About the song
“Don’t Give Up on Us” is a poignant ballad by David Soul, an American-British singer best known for his role as Hutch in the popular TV show *Starsky and Hutch*. Released in October 1976, the song was a major hit, marking Soul’s return to his musical roots after achieving fame as an actor. Written by Tony Macaulay, the track quickly resonated with audiences around the world and became one of the defining songs of the late 1970s.
The song’s success was impressive, topping the UK Singles Chart for four consecutive weeks in January and February 1977. In the United States, it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1977 and also claimed the top spot on the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart for one week. It sold 1.16 million copies in the UK alone, solidifying its place as one of the era’s standout hits.
Accompanying the single was the B-side “Black Bean Soup,” a duet with actress Lynne Marta, who was romantically linked with Soul at the time. Despite Soul’s subsequent success in the UK with other singles, “Don’t Give Up on Us” remains his most notable achievement in the United States. The song was even ranked number 93 in VH1’s “100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders” list, acknowledging its significant impact despite Soul’s inability to replicate this success in the U.S. charts.
In addition to its commercial success, the song has made its mark in popular culture. It was featured in the film adaptation of *Starsky and Hutch*, where actor Owen Wilson, playing a role originally portrayed by Soul, performs the song. It also appeared in the 2011 film *Johnny English Reborn*, further embedding it in the cultural landscape.
David Soul revisited the song in 2004, prompted by a surprising encounter with the track during an elevator ride in the film *Starsky and Hutch*. This new version reflects Soul’s enduring connection to the song and his recognition of its lasting appeal.
“Don’t Give Up on Us” remains a beloved classic, cherished for its emotional depth and Soul’s heartfelt performance. Its legacy continues through various covers and its enduring presence in popular media, demonstrating the song’s timeless resonance with audiences across 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