Never Gonna Give You Up Lyrics: The Story Behind Rick Astley’s Iconic Hit

Introduction

Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences worldwide.

Released in 1987, this chart-topping single has become more than just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon.

In this article, we will delve into the story behind the lyrics of Never Gonna Give You Up and explore the song’s enduring legacy.

The Birth of a Modern Classic

Never Gonna Give You Up was recorded in 1987 at PWL Studios in South London.

The song’s production features a distinctive blend of 1980s synthesisers, basslines, drums, and reverberators.

The influence of Colonel Abrams’ hit track Trapped is evident in the syncopated bassline that sets the song apart.

The idea for the song came about when Rick Astley, the English artist, and Pete Waterman, the producer, had a conversation about Waterman’s three-year relationship with his girlfriend. Astley jokingly remarked that Waterman was “never gonna give her up,” sparking the inspiration for the track.

Rick Astley's performing 'Never Gonna Give You Up — Rick Astley’s performing ‘Never Gonna Give You Up

Unravelling the Meaning Behind the Lyrics

At its core, Never Gonna Give You Up is a declaration of unwavering love and loyalty.

The lyrics speak of a steadfast commitment to a cherished relationship.

Astley’s powerful vocals deliver promises of never giving up, letting down, or hurting his beloved.

The chorus, with its catchy melody and memorable lyrics, has resonated with generations of listeners.

The opening lines of the song set the tone for the heartfelt message Astley conveys.

He lays his heart on the line, expressing his devotion and dedication. As the song progresses, the lyrics paint a picture of a love that will endure any challenge.

The combination of Astley’s soulful voice and the heartfelt lyrics creates a powerful emotional connection with the audience.

The Global Success of Never Gonna Give You Up

Upon its release, Never Gonna Give You Up quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one in the United Kingdom.

It remained in the top spot for an impressive five weeks and became the best-selling single of 1987.

The song’s success wasn’t limited to the UK; it also topped the charts in 25 countries worldwide.

In the United States, the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on March 12, 1988.

Its popularity was further solidified by its inclusion in the repertoire of Astley’s live concerts, where it has become his signature song.

The Legendary Music Video

The music video for Never Gonna Give You Up has become iconic in its own right. Directed by Simon West, the video was filmed in London, primarily in the London Borough of Harrow.

It features Astley’s distinct dance moves and his rolled-up suit sleeves, capturing the essence of the 1980s.

Since its upload to YouTube on October 24, 2009, the music video has amassed over 1.3 billion views and garnered more than 15 million likes.

Its popularity skyrocketed with the rise of the “rickrolling” internet meme, where unsuspecting users were redirected to the video when clicking on misleading links.

The meme took the world by storm and propelled the song to new heights of fame.

The Enduring Legacy of Never Gonna Give You Up

Never Gonna Give You Up has left an indelible mark on popular culture.

Its success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including Astley’s talent as a singer, the infectious melody, and the international reputation of his record label, RCA.

The song has been recognized by critics and fans alike, earning its place on Time Out’s list of the 60 Best ’80s Songs.

Throughout the years, Never Gonna Give You Up has continued to make its presence felt.

It was prominently featured in the Emmy Award-winning sitcom Ted Lasso, where it played a poignant role in a funeral scene.

The song’s catchy chorus has also been used in various campaigns, including the psychological warfare tactics employed during the United States invasion of Panama.

The Rickroll Phenomenon

What began as a popular song and music video took on a life of its own with the emergence of the “rickrolling” internet meme.

The meme, which originated on 4chan, involves tricking unsuspecting individuals into clicking on misleading links that redirect them to the music video for Never Gonna Give You Up.

Rickrolling gained widespread popularity in 2007 and reached its peak on April Fools’ Day in 2008, when various media companies and websites, including YouTube, rickrolled their audiences.

This internet trend showcased the power of viral content and solidified the song’s place in internet history.

Rick Astley Never Gonna Give You Up Song Cover

The Impact on Rick Astley

Despite the song’s immense popularity and the millions of views it garnered on YouTube, Rick Astley reportedly earned only $12 in royalties from the platform.

However, he has taken the phenomenon in stride and embraced its enduring nature.

Astley has participated in rickrolling himself, even surprising audiences at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with a live performance of the song.

Rather than focusing on the financial aspect, Astley appreciates the song’s place in popular culture and its ability to bring joy to people.

He has acknowledged the brilliance of the internet and the unexpected paths that a song can take in the digital age.

Conclusion

Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up is more than just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has stood the test of time. The heartfelt lyrics, powerful vocals, and infectious melody have resonated with audiences worldwide. From its chart-topping success to its role in internet memes, the song has cemented its place in music history. As we continue to enjoy the song’s catchy chorus and iconic dance moves, we can appreciate the enduring legacy of Never Gonna Give You Up.

Rick Astley Never Gonna Give You Up Lyrics

Intro
Desert you
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Hurt you

Verse 1
We’re no strangers to love
You know the rules and so do I (Do I)
A full commitment’s what I’m thinking of
You wouldn’t get this from any other guy

Pre-Chorus
I just wanna tell you how I’m feeling
Gotta make you understand

Chorus
Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry
Never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

Verse 2
We’ve known each other for so long
Your heart’s been aching, but you’re too shy to say it (To say it)
Inside, we both know what’s been going on (Going on)
We know the game, and we’re gonna play it

Pre-Chorus
And if you ask me how I’m feeling
Don’t tell me you’re too blind to see

Post-Chorus
Ooh (Give you up)
Ooh-ooh (Give you up)
Ooh-ooh
Never gonna give, never gonna give (Give you up)
Ooh-ooh
Never gonna give, never gonna give (Give you up)

Bridge
We’ve known each other for so long
Your heart’s been aching, but you’re too shy to say it (To say it)
Inside, we both know what’s been going on (Going on)
We know the game, and we’re gonna play it

Pre-Chorus
I just wanna tell you how I’m feeling
Gotta make you understand

Chorus
Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry
Never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you
Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry
Never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you
Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry
Never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you