The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Don't Give Up" by the artist "Washed Out"

In the song "Don't Give Up" by Washed Out, the lyrical hero reflects on a past relationship that, despite having ended, has left a deep mark on his soul.

Encountering his former lover after a long time evokes a storm of emotions and memories in the hero. "So much has gone wrong," he admits, pointing to the reasons that led to the separation. However, despite "so many decisions" that now separate them, the gaze of his former partner "took [the hero] back to [their] old times...".

The chorus of the song is key to understanding the inner conflict of the lyrical hero. "Though we're far apart, / We're still close and we're so good," he repeats, clinging to the remnants of past feelings. The repetition of the phrase "Don't give up..." can be interpreted in two ways: on the one hand, it could be an appeal to the former lover, a call not to give up on the opportunity to rekindle the relationship. On the other hand, it could be a mantra of the hero himself, who is trying to convince himself that their connection is still alive.

The second part of the song reinforces the feeling of nostalgia and longing. "Our life is over, / Everything is left behind," the hero states, but the encounter once again awakens forgotten emotions in him. The repetition of the chorus at the end of the song emphasizes the uncertainty and confusion of the hero, who is stuck between the past and the present.