Give Out But Don't Give Up (Mary Wilson Lead Version)
Supremes · Let Yourself Go - The '70s Albums, Vol. 2 - 1974-1977 [2011]
MARY:
Just keep your head above water
You gotta work yourself to death
And you ask yourself, "Why bother?"
'Cause you never seem to get ahead
But don't feel like a lone ranger
As the same every lying
Things won't get any better
Unless we keep on trying
'Cause it's alright (it's alright)
When you gotta give out
Hey, you're going to sometimes
But don't you ever give up
(don't you ever give up)
Well, it's alright (it's alright)
When you gotta give out
Hey, you're going to sometimes
But dn't you ever give up
You know, sometimes things can happen
That's beyond all your control
It's one thing after another
You go deeper in the hole (do do do do do)
And nothing ever comes easy
And giving up won't get you out
So face your problems head on
Keep believing in yourself
'Cause it's alright (it's alright)
When you gotta give out
Hey, you're going to sometimes
But don't you ever give up
(don't you ever give up)
Well, it's alright (it's alright)
When you gotta give out
Hey, you're going to sometimes
But don't you ever give up
CINDY:
We ain't never gonna give up, honey
SCHERRIE:
Right on!
MARY:
Girl, you telling me
SCHERRIE:
Come on, y'all
MARY:
We got our thing together
SCHERRIE/CINDY:
It's alright/Mm-hmm
MARY:
Hey, y'all
It's alright (it's alright)
When you gotta give out
Hey, you're going to sometimes
But don't you ever give up
(don't you ever give up)
Ooh, it's alright (it's alright)
When you gotta give out
Hey, you're going to sometimes
But don't you ever give up
(don't you ever give up)
Ooh, it's alright (it's alright)
When you gotta give out
Hey, you're going to sometimes
But don't you ever give up
(got to get it together)
Oh, it's alright (it's alright)
When you gotta give out
Hey, you're going to sometimes
But don't you ever give up
(got to get it together)
Oh, it's alright (it's alright)
When you gotta give out
Hey, you're going to sometimes
But don't you ever give up
(got to get it together)
Ooh, it's alright (it's alright)
When you gotta give out
Give Out But Don't Give Up (Mary Wilson Lead Version)
This recording captures a pivotal moment in the Supremes' later era, featuring Mary Wilson taking the lead vocal on a track that highlights her distinctive power and emotional depth. Released during the group's transition into the mid-1970s, the song reflects the evolving sound of the Motown dynasty as it moved away from its early sixties pop dominance. Wilson's performance on this version offers a compelling contrast to the group's earlier hits, showcasing her ability to carry the melody with a raw, soulful intensity that resonates throughout the arrangement. The track stands as a testament to the enduring versatility of the Supremes, demonstrating how the group adapted its vocal dynamics to maintain relevance. It remains a significant song in their extensive discography, illustrating the collaborative spirit and musical experimentation that defined their work during this period.