10 Best Songs About Not Giving Up

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The concept of not giving up is one of the most universal themes in music, and it’s explored in countless ways across genres. In rock and roll, the idea can take on multiple meanings, whether it’s about not giving up on oneself, on a relationship, or even on society. The resilience and determination that are often expressed through this theme can be channeled in emotional ballads, anthems of defiance, or reflective songs of hope. For this list, we wanted to highlight the best songs that embody the spirit of perseverance, drawing from a wide range of genres beyond just rock, to give a fuller picture of how this powerful message is conveyed.

We’ve included an eclectic mix of artists and styles to showcase how varied the theme of “not giving up” can be. George Benson’s soulful “Never Give Up on a Good Thing” delivers a smooth and heartfelt reminder about holding onto love when times get tough, while the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Can’t Stop” offers a frenetic, high-energy push to keep moving forward no matter the obstacles. Peter Gabriel’s poignant “Don’t Give Up,” featuring Kate Bush, takes a softer approach, exploring the emotional support needed to weather life’s storms.

Meanwhile, Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” is a classic rock anthem of resilience and determination, forever linked to the underdog triumphs in Rocky III. Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” declares personal strength and defiance, standing up against adversity with simple but powerful resolve. Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” speaks to living boldly on your own terms, refusing to give in to societal pressures.

From the introspective and emotional “Don’t Give Up” to Argent’s “Hold Your Head Up,” with its steady encouragement, this list offers a wide array of perspectives on perseverance. Whether it’s the driving rhythms of Van Halen’s “Dreams” or the soulful determination of Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop,” each song reflects a different angle of refusing to quit. By bringing together rock, pop, soul, and R&B, we’ve created a list that stretches across genres and decades, showing that the determination to keep going, no matter the challenge, is a message that never goes out of style.

# 10 – Never Give Up On A Good Thing – George Benson

Kicking off this list of rock songs about not giving up is George Benson’s 1981 classic, “Never Give Up on a Good Thing.” This soulful anthem encourages perseverance in love, reminding listeners to hold on to what truly matters. Written by Michael Garvin and Tom Shapiro, the song was released as a single in December 1981. It became a hit, reaching number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and charting in several other countries, including the U.S. and New Zealand. Benson’s smooth vocals, combined with a jazzy, R&B-influenced groove, make this track a standout from his album The George Benson Collection.

Read More: Top 10 George Benson Songs

# 9 – Can’t Stop – Red Hot Chili Peppers

“Can’t Stop” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers is an energetic and relentless anthem of perseverance, and it serves as the perfect opening song for this list of the 10 Best Songs About Not Giving Up. Released as the third single from their By the Way album in 2003, “Can’t Stop” hit number one on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, staying at the top for three weeks. The track also made waves internationally and is one of the band’s defining songs from the early 2000s, highlighting their blend of funk, rock, and alternative energy.

Read More: Top 10 Red Hot Chili Peppers Songs

# 8 – Dreams – Van Halen

“Dreams,” one of Van Halen’s most inspirational tracks, showcases the band’s ability to merge rock with an uplifting message of determination and hope. Released in 1986 as part of their 5150 album, the song marked Van Halen’s transition into a new era with Sammy Hagar as their lead vocalist, following David Lee Roth’s departure. This track stands out not only for its powerful message but also for its soaring musical arrangement and exceptional musicianship. It reached No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving to be a hit that resonated with fans of the band’s evolving sound.

# 7 – Never Surrender – Corey Hart

“Never Surrender” by Corey Hart, released in June 1985 as the lead single from his album Boy in the Box, is an anthem of perseverance and resilience. The song’s stirring message of hope and refusal to give up resonated strongly with listeners, propelling it to number one in Canada, where it held the top spot for nine weeks. In the United States, the song became Hart’s highest-charting single, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in August of the same year. Its popularity was further cemented when it won the Juno Award for “Single of the Year” in 1985 and earned a Platinum certification in Canada for sales exceeding 100,000 copies.

Read More: Top 10 Corey Hart Songs

# 6 – It’s My Life – Bon Jovi

Released as the lead single from Crush in 2000, “It’s My Life” marked Bon Jovi’s powerful return to the music scene and introduced the band to a new generation of listeners. Written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Max Martin, the track became an anthem of resilience and personal empowerment. The song soared to the top of the charts across Europe, reaching number one in countries like Austria, Spain, and Switzerland, and it peaked at number 33 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Not only did “It’s My Life” become Bon Jovi’s most recognizable hit of the 2000s, but it also revitalized their career after the height of their fame in the 1980s, solidifying their status as rock legends.

# 5 – Hold Your Head Up – Argent

“Hold Your Head Up” by Argent, released in 1971, became the defining anthem of the British rock band and remains one of the most iconic songs of the era. Written by Chris White and Rod Argent, this track was a major hit across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, reaching the number five spot on all three charts. Not only did the song solidify the band’s success, but it also became their only entry on the Billboard Hot 100. Featured on the album All Together Now (1972), “Hold Your Head Up” carries an empowering message of resilience and strength, making it a perfect fit for this list of songs about not giving up.

Read More: Top 10 Argent Songs

# 4 – Don’t Stop – Fleetwood Mac

“Don’t Stop” by Fleetwood Mac is a song that has become synonymous with optimism and hope, making it a perfect addition to this list of songs about not giving up. Written by Christine McVie, it was released in 1977 as part of the band’s massively successful album Rumours. The track became an anthem of resilience, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and remaining one of the band’s most recognizable songs. The album itself is steeped in themes of heartache, personal struggle, and overcoming challenges, which makes “Don’t Stop” a standout for its message of pushing forward and looking to the future.

# 3 – Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor

Survivor / Eye of the Tiger (Original Inner Sleeve w / Lyrics)

“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor is one of the most iconic rock songs about perseverance and determination, making it a fitting addition to this list of songs about not giving up. Released in 1982 as the lead single from the band’s third album, Eye of the Tiger, the song became a global anthem for overcoming obstacles and achieving success. Written by Survivor’s guitarist Frankie Sullivan and keyboardist Jim Peterik, it was specifically composed at the request of Sylvester Stallone for the soundtrack of Rocky III, solidifying its association with the underdog spirit and fighting through adversity.

Read More: Top 10 Survivor Songs

# 2 – I Won’t Back Down – Tom Petty

“I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty is a quintessential anthem of resilience and personal strength, perfectly capturing the spirit of standing firm in the face of adversity. Released in 1989 as the lead single from Petty’s debut solo album, Full Moon Fever, the song quickly became one of his signature tracks and has been embraced as a rallying cry for determination. Co-written by Petty and Jeff Lynne, it encapsulates a straightforward but powerful message: no matter the challenges, you must stay true to yourself and refuse to be defeated.

# 1 – Peter Gabriel – Don’t Give Up

“Don’t Give Up” by Peter Gabriel, featuring Kate Bush, is a deeply emotional and powerful song about hope, perseverance, and the human spirit’s ability to endure hardships. Released in 1986 on Gabriel’s critically acclaimed album So, the song reflects the struggle of facing despair while being reassured by someone offering support and encouragement. Its poignant message resonates with the theme of not giving up, making it an essential addition to this list.

Read More: Top 10 Peter Gabriel Songs