just about brought the country to its knees. But I see where this song could be fitting for many situations where people are suffering for one reason or another. I find the song very moving and it pulls at the heartstrings. If only it were a perfect world......

It was written about unemployment as mentioned already, but it can be taken as an extremely powerful anti-suicide song.

This song was written as the British coal miners strike entered its second year. It describes the utter destruction of the mining industry by Thatcher, the desolate impact on once macho workers and the increasing importance of the women who managed by hook or by crook to keep families and whole communities ticking over.

I just wanted to comment on a live version of this song where Peter Gabriel says the following (exactly): "song about a man and a woman faced with the problem of losing a job, it's called 'Don't Give Up'", in case someone is still in doubt.

Ref: petergabriel.com/so25/ (You will actually have to listen to the song to hear...)

To me, though, the song will still be an amazing song with all the other meanings too.

Hah, Remember when women used to be emotionally supportive? ("When times get rough you can fall back on us") ?

The 80s feel like a different lifetime now. Don't have a stable income at a prestigious job nowadays? Women are like yeah, go ahead - jump off the bridge, I'm out.

It is so strange the way things turn.

It was written about unemployment.

yeah AiR7oN has it perfectly. the song was written with the 80s unemployment turmoil in mind but it's good for many interpretations.

Without question, this song was written about unemployment. However, I heard it played at a friend's funeral a while back and it took on awhole new meaning.
Very poignant.