Some songs are written to make us dance. Others are written to keep us standing. “Don’t Give Up,” by Jonathan Anthony Burkett featuring Polanca Pop, belongs in the second group. The title alone says everything the song stands for, and for anyone in the middle of a storm, it is a message worth hearing again and again.
About the song
“Don’t Give Up” was released by Upstormed Records, with a 2014 copyright, and its official music video was posted on YouTube in June 2015. The song features singer Polanca Pop, who is credited in the video’s description as Elisa Polanco.
At its heart, “Don’t Give Up” is an encouragement song. As its title makes clear, the message is simple and strong: when you are tired, hurting or ready to quit, keep going. The pain you feel right now is not the end of your story.
A message he has lived
What gives this song its power is the life of the man behind it. Jonathan Anthony Burkett did not learn perseverance from a book. He lived it, and then he wrote it down.
As he shared in his memoir, Neglected But Undefeated: The Life Of A Boy Who Never Knew A Mother’s Love, Jonathan spent his early childhood happily with his grandparents in Jamaica. At six, he moved back to the United States to live with his mother, and those years brought deep hurt. By fourteen, he was homeless. In January 2006, he faced brain surgery for a disorder that caused seizures, and the surgery was successful.
Any one of those storms could have convinced a young man to give up. Instead, through faith and writing, Jonathan chose to keep going. He even found the strength to forgive his mother. He went on to become an author, songwriter and entrepreneur, and the founder of Upstormed.
So when Jonathan says “don’t give up,” he is not handing out an easy slogan. He is speaking from the other side of the storm.
“Faith is why I’m here today and faith is why I made it through.”
Jonathan Anthony Burkett, Neglected But Undefeated
Living the message this week
A song can lift your spirit for three or four minutes. The real test is what we do when the music stops. Here are a few ways to carry the message of “Don’t Give Up” into your week:
- Name your storm. Write down the one thing that is making you want to quit right now. Bringing it into the light makes it smaller.
- Take the next small step. You do not have to fix everything today. Just do the next right thing.
- Remember how far you have come. Think back to a storm you have already survived. The same God who carried you then is with you now.
- Lend your strength to someone else. Send this song to a friend who is struggling, with a short note: “Thinking of you. Don’t give up.”
- Hold on to the promise. God’s Word speaks directly to weary hearts.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Galatians 6:9 (KJV)
“In due season” is a beautiful phrase. It means your harvest has a time, even if it is not today. Jonathan’s own life is proof. The boy who was neglected grew up to write books and songs that encourage people around the world.
Where to listen
- Watch the official video: “Don’t Give Up” ft. Polanca Pop on YouTube
- More of Jonathan’s music: his YouTube channel, including “One Life” ft. Ambelique and “Changes” ft. Polancapop
- Stream on Spotify: Jonathan Anthony Burkett on Spotify
- Listen to the Upstormed playlist on Spotify
His music is also available on YouTube Music. And if you want the full story behind the songs, his memoir Neglected But Undefeated tells it in his own words.
Whatever you are facing today, let this be your reminder: the storm came to test you, not to keep you. Don’t give up.
What song has helped you keep going through a hard season? Share it in the comments, and let’s build a playlist of hope together!
Sources: YouTube, “Jonathan Anthony Burkett – Don’t Give Up ft. Polanca Pop” (JonathanBurkettVEVO, June 2015); Neglected But Undefeated (published facts); Goodreads, “Jonathan Anthony Burkett Quotes”; King James Bible, Galatians 6:9.
Learn more about Jonathan at www.jonathanburkett.com. Follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
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