Inspiration Behind Never Surrender:
Corey Hart’s Never Surrender was inspired by historical and personal values taught to him by his mother. Corey’s mother instilled within him the mindset of never quitting or giving up on your dreams. Corey also drew from Winston Churchill’s famous speech Never Surrender. during the dark days of World War II. Corey’s song stands as a personal anthem to anyone battling depression, keep fighting and Never Surrender.
Biblical Application:
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength, Philippians 4:10-13.
Exegesis of Never Surrender:
[Verse 1]
Just a little more time is all we’re asking for
‘Cause just a little more time could open closing doors
Just a little uncertainty can bring you down
Corey is either referring to Winston Churchill or asking his mom for more time. Uncertainty has closed some doors and Corey is not sure what to do.
[Pre-Chorus]
And nobody wants to know you now
And nobody wants to show you how
Failures aren’t helped or show you how to escape this trend.
[Chorus]
So if you’re lost and on your own
You can never surrender
And if your path won’t lead you home
You can never surrender
And when the night is cold and dark
You can see, you can see light
‘Cause no one can take away your right
To fight and to never surrender
Life advice from his mother. Words from a leader to give hope to his troops. Keep going, fight to see a new dayt and never give up hope,
[Verse 2]
With a little perseverance
You can get things done
Without the blind adherence
That has conquered some
Don’t listen to the crowd who follow blindly. Rather, show perseverance by pressing on to avoid defeat.
[Pre-Chorus]
And nobody wants to know you now
And nobody wants to show you how
People don’t follow losers or quitters.
[Chorus]
So if you’re lost and on your own
You can never surrender
And if your path won’t lead you home
You can never surrender
And when the night is cold and dark
You can see, you can see light
‘Cause no one can take away your right
To fight and to never surrender
To never surrender
Corey is being guided by history and biblical values to fight through adversity in life.
[Chorus]
And when the night is cold and dark
You can see, you can see light
No one can take away your right
To fight and to never surrender
To never surrender
Keep hope alive.
[Outro]
Oh, time is all we’re asking for
To never surrender
Oh, you can never surrender
Time is all you’re asking for
Stand your ground, never surrender
Oh, I said you never surrender, oh
Likely a reference to Churchill to encourage his troops while Germany was winning.
Final Thoughts:
While I was a big Corey Hart fan in high school, the story behind Never Surrender makes me wish I knew this back then. When Music Television came out in 1983, I ran from the bus stop to a friend’s house who had cable to watch Behind the Music. I was always fascinated by the backstory to a successful song. Never Surrender provides sound advice to anyone in life on the verge of quitting or giving up on their dreams. Keep battling and never surrender.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 