I remember hearing this track for the first time when it was performed by the writer Peter Gabriel and I think it was Kate Bush - it was one of those songs that you immediately recognize as classic - even to my then teenage ears.
What has been wonderful is to hear it again in this new incarnation from Herbie Hancock and the fabulous singers Pink and John Legend. Pink (who already has the fabulous Beam Me Up on this list) is one of my favorite vocalists and she knocks it out of the park here - John - well - his surname says it all.
The track was recommended to the list by Terry McGuire, podcast producer/co-host of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast. Here's what Terry has to say:
“As producer of the podcast Giving Voice to depression, I’ve interviewed a lot of people who live with or are otherwise affected by depression. Some are suicide-loss survivors. Some are suicide-attempt survivors. At some point(s), most have been convinced by depression that life is not worth living— that they are not worth living. It’s a lie. But since depression exhausts and isolates us before it starts with its incessant negative messaging (all common brainwashing techniques,) it’s easy to be convinced that things will never feel different or better. I’ve been there myself.
So when I hear “Don’t Give Up,” I think how much we could all benefit from having a friend who knows and cares and tries to understand what The Darkness is like, say “You’re not the only one,” “No reason to be ashamed,” “You still have us,” and that there’s “a place where we belong.”
This particular version touches me not just because of the magical blending of John Legend and Pink’s voices, but in the video Pink really looks like she understands how a person who needs to hear the song’s powerful lyrics is feeling. You can almost see her heart recognizing the pain in another’s.
I don’t know that a song can “save” someone. But I do know from first-person accounts that if spoken with love, some of its lyrics could.”
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About the Curator - Andrew McCluskey
The first visual memory I have is that of the white upright piano in Singapore, Hell and the dark forces lived at the bottom, Heaven and the Angels at the top. They would play battles through my fingers and I was hooked.
After my dad died I was very sad - I couldn't play for a while and when I did, the music that came out reflected my grieving state. I wrote an album of solo piano music called Music to Grieve to - from which the idea of the Music to community originated.
If you'd like to know more you should read Nicole's fabulous article on why listening to sad music can make you feel better.
Latest Posts
Don’t Give Up – Peter Gabriel
24 September 2022
What’s the point? You ever find yourself asking that? The point of this playlist is to bring succor to people who are grieving. That’s it. We listen to and feature songs that we hope people can resonate with and perhaps elicit a cathartic release – at the very least – to help them feel less alone…
Strange Beauty – First Aid Kit
18 September 2022
It’s still September. We’re still talking about Suicide. We’re doing this because the experts tell us that the more we talk about it – the more we bring it into the open – the less likely it is that people will go through with it. And yet – people still do…
Open Letter – Mr. Phelps
11 September 2022
Yep – if you didn’t know – September is Suicide Awareness Month – it’s also National Suicide Prevention Month and in fact right now – between the 8th and the 14th – it’s actually National Suicide Prevention Week. If you are in any doubt as to the impact suicide has on society – spend a minute here: Suicide Statistics – the rate inches up every year – and as a middle aged white male – well – I’m slap bang in the highest risk group…
Andrew McCluskey
The first visual memory I have is that of the white upright piano in Singapore, Hell and the Dark Forces lived at the bottom, Heaven and the Angels at the top, they would play battles through my fingers and I was hooked.
As a psychology graduate I studied how sound affects human performance.
As a musician I compose instrumental music that stimulates your brain but doesn't mess with your language centers, leaving you free to be creative and brilliant without distraction.
As a curator I research how music can improve your life and create flow - I can tell you what music to listen to when studying for a test and why listening to sad music can make you feel better.
As a creator / contributor at musicto I’m part of a global creator community that collaborates through music. You can learn more about our community here.