Attack of the Killer Track! is a series that explores tracks from artists from a variety of genres. Some of the tracks were singles, some of them were obscure b-sides or long forgotten album tracks. One thing is certain – all of them are killer tracks.
Peter Gabriel solo is quite a different listening experience compared to his days with Genesis. I love both parts of his career equally (about 7 years with Genesis, 35+ years solo). His solo albums have incorporated radio friendly pop anthems, post-punk inspired noise, African rhythms, and Nine Inch Nails inspired industrial compositions – sometimes within the same track. Don’t Give Up was a duet with Kate Bush, released as a single from the 1986 album, So. Kate Bush provides an ethereal voice of hope in her verses, in response to Peter’s dour voice of resignation. The musical backing segues from a dark acoustic backing during the verses (Peter Gabriel) into an uplifting anthem during the chorus (Kate Bush). This is one of my favorite Peter Gabriel songs – solo or with Genesis. The lyrics seem to be ripped from the headlines of the last 5 years, not 1986. This is not a statement of damnation – it just shows that we don’t always have the answers needed when dealing with employment needs for hard-working, honest people. Often the unemployed are judged harshly but as the great author Arthur Nersesian once wrote “I had grazed along the surface of her actions and made deep judgments”. I think that applies to how people today can judge people who are working very hard, looking for employment. That’s what this song is all about, along with retaining a belief in self and never giving up. Key lyrics:
moved on to another town
tried hard to settle down
for every job, so many men
so many men no-one needs
don’t give up
’cause you have friends
don’t give up
you’re not the only one
don’t give up
no reason to be ashamed
don’t give up
you still have us
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJWurqWTeSk]