“Don’t Give Up on Us,” a timeless ballad recorded by American-British singer David Soul, resonates with a legacy that transcends its initial release in 1977. Born out of Soul’s resurgence into music following the heights of his television career with “Starsky and Hutch,” the song marked a significant return to his roots in singing, showcasing his vocal prowess amidst Tony Macaulay’s masterful composition.
Amidst the euphoria of his television success, Soul’s debut single under Macaulay’s guidance became a global phenomenon, soaring to the top of charts worldwide. In the UK, it held a remarkable four-week reign at No. 1 on the Singles Chart in early 1977, paralleled by a similar feat on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100, where it claimed the top spot for a week in April of the same year. Its appeal extended further to the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart, where it also achieved a week-long leadership.
The B-side of this iconic single, “Black Bean Soup,” featured a duet with actress Lynne Marta, adding a distinctive touch to Soul’s musical repertoire. This rendition, with lyrics penned by actor Gardner McKay, provided a complementary contrast to the heartfelt sincerity of “Don’t Give Up on Us,” further showcasing Soul’s versatility as an artist.
Despite subsequent musical endeavors, “Don’t Give Up on Us” remains David Soul’s crowning achievement, garnering enduring recognition. Its impact was solidified when VH1 honored it in their “100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders” list, a testament to its enduring popularity and cultural significance. Even decades after its initial release, Soul revisited the song in 2004, moved by its unexpected resurgence in the film adaptation of “Starsky and Hutch,” where it was performed by Owen Wilson and Neal Casal.
“Don’t Give Up on Us” not only captures the essence of David Soul’s musical prowess but also serves as a poignant reminder of love’s resilience and hope. Its melodic grace and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate, making it a cherished piece of music history that transcends generations.
Video
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
