Parkinson’s: Don’t Give Up

“Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.” Jim Valvano

“Never, never, never give up.” Winston Churchill

Introduction: A recurring theme here and just about anywhere you read about living with Parkinson’s is the call to keep trying, never to give up. Why? I think because the physical aspect of Parkinson’s can be devastating. Furthermore, the emotional/mental pain of Parkinson’s can be huge. Then consider the effort taken to counter the effects of the disorder are substantial. Finally, do not forget about the commitment and potential toll Parkinson’s may place of your partner, friends, and family, which may be significant as well.

So when someone says ‘don’t give up,’ it is given with respect and regards to you; they support you to the max. And how do you receive such a shout-out? Take it as a continual renewal or reminder so it may help bolster your daily attempt to live with Parkinson’s.

“Don’t give up. Reach down inside of you and you’ll find something left.” Bear Bryant

Don’t Give Up: Your life comes with obstacles. We are guaranteed nothing. We live with Parkinson’s, and our paths are rockier, less gentle. Yet, your persistence, perseverance, and determination smooth out each road you travel. When you accept the spirit of not giving in and don’t give up, you embrace your life and strengthen your effort in the presence of Parkinson’s. So, don’t give up, don’t give in, never surrender to Parkinson’s, ever onward.

“Strength is not measured in muscle, but in will.” Margaret M. Morrow

“Don’t Give Up” by Peter Gabriel: If you were listening to music in the 1980’s likely you heard this song, or you saw the video with Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush entitled “Don’t Give Up”? The Peter Gabriel album was named “So.” It was generally considered a classic at that time, and definitely one for your collection (I remember listening to the CD a lot). The music video was quite emotional, showing the two singers embraced while singing. For MTV fans, it was quite an original video at the time. To read more about the song and video, go here: Don’t Give Up (Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush song).

The part that Kate Bush sings is the recurring theme of don’t give up, where she sings “Don‘t give up / ‘Cause you have friends / Don’t give up / You’re not beaten yet / Don’t give up / I know you can make it good.”

In reply Peter Gabriel sings “Though I saw it all around / Never thought I could be affected / Thought that we’d be the last to go / It is so strange the way things turn.”

Kate Bush comes back with “Don’t give up / You still have us / Don’t give up / We don’t need much of anything / Don’t give up / ‘Cause… Rest your head / You worry too much / It’s going to be alright / When times get rough / You can fall back on us / Don’t give up / Please don’t give up.”

Here is a link to this video version of the song Peter Gabriel – Don’t Give Up (ft. Kate Bush):

“If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it.” Michael Jordan

What was this song written about? There are several different explanations that have been suggested. One is that Peter Gabriel had had some sort of a nervous breakdown and it was written as a thank you for support from his family. Another explanation was the song was in response to the poor economy of England and widespread unemployment (sources Song Facts and Wikipedia).

“To persevere, I think, is important for everybody. Don’t give up, don’t give in. There’s always an answer to everything.” Louis Zamperini

The Creativeness of Peter Gabriel: I have also admired Peter Gabriel for his creative spirit in song writing and in visualizing the musical experience. Although I have seen many concerts in my time, Peter Gabriel is not one of them. However, from watching clips of concerts , it is obvious the crowd really enjoys the music and the ‘experience’ from a Peter Gabriel concert. And he surrounds himself with incredible musicians and singers. Here are two examples, “In Your Eyes (Secret World Live)” and “Solsbury Hill (Live DNA).”

Don’t Give Up

Peter Gabriel

In this proud land we grew up strong
We were wanted all along
I was taught to fight, taught to win
I never thought I could fail

No fight left or so it seems
I am a man whose dreams have all deserted
I’ve changed my name, I’ve changed my face
But no one wants you when you lose

Don’t give up
‘Cause you have friends
Don’t give up
You’re not beaten yet
Don’t give up
I know you can make it good

Though I saw it all around
Never thought I could be affected
Thought that we’d be the last to go
It is so strange the way things turn

Drove the night toward my home
The place that I was born, on the lakeside
As daylight broke, I saw the earth
The trees had burned down to the ground

Don’t give up
You still have us
Don’t give up
We don’t need much of anything
Don’t give up
‘Cause… Rest your head
You worry too much
It’s going to be alright
When times get rough
You can fall back on us
Don’t give up
Please don’t give up

‘Got to walk out of here
I can’t take anymore
Going to stand on that bridge
Keep my eyes down below
Whatever may come
And whatever may go
That river’s flowing
That river’s flowing

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
Don’t give up now
We’re proud of who you are
Don’t give up
You know it’s never been easy
Don’t give up
‘Cause I believe there’s a place
There’s a place where we belong

“When you get into a tight place, and everything goes against you till it seems as if you couldn’t hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that ‘s just the place and time that the tide’ll turn.” Harriet Beecher Stowe

Cover Photo Image by Tim Hill from Pixabay