The song “Never Gonna Give You Up” is Rick Astley’s iconic hit, famously associated with the internet phenomenon known as “Rickrolling.”

Rick Astley is a British singer who gained worldwide fame in 1987 at age 21. With his deep, powerful voice contrasting with his boyish looks, he became known for his soulful pop style.
The singer took a break from music in 1993 but later returned to performing and creating new music, maintaining an active career today.

About the Song

“Never Gonna Give You Up” is a catchy pop song released in 1987 that combines upbeat dance rhythms with romantic lyrics about dedication and loyalty.

The song’s memorable chorus, distinctive synthesizer hook, and Astley’s deep baritone voice made it an instant hit.

The music video, featuring Astley’s signature dance moves, has become one of the most-viewed videos online due to its role in the “Rickrolling” phenomenon.

Lyrics of Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley

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

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

Bridge

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)

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

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

Live Performances of Song “Never Gonna Give You Up”

1. Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up (Glastonbury 2023)

2. Never Gonna Give You Up | Rick Astley Rocks New Year’s Eve – BBC

3. Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up (The Prince’s Trust Rock Gala 1988)

4. Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up (Live) (The Roxy 1987)

5. Never Gonna Give You Up | Rick Astley Live on The Late Late Show

Similar Songs By Rick Astley

Songs by Rick Astley That Capture That Classic Sound, like Never Gonna Give You Up

• Together Forever (1988) – A feel-good pop track with the same upbeat energy and dance-floor-ready rhythm as Never Gonna Give You Up.
• Whenever You Need Somebody (1987) – Features Astley’s signature deep vocals over bouncy 80s synth-pop production.
• Take Me to Your Heart (1988) – A bright, cheerful love song with a similar production style and catchy chorus structure.
• She Wants to Dance with Me (1988) – A self-written song by Astley that keeps the same energetic pop style but adds his own creative touch.
• Hold Me In Your Arms (1988) – Combines Astley’s soulful vocals with the familiar Stock Aitken Waterman production style.

FAQs

How Did the Rick Roll Came to Be?

The rickroll started in 2007 on 4chan. Users would post links claiming to show a game trailer, but the links led to the “never gonna give you up” music video instead. The prank quickly spread across the internet and became a popular meme.

Was Rick Astley the Original Writer of This Song?

No, Stock Aitken Waterman wrote, “Never gonna give you up.” They were a British songwriting team that created many hits in the 1980s. Rick Astley performed the song but didn’t write it.

How Did This Song Perform on The Billboard Charts?

“Never gonna give you up” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1988.