Shannon’s Perspective:

Under Construction - today we took a road-trip for a mini family reunion at Lake McConaughy.

Larry’s Pick: Don’t Give Up

I want to share the original inspiration for this song before I share my original interpretation.

I've seen interviews with Peter where he shares that this song was inspired by Depression-era photographs. Specifically from a book called "In This Proud Land" (which is also the first four words of the song).  I've seen some of these photos in the past but it hasn't been until recently where I've really looked at them, or any other historical photographs. Kind of a "hearing" versus "listening" type observation.

I've shared with Shannon that Peter's vocals in this song rank among my all-time favorites of his. And remember Kate Bush of "Running Up That Hill" fame? Well, I've seen interviews with Peter where he was somewhat struggling developing this song as it originally wasn't a duet. At some point something clicked and he approached it from that angle. He actually approached Dolly Parton, who respectfully declined. So he asked his friend Kate Bush - and the rest is history.

I highly recommend seeking out the documentary "Classic Albums" Peter Gabriel: So where it goes behind the scenes of the production of the album - which I consider to be in that rarified company of "Perfect Album". I would also state that I believe the original music video with just him and Kate is a "Perfect Music Video".

So my interpretation? Which I suspect is pretty much everyone else's interpretation - thoughts of suicide.

You can't listen to this song and not think about all the times life has worn you down. Pressures from the world that just won't let up and just keeps piling on. I have to believe we have all felt that way at one time or another - which in my opinion - is normal. We are all human.

But there is a fine line in the decision of "Give Up" or "Don't Give Up". I feel what can make or break that decision is the people we surround ourselves with...our support mechanisms. This is so beautifully sung and represented in the video by Kate.

I can only hope everyone has a Kate Bush in their lives...

30th Anniversary

Our Story - Shannon's Perspective

Our Story - Larry's Perspective

Ghost of a Chance (Rush) and why?