5 Tearjerker Songs
3. Don't Give Up - Peter Gabriel
Given the situation of Peter Gabriel's narrator in this song, "Don't Give Up" is a pretty solemn look at a man as he tells his family about him losing a job. Gabriel's performance is incredibly intimate as he talks about feeling unwanted and left out to dry.
The true power of the tune comes from guest vocalist Kate Bush, who acts as the friend/lover who sits us down and tells us the exact encouraging words that we need to hear. The way Bush's voice lays over the backing track makes her vocals feel like they're coming from the other edge of consciousness. Her dreamlike cadence helps enhance her plea with us to not give up even in the grimmest of times.
This message is brought across with the perfect lack of details which makes it resonate so powerfully. There are millions of people around the world who feel that their voice isn't being heard or can't relate with anyone around them. For them, this record can act as a safe haven to remind them that even though you might not happy, there is a place somewhere where you belong.