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"Give a Little Bit"
Single by Supertramp
from the album Even in the Quietest Moments...
B-side"Downstream"
Released27 May 1977[1]
Recorded15 November 1976[2]
StudioCaribou Ranch (Nederland, Colorado)
Genre
Length4:08
LabelA&M
Songwriters
ProducerSupertramp
Supertramp singles chronology
"Sister Moonshine"
(1976) 		"Give a Little Bit"
(1977) 		"Babaji"
(1977)
Official audio
"Give a Little Bit" on YouTube

"Give a Little Bit" is the opening song on Supertramp's 1977 album Even in the Quietest Moments... The song was released as a single that same year and became an international hit for the band, peaking at number 15 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart.[3] It was a chart hit in the band's native UK, reaching number 29 on the UK singles chart.[4]

Recording and composition

[edit]

"Give a Little Bit" was first written by Roger Hodgson when he was 19 or 20 years old before it was introduced to the band for recording five to six years later. Hodgson stated that the song was inspired by the Beatles' "All You Need Is Love", released during the love and peace movement of the 1960s.[5][6][7]

Hodgson said:

Even at an unwizened young age when I wrote this song, I saw that the world needed love. I believed in love – it was always for love – and I just felt that was the most important thing in life. This song has really taken on a life of its own, and I think it’s even more relevant today than when I wrote it. Because we really are needing to value love in a much deeper way, and also we’re needing to care.[8]

Drummer Bob Siebenberg recounted that "Roger had been working at Malibu for quite a while on this tune. I'd hear the song in hotel rooms and places like that. He had the song on a little tape when I first joined the band so I was quite familiar with the tune. We tried out various drum things and it seemed right to ride it along on the snare drum […] giving it something almost like a train beat. So it's all on the snare and bass drum, with no tom-tom fills or anything."[9]

Its writing credits are given to Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson, although it is a Hodgson composition.[9] Hodgson and Davies shared writing credits from 1974 until 1983, when Hodgson left Supertramp.

Reception

[edit]

Cash Box said that it "would be a great crack at a pop hit for any artist," that "the rhythm is gentle, yet persuasive; the harmonies are full of uplifting momentum" and "the lead vocal has a vulnerable quality similar to Peter Gabriel's work."[10] Record World praised "its easy, flowing style."[11]

Ultimate Classic Rock critic Nick DeRiso rated it as Supertramp's all time best song, calling it a "singalong paean to the Golden Rule."[12] Gary Graff of Billboard rated "Give a Little Bit" as Supertramp's 9th best song, praising its "chiming 12-string acoustic guitar and Hodgson’s keening vocals."[13]

Hodgson rated it as one of the top 10 songs he ever wrote.[8]

Live performances

[edit]

"Give a Little Bit" was recorded to be released on the live album Paris, but the song was dropped because the band members found all the available recordings of the song to be of unacceptable quality.[14]

After Hodgson had left Supertramp, the song was included in almost all his live performances. The song has also been performed by Hodgson during his tour with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band in 2001; a recording appears on the album Ringo Starr and Friends. On Sunday 1 July 2007, Roger Hodgson sang this song as his finale for his short set at the Concert for Diana, held at Wembley Stadium in London. Princess Diana loved the song, and Hodgson said of the performance in her honour: "It was very wonderful when the audience all stood up, and the princes also, to sing 'Give a Little Bit' with me. That was a magical moment."[15] "Give a Little Bit" can also be found on Hodgson's album Classics Live, a collection of his live performances from acoustic, band and orchestra shows recorded on tour in 2010.[16]

After Hodgson's departure from Supertramp, the band included the song for the first time in their set list in 2002 during their One More for the Road Tour. The song was sung by Jesse Siebenberg. The band also played the song in their 70–10 Tour in 2010.[citation needed]

[edit]

"Give a Little Bit" has been used in films such as Superman and The Invention of Lying and in some commercials, such as for the Gap and to encourage giving to charity drives.[12]

Track listings

[edit]

7" vinyl single (1977)

[edit]
Side one
No.TitleLength
1."Give a Little Bit"3:20
Side two
No.TitleLength
1."Downstream"4:00

CD single (1990)

[edit]
No.TitleLength
1."Give a Little Bit"4:07
2."The Logical Song" (Live version)3:41
3."Bloody Well Right" (Live version)6:11

CD single (1992)

[edit]
No.TitleLength
1."Give a Little Bit"4:10
2."Give a Little Bit" (Live version)4:03
3."Breakfast in America"2:38

CD single (2012)

[edit]

Give a Little Bit (with choir)

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[34] Gold 45,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[35] Platinum 60,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[36] Platinum 600,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Personnel

[edit]

Credits listed by Matt Hurwitz of Mix.[37]

Goo Goo Dolls version

[edit]
"Give a Little Bit"
Single by Goo Goo Dolls
from the album Let Love In and Live in Buffalo: July 4th, 2004
B-side"Sympathy"
Released11 October 2004 (2004-10-11)
Length3:35
LabelWarner Bros.
Songwriters
Producers
Goo Goo Dolls singles chronology
"Sympathy"
(2002) 		"Give a Little Bit"
(2004) 		"Better Days"
(2005)

In 2004, American rock band Goo Goo Dolls covered the song, releasing it as a single in October of that year. It peaked at number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 2005. It was first covered (partially) in 2001, when guitarist and lead vocalist Johnny Rzeznik appeared in an ad for The Gap singing the song along with other artists. The song opened the live album Live in Buffalo: July 4th, 2004, and later appeared as a track on their hit album Let Love In. In May 2006, their version of "Give a Little Bit" was honored by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) in recognition of being one of the most played songs in the ASCAP repertoire in 2005.[38]

Track listing

[edit]
No.TitleLength
1."Give a Little Bit"3:35
2."Sympathy"2:58
3."Give a Little Bit" (acoustic version)3:35

Charts

[edit]

Weekly charts

[edit]
Chart (2005) Peak
position
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[39] 45
Canada Hot AC Top 30 (Radio & Records)[40] 1
Germany (GfK)[41] 78
US Billboard Hot 100[42] 37
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[43] 5
US Adult Pop Airplay (Billboard)[44] 1

Year-end charts

[edit]
Chart (2004) Position
US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)[45] 60
Chart (2005) Position
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[46] 8
US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)[46] 4

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States 11 October 2004 (2004-10-11) Hot adult contemporary radio Warner Bros. [47]
29 November 2004 (2004-11-29) Contemporary hit radio [48]

Other versions

[edit]

In January 2005, cover versions produced and arranged by John Fields were recorded by John Ondrasik and UNICEF ambassadors Clay Aiken and India Arie. The covers were created as part of the "Kids Help Out" public service announcement campaign designed by Cartoon Network to inspire viewers to support relief efforts toward the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. For the campaign, Hodgson also provided a new recording with an 80-piece orchestra and choir.[49]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Give a Little Bit

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Give a Little Bit" is a song by the English band , released in May 1977 as the opening track and from their fifth studio album, Even in the Quietest Moments....
The track was written by band co-founders and , with Hodgson providing lead vocals, and it marked a shift toward a more accessible, pop-influenced sound for the group.
 The song achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 15 on the US chart and number 29 on the UK Singles Chart, while also reaching number 8 in .
Its optimistic lyrics, centered on themes of love, sharing, and human connection, resonated widely and helped propel the album to number 16 on the Billboard 200.
 Originally composed by Hodgson during his late teens around 1969–1970, the song was shelved for several years as experimented with more complex progressive styles before revisiting it for this release.
Featuring prominent and harmonious backing vocals, "Give a Little Bit" remains one of 's signature tunes and has been covered by artists including the and featured in films and commercials.

Supertramp version

Background and writing

"Give a Little Bit" was written by Roger Hodgson around 1970, when he was approximately 19 or 20 years old, several years before its recording with Supertramp. Hodgson, who co-founded Supertramp in 1969 alongside Rick Davies, composed the song independently during a period he described as "a very idealistic time," reflecting the countercultural optimism of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The song's creation drew inspiration from the hippie-era emphasis on peace, , and global unity, with Hodgson believing that "... [was] the most important thing in life." He cited ' "" as a key influence, capturing a similar message of communal harmony and sharing. Written in a straightforward manner without overthinking, the embody these ideals through calls for mutual generosity and connection, as in the chorus: "Give a little bit of your to me / I'll give a little bit of my life to you." Hodgson revisited the unfinished song during Supertramp's songwriting sessions in late 1976 for their fifth album, Even in the Quietest Moments.... He introduced it to after a six-year delay, completing it to serve as the album's opener and emphasizing themes of social reciprocity and without altering its core simplicity. The promote a vision of interpersonal and societal giving, urging listeners to "show your love" and foster unity in a divided world, aligning with Hodgson's broader songwriting focus on hope and human connection.

Recording and production

The recording of "Give a Little Bit" took place primarily at Caribou Ranch in Nederland, Colorado, from November 3 to December 21, 1976, with the band initially demoing the track earlier that summer in a rented house in Malibu, California. Overdubs, additional vocals, and final mixing were completed at the Record Plant in Los Angeles from January 3 to February 18, 1977. The album sessions marked Supertramp's first collaboration with engineer Peter Henderson, who handled the bulk of the recording at Caribou, while Geoff Emerick oversaw mixing in Los Angeles, assisted by Tom Anderson. Supertramp self-produced the track, emphasizing a layered, harmonious that built on the song's origins as an early composition by from his pre-band days. Key production choices included capturing —drums, bass, and initial 12-string guitar—live on November 15, 1976, using Caribou's Neve console and 24-track tape machines to allow for extensive overdubs. Harmonies were a focal point, with Hodgson and bandmates adding multiple vocal layers, including double-tracked "ahh" sections, to create a rich, choral texture; Hodgson's lead vocals were also double-tracked using a Neumann U47 FET microphone for added depth. The remote, high-altitude setting at presented technical challenges, including breathlessness that limited Hodgson's , necessitating an oxygen tank during sessions to enable higher notes. The studio's further complicated live tracking, requiring overdubs for the six 12-string guitars (, Martin, and models) to achieve a seamless, jangly without bleed, with some captured in unconventional spots like the building's using a U87. Track allocation was tight amid these layers, but the 24-track format provided the flexibility needed for instruments like John Helliwell's solo and ' Clavinet and organ contributions, routed through a for tonal warmth.

Musical composition

"Give a Little Bit" is written in the key of and employs a verse-chorus form typical of pop-rock structures. The track runs for 4:08 at a of 91 beats per minute in 4/4 time, contributing to its moderate, driving pace. The verses feature a straightforward rooted in the I-IV-V framework of —primarily D–A7–D–G–A7–G–A7–G—which establishes a rhythmic, repetitive foundation that emphasizes accessibility while building subtle tension through dominant resolutions. The chorus expands into a more anthemic sequence, incorporating vi–ii–V–iii progressions (Bm–E–A–F#m) that introduce harmonic lifts and a sense of elevation, enhancing the song's communal, uplifting quality. Stylistically, the composition merges Supertramp's sensibilities—evident in its layered textures and melodic ambition—with streamlined pop-rock elements to broaden appeal, including call-and-response vocal harmonies that foster an interactive, choir-like feel. The melody, originating from Roger Hodgson's writing around 1972, underscores this blend through its catchy, optimistic phrasing. The arrangement opens with a motif on 12-string , soon joined by for rhythmic emphasis, before layering in , organ, bass, and to create a full band sound. A spontaneous solo adds melodic flair midway, followed by compressed accents, while the fade-out incorporates horn stabs for a celebratory, orchestral swell that reinforces the track's anthemic close.

Release and promotion

"Give a Little Bit" was released as a single by A&M Records in May 1977, shortly after the April 1977 issuance of Supertramp's fifth studio album, Even in the Quietest Moments..., on which the track served as the opening song. The single featured "Downstream," another album track, as its B-side in both the United States and United Kingdom. A&M Records emphasized radio promotion in North America, distributing a special DJ version of the single with a shortened runtime to encourage airplay on Top 40 stations. This effort aligned with the band's growing popularity in the region following their previous album Crime of the Century. Print advertisements in music industry publications highlighted the single's release, positioning it as a key track from the new album. To support the rollout, Supertramp produced a promotional in , featuring straightforward band performance footage—a rarity for rock acts at the time, predating widespread adoption. The video showcased the group's lineup, including on vocals and guitar, and was used for and promotional screenings. Live previews of the song were integrated into Supertramp's 1977 world tour, which included performances across and , such as their November 10 concert at Queen Mary College in where it opened the set. These tour appearances helped build anticipation and familiarity with the track among audiences.

Commercial performance

"Give a Little Bit" peaked at number 15 on the US chart in August 1977, marking Supertramp's first top-20 single in the United States. It reached number 29 on the UK Singles Chart in June 1977. The single also performed strongly in other markets, attaining a peak of number 8 on Canada's RPM 100 chart. On the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1977, "Give a Little Bit" ranked at number 78, reflecting its solid performance throughout the year. In the United States, the single sold approximately 655,000 physical copies from its initial 1977 release. The track has achieved significant longevity in the digital era, amassing over 559 million streams on as of November 2025, which has contributed to renewed interest in Supertramp's catalog.

Critical reception

Upon its release in 1977, "Give a Little Bit" received positive attention for its radio-friendly appeal, with noting its strong potential for airplay due to its catchy melody and uplifting vibe. Rolling Stone's review of the parent album Even in the Quietest Moments... highlighted the track's infectious optimism while critiquing its relative simplicity compared to the band's more complex progressive elements. Retrospectively, awarded the album four out of five stars, describing "Give a Little Bit" as Supertramp's first major U.S. hit that successfully blended their roots with accessible pop sensibilities, marking a pivotal shift toward broader commercial success. , in coverage of the band's reissues, praised the song's timeless quality, emphasizing its enduring melodic charm amid evolving musical landscapes. Critics have often compared the track to the album's jazzier, more introspective songs like "Downstream," viewing it as a lighter, more straightforward entry that facilitated Supertramp's transition from the intricate style of (1974) to pop-prog accessibility. In the 2020s, the song has been lauded for its persistent positivity, featured in discussions of music's role in post-pandemic recovery for its simple message of human connection. This acclaim underscores its , evidenced by its Top 20 U.S. chart peak, which helped propel the album to gold status. The Guardian echoed this in 2025, calling it an "open-hearted " that revitalized the band's career.

Live performances

"Give a Little Bit" debuted live during Supertramp's Tour on February 5, 1977, at the Royal Albert Hall in , , where it opened the setlist as the from the album of the same name. The song quickly became a staple, appearing in nearly every performance through the , with the band playing it 191 times across their tours during that period. A notable rendition occurred during the Tour on November 29, 1979, at the Pavillon de Paris in , which was filmed and recorded for the band's double live album released in 1980; this performance featured the full classic lineup delivering an energetic version with prominent keyboard and guitar work. The song also highlighted the 1983 Tour, Supertramp's final outing with co-founder , where it included extended instrumental solos, particularly from Hodgson on guitar and on keyboards, as captured in bootleg recordings from shows like the June 2, 1983, in , . Early live versions from 1977 to 1980 showcased the song with a full band arrangement augmented by a , adding brass flourishes to the chorus and bridge for a richer, more orchestral feel compared to the . In contrast, Hodgson has performed acoustic renditions during his solo tours since the , stripping the track to guitar and vocals for intimate settings, as heard in live recordings from his 2012 European dates and ongoing world tours into the 2020s. The song reappeared in Supertramp's 2010 tour led by , marking a return to the stage after a hiatus and featuring it in setlists across and . More recently, Hodgson included "Give a Little Bit" as the encore during his 2024 European tour, closing shows with its uplifting message, consistent with its placement in over 700 of his solo performances to date.

Personnel

The studio recording of "Give a Little Bit" featured the core lineup of the era, with handling lead vocals and multiple guitar parts, alongside contributions from bandmates on keyboards, bass, drums, and woodwinds. The track was produced by , with Peter Henderson serving as engineer. Additional engineering support came from as assistant engineer and final mixer, with mixing handled by and Russell Pope providing production input. No major guest musicians were involved, though the album as a whole included orchestral arrangements by . The recording took place primarily at in , beginning with basic tracking on November 15, 1976.

Release formats

Single releases

The Supertramp version of "Give a Little Bit" was first released as a single in 1977 by A&M Records, primarily in 7" vinyl format across various international markets. The original 1977 7" vinyl single featured an edited version of the title track on the A-side, clocking in at 3:20 to 3:32 depending on the pressing, paired with "Downstream" (4:00) on the B-side. In the US, the release (A&M AM-1938-S) used a 3:32 edit pressed on styrene for radio play, while the UK and European variants (A&M AMS 7293 and AMS 5465) adopted a 3:55 duration. Promotional variants from 1977 included special pressings for broadcasters, such as a Canadian promo (A&M AM-1938) offering both stereo and mono mixes of the 3:32 edit on a single disc for testing compatibility. In 1990, a remastered was issued in (A&M 390 586-2), presenting the full album-length "Give a Little Bit" at 4:07 alongside live versions of (3:41) and "Bloody Well Right" (6:11) recorded during the band's 1979 tour. A 1992 UK CD reissue (A&M AMCD 0007) supported the ITV Telethon charity, featuring "Give a Little Bit" (4:11), a live rendition of the same track (4:03) from the band's Paris performances, and "Breakfast in America" (2:39). Proceeds after costs benefited the telethon. The song has also been released in digital formats since the early 2000s, available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music as part of single and album bundles, including 2017 digital remasters.
FormatYearCountryLabelTrack Listing
7" Vinyl (Single)1977USA&M (AM-1938-S)A: "Give a Little Bit" (3:32)
B: "Downstream" (4:00)
7" Vinyl (Single)1977/EuropeA&M (AMS 7293/AMS 5465)A: "Give a Little Bit" (3:55)
B: "Downstream" (4:00)
7" Vinyl (Promo)1977A&M (AM-1938)"Give a Little Bit" (3:32, stereo/mono edit)
CD (Single)1990A&M (390 586-2)1. "Give a Little Bit" (4:07)
2. "" (live, 3:41)
3. "Bloody Well Right" (live, 6:11)
CD (Single)1992A&M (AMCD 0007)1. "Give a Little Bit" (4:11)
2. "Give a Little Bit" (live, 4:03)
3. "" (2:39)

Album inclusions

"Give a Little Bit" originally appeared as the opening track on Supertramp's fifth studio album, Even in the Quietest Moments..., released in April 1977 by . The song opens the record with its acoustic-driven optimism, setting the tone for the album's blend of progressive and pop elements. Subsequent remastered editions of the album, including the 2002 Universal release, retain the track in its original position without alterations to the core lineup, though some later versions incorporate enhanced audio quality from the original tapes. The track has been featured on several Supertramp compilation albums, highlighting its status as a signature song. It appears on The Very Best of Supertramp, a 1992 double-disc retrospective spanning the band's career up to that point, sequenced after hits from Breakfast in America. Similarly, it is included as track 14 on the 2005 anthology Retrospectacle: The Supertramp Anthology, a comprehensive 32-track collection that places the song amid early and mid-period material, underscoring its role in the band's breakthrough era. Live versions of "Give a Little Bit" have been incorporated into Supertramp's concert recordings. A 1979 performance from the Pavillon de Paris appears on the 2015 expanded release Live in Paris '79, where it serves as track 6 on disc 2, capturing the band's high-energy stage rendition during the tour. Additionally, a live rendition from the 1997 world tour is featured on the double-disc live album It Was the Best of Times, released in 1999 by , positioned as track 7 on disc 2 to close the set with audience interaction. These inclusions reflect the song's enduring popularity in Supertramp's live repertoire.

Goo Goo Dolls version

Background and recording

The first debuted their cover of Supertramp's "Give a Little Bit" during a live concert on July 4, 2004, in their hometown of , performing for over 60,000 fans in front of City Hall as part of the city's Independence Day celebrations. The enthusiastic crowd response to the rendition, which the band selected due to their longstanding appreciation for the original track, inspired them to quickly record a studio version later that year. The studio recording took place in late 2004 and was produced by the alongside , with engineering handled by Doug McKean and mixing by Jack Joseph Puig. Core band members (vocals and guitar) and (bass), along with drummer , formed the rhythm section, supplemented by on keyboards and additional guitar from . Lead singer Rzeznik adapted his vocal delivery to suit the band's rock-oriented style, while the production modernized the arrangement with prominent electric guitars yet preserved piano elements reminiscent of Supertramp's 1977 version. The session emphasized condensing the original's structure into a tighter, more radio-friendly format by focusing on its most memorable sections.

Musical arrangement

The ' arrangement of "Give a Little Bit" transposes the key from the original version's to to accommodate John Rzeznik's . The tempo is slightly quickened to 94 beats per minute from 91 BPM, resulting in a shortened runtime of 3:34 compared to the original's 4:08. Key adaptations include the addition of electric guitars with distortion and prominent drums to infuse an intensity, transforming the song's dynamic while preserving its core piano-driven and verse-chorus . The harmonies are simplified relative to the original's complex voicings, enhancing accessibility for radio audiences. The chorus features building layered vocals for emotional depth, blending Supertramp's foundations with the ' post- aesthetic. This version was motivated in part by a charity initiative following a live performance.

Release and chart performance

The ' cover of "Give a Little Bit" studio version was issued as a digital single on October 5, 2004, through Warner Bros. Records. The live version from the concert was released on the live album Live in Buffalo on November 23, 2004. The studio track was later included on the 2006 album Let Love In. The track's release coincided with promotional efforts tied to tsunami relief following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and , with the music video incorporating footage to emphasize themes of giving and support. On the charts, the single peaked at number 37 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in April 2005, spending 20 weeks on the chart. It reached number 1 on the Adult Top 40 chart, holding the position for eight weeks. The song also climbed to number 5 on the Adult Contemporary chart and ranked number 10 on Billboard's 2005 year-end Adult Contemporary tally. It achieved top-10 status in Canada. In terms of sales, "Give a Little Bit" was certified gold by the RIAA on June 13, 2005, denoting 500,000 units sold as a digital single. The track contributed to its international success as a charity-driven release.

Critical and commercial reception

Upon its release as a charity single in 2004, the ' cover of "Give a Little Bit" garnered generally positive critical reception for breathing new life into the original. gave the track a B+ grade, commending the band's ability to revitalize the song's optimistic spirit while infusing it with their modern rock edge. described it as a faithful yet fresh interpretation that captured the essence of the hit without straying too far from its roots. However, some critics viewed it as derivative, arguing that the arrangement leaned too heavily on the band's post-"Iris" formula without enough innovation. Commercially, the single proved successful in supporting its charitable purpose, raising funds for tsunami relief efforts through sales and related campaigns. It also enhanced the band's presence on adult contemporary radio, peaking at number 37 on the Adult Top 40 chart and solidifying their appeal to a broader beyond their alt-rock fanbase. In retrospective analyses during the 2020s, the cover has been highlighted for its role in charity singles, blending goodwill with rock accessibility to encourage . Among fans, the song remains a staple in live performances, often eliciting enthusiastic sing-alongs, and has amassed over 20 million streams on as of 2025.

Other covers and samples

Notable covers

In 2001, several prominent artists recorded versions of "Give a Little Bit" for The Gap's "Everybody in Vests" advertising campaign, including Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, , , and in a women-led rendition, as well as Shaggy, of the , , and Robbie Robertson in a men-led version; these covers adapted the song's optimistic message to promote holiday gifting and community. Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band performed a live version of the song during their 2001-2002 tour, which was later included on the 2006 album Ringo Starr and Friends, showcasing Starr's upbeat drumming and the band's ensemble energy in a rock-oriented take. In January 2005, to support relief efforts for the 2004 , ambassadors and , along with singer-songwriter John Ondrasik (known as ) and the song's co-writer , recorded versions produced and arranged by John Fields; these were featured in public service announcements encouraging children to donate, with Ondrasik's piano-driven rendition airing on radio as well. In December 2024, Leona Lewis and Calum Scott released a cover of the song as a charity single for Multibank, aiming to support communities in need.

Sampling and interpolations

"Give a Little Bit" by Supertramp has been sampled in a number of subsequent recordings, often incorporating its distinctive piano riff or vocal elements. An early instance occurred in 1978 when German bandleader James Last included multiple elements from the track in his medley "Lady in Black/Give a Little Bit," blending it with Uriah Heep's "Lady in Black" for an orchestral arrangement. More contemporary uses include The Hood Internet's 2021 mashup "1977," which samples the song's core melody as part of a year-themed hip-hop edit, and DJ Earworm's 2020 annual mashup "Time of Our Lives: Songs from EVERY YEAR (1970-2020)," where it represents the 1977 era through direct audio excerpts. The song's melody has also been interpolated—recreated instrumentally or vocally without direct sampling—in various works. British rock band interpolated the chorus progression in their 1990 track "Put the Message in the Box" from the album Goodbye Jumbo, evoking a similar uplifting rock feel. In 2024, duo referenced the melody in "Song for Pete," a gentle acoustic piece from their album , using it to underscore themes of generosity and connection. These interpolations highlight the enduring appeal of the original's simple, anthemic structure in diverse musical contexts.

Cultural impact

Usage in media

The song "Give a Little Bit" by has been prominently featured in various films, television shows, advertisements, and charitable events, often leveraging its uplifting message to enhance themes of kindness and connection. In film, the original version appears on the soundtrack of the 1994 movie , directed by , where it underscores a montage sequence emphasizing personal growth and serendipity during the protagonist's cross-country run. On television, a cover by the was used in the 2005 episode "Krypto" (Season 4, Episode 14) of the series , playing during the closing scene to highlight budding relationships and lighthearted resolution after an action-packed plot involving a superpowered dog. The track has also been employed in advertising campaigns to promote themes of goodwill. In 2013, a rendition performed by , the song's co-writer and former frontman, featured in Coca-Cola's commercial "Security Cameras," which depicted global acts of spontaneous kindness captured on surveillance footage to align with the brand's "" initiative. For live events, performed "Give a Little Bit" at a 2005 relief in , organized in response to the Indian Ocean earthquake and , using the song's charitable undertones to rally support for victims and aid organizations.

Legacy

"Give a Little Bit" has left a lasting mark on by bridging the complexities of with the accessibility of mainstream pop, a fusion that helped propel from niche acclaim to widespread commercial success. The song's melodic optimism and straightforward structure exemplified this shift, influencing subsequent acts to blend intricate arrangements with catchy, radio-friendly hooks. As noted in music analyses, its release on Even in the Quietest Moments... marked 's breakthrough in the U.S., peaking at No. 15 on the and solidifying the band's role in evolving rock toward more populist sounds. The track's theme of has inspired a format of charity singles. , the song's primary composer, donated performances and the song for Relief and efforts following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. This precedent continued with subsequent renditions, such as Leona Lewis and Calum Scott's 2024 version benefiting the Multibank charity and the UHNM Charity Choir's 2024/25 release supporting hospital initiatives, demonstrating how the song's message of communal giving resonates in philanthropic contexts. has sustained its vitality through solo performances, regularly featuring it in live sets that highlight his enduring vocal prowess and the track's universal appeal. In 2025, "Give a Little Bit" experienced renewed visibility on , where users incorporated it into positivity and motivation challenges, aligning with its uplifting lyrics amid global calls for kindness. The song has amassed over 558 million streams on alone (as of November 2025), contributing to Supertramp's broader catalog exceeding 2.8 billion plays on the platform, underscoring its enduring . Referenced in music histories as an emblem of optimism, it remains a staple on radio, ranking among the most-played tracks of the year and symbolizing Supertramp's pivotal entry into mainstream consciousness.

References

  1. https://americansongwriter.com/the-meaning-behind-the-1977-supertramp-hit-give-a-little-bit/
  2. https://genius.com/Supertramp-give-a-little-bit-lyrics/q/release-date
  3. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/supertramp/give-a-little-bit
  4. https://rockandrollgarage.com/the-story-of-supertramps-give-a-little-bit-told-by-roger-hodgson/
  5. https://www.allmusic.com/song/give-a-little-bit-mt0059092095
  6. http://www.breakfastinspain.com/index.php/59-supertramp/supertramp-discography
  7. https://www.mixonline.com/recording/classic-tracks-supertramp-give-a-little-bit
  8. https://www.discogs.com/release/11687489-Supertramp-Even-In-The-Quietest-Moments
  9. https://www.loudersound.com/features/locus-focus-supertramp-at-caribou-ranch
  10. https://songbpm.com/%40supertramp/give-a-little-bit
  11. https://tunebat.com/Info/Give-A-Little-Bit-Supertramp/1XDgeeNIbwXobo7EkcLa2u
  12. https://www.guitarnoise.com/lessons/give-a-little-bit/
  13. https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/supertramp/give-a-little-bit-chords-1087315
  14. https://www.hooktheory.com/theorytab/view/supertramp/give-a-little-bit
  15. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/sep/09/supertramp-10-best-recordings-rick-davies-roger-hodgson
  16. https://www.rogerhodgson.com/documents/interviewmixclassictracksgalb.html
  17. https://www.discogs.com/master/25381-Supertramp-Even-In-The-Quietest-Moments
  18. https://www.discogs.com/master/25463-Supertramp-Give-A-Little-Bit
  19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhYushemohQ
  20. https://www.facebook.com/groups/918788438869553/posts/1857922011622853/
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12064016/
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AptFE-GpJXE
  23. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/supertramp-give-a-little-bit/
  24. https://www.facebook.com/groups/DoYouRememberThe70sFanClub/posts/3511680099100614/
  25. https://chartmasters.org/supertramp-albums-and-songs-sales/
  26. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/3JsMj0DEzyWc0VDlHuy9Bx_songs.html
  27. https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/supertramp-songs-best-hits-list-7997371/
  28. https://www.allmusic.com/album/even-in-the-quietest-moments-mw0000191948
  29. https://www.classicrockreview.com/2012/01/1977-supertramp-eitqm/
  30. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/supertramp-even-in-the-quietest-moments-feature/
  31. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/supertramp/1977/royal-albert-hall-london-england-23da6423.html
  32. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/supertramp-63d6beef.html
  33. https://www.musicdirect.com/music/vinyl/supertramp-live-in-paris-1979-vinyl-3lp/
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txOXxKKlB0o
  35. http://www.breakfastinspain.com/index.php/supertramp-tours-general-info/103-1977-even-in-the-quietest-moments-tour
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Be14FIA9HM
  37. http://www.breakfastinspain.com/index.php/all-concert-reviews/377-2010-tour-supertramp-manheim-sept-23
  38. https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/roger-hodgson-33d6d4c5.html
  39. https://www.discogs.com/release/834208-Supertramp-Give-A-Little-Bit
  40. https://www.discogs.com/release/1106712-Supertramp-Give-A-Little-Bit
  41. https://www.discogs.com/release/3028956-Supertramp-Give-A-Little-Bit
  42. https://www.discogs.com/release/9142541-Supertramp-Give-A-Little-Bit
  43. https://www.discogs.com/release/1087184-Supertramp-Give-A-Little-Bit
  44. https://www.discogs.com/release/3632846-Supertramp-Give-A-Little-Bit
  45. https://open.spotify.com/track/0q1p59q99G6n9gW0oIL4bK
  46. https://www.discogs.com/master/466938-Supertramp-Live-In-Paris-79
  47. https://www.discogs.com/release/12094550-Supertramp-It-Was-The-Best-Of-Times
  48. https://www.mnprmagazine.com/news/goo-goo-dolls-live-in-buffalo-out-now/
  49. https://www.grammy.com/news/goo-goo-dolls-songs-stories-iris-slide-name-chaos-in-bloom-new-album-2022-john-rzeznik-interview
  50. https://www.discogs.com/release/3673270-The-Goo-Goo-Dolls-Let-Love-In
  51. https://tunebat.com/Info/Give-a-Little-Bit-The-Goo-Goo-Dolls/4umYKCvExzDsGJlqCNyRvZ
  52. https://tunebat.com/Info/Give-A-Little-Bit-Supertramp/6XUHsYE38CEbYunT983O9G
  53. https://www.cover-vs-original.com/song-55.html
  54. https://www.facebook.com/googoodolls/posts/give-a-little-bit-was-released-as-a-single-on-this-day-in-2004-whos-the-first-pe/10157616340697966/
  55. https://www.allmusic.com/song/give-a-little-bit-mt0003419923
  56. https://www.metacritic.com/music/let-love-in/goo-goo-dolls
  57. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/2sil8z5kiy4r76CRTXxBCA_songs.html
  58. https://www.hometheaterforum.com/community/threads/the-gap-commercials-who-are-the-singers.26215/
  59. https://www.allmusic.com/album/ringo-starr-and-friends-mw0000676121
  60. https://www.awn.com/news/cartoon-network-animates-psas-kids-give-little-bit-tsuna
  61. https://entertainment-focus.com/2024/12/17/leona-lewis-calum-scott-team-up-for-give-a-little-bit/
  62. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/598583/James-Last-Lady-in-BlackGive-a-Little-Bit-Supertramp-Give-a-Little-Bit/
  63. https://www.whosampled.com/Supertramp/sampled/
  64. https://genius.com/Supertramp-give-a-little-bit-sample
  65. https://www.what-song.com/Movies/Soundtrack/106/Forrest-Gump
  66. https://www.tunefind.com/show/smallville/season-4/1020
  67. https://www.kryptonsite.com/smallvillemusicseason4.htm
  68. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/coca-cola-2013-super-bowl-commercial/
  69. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/supertramps-roger-hodgson-gives-a-little-bit-at-super-bowl-before-kicking-off-2013-world-tour-189915351.html
  70. https://www.breakfastinspain.com/index.php/interviews/26-roger-hodgson?start=70
  71. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/supertramp-famous-last-words-album/
  72. https://proglouder.com/supertramp/
  73. https://www.goldradio.com/features/song-lists/supertramp-top-songs-ranked/
  74. https://www.pmstudio.com/music/20241214-24572
  75. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjfhiHePL80
  76. https://www.rogerhodgson.com/documents/bio.html
  77. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/2025-classic-rock-most-played-songs/
  78. https://open.substack.com/pub/kevinmathews/p/supertramp-the-quintessential-british
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