- Specsavers found the smash hit was one of the UK’s top 10 most misheard songs
- It is estimated there are around 11million people in the UK with hearing loss
It’s one of the most famous choruses of all time.
But Rick Astley can now be heard mixing up the words of smash hit ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ — incorrectly belting out ‘then I’m gonna give you up’.
In a partnership with Specsavers that aims to raise awareness of hearing loss, the 1980s pop legend’s song also includes the lyrics ‘never gonna run around with dessert spoons’ instead of ‘never gonna run around and desert you’.
It is hoped the hit will encourage listeners to think about their own hearing health, so they can spot the signs and take action.
The updated hit single also includes ‘you wouldn’t catch nits from any other guy’ and ‘your aunt’s been naked’ — lyrics people have misheard for years.
It comes as the 57-year-old star has himself admitted he now lives with some hearing loss and has urged people to take action if they notice any changes.
In a partnership with Specsavers that aims to raise awareness of hearing loss, the 1980s pop legend’s song also includes the lyrics ‘never gonna run around with dessert spoons’ instead of ‘never gonna run around and desert you’. It is hoped the hit will encourage listeners to think about their own hearing health, so they can spot the signs and take action
The updated hit single also includes ‘you wouldn’t catch nits from any other guy’ and ‘your aunt’s been naked’ — lyrics people have misheard for years. It comes as the 57-year-old star has himself admitted he now lives with some hearing loss and has urged people to take action if they notice any changes
It is estimated there are around 11million people in the UK with hearing loss, which can range from mild to profound. The condition affects one in six adults – making it the second most common disability — with numbers expected to rise as the population ages in the coming decades
Research by Specsavers on 2,000 adults last month found one in ten believed Astley was singing ‘never gonna run around with dessert spoons’ rather than ‘never gonna run around and desert you’.
One in six blamed poor hearing for mistaking song lyrics but more than half (56 per cent) confessed that they had never had their hearing tested.
More than half admitted they find conversations with background noise difficult (51 per cent), with over a quarter (28 per cent) confessing that they can’t hear the TV or radio properly.
Astley said: ‘I had great fun re-recording the song with Specsavers and discovering the amusing ways people have misheard my song.
‘It felt weird singing different lyrics but I’m pleased to be raising awareness of hearing loss, as there is still a stigma around this.
‘I’ve noticed my hearing changing over time so recently had a hearing test at Specsavers.
‘It showed I have some hearing loss, which I was not fully aware of.
‘It’s probably a result of playing the drums as a kid and working in the music industry, so they’ve given me my first hearing aids.’
He added: ‘It’s important to remember that everyone’s hearing is different. Some people lose high notes, others lose low frequency sounds.’
‘I’d encourage anyone to get their hearing tested if they notice any changes, so they don’t lose the sounds or music they love.’
It is estimated there are around 11million people in the UK with hearing loss, which can range from mild to profound.
The condition affects one in six adults – making it the second most common disability — with numbers expected to rise as the population ages in the coming decades.
Proven ways to prevent the risk of hearing loss include protecting the ears from loud noises, and getting appropriate medical care for ear infections.
A report by the Commission on Hearing Loss in 2014 found hearing loss costs the UK economy £24.8billion per year in potential output. The figure is expected to hit £38.6billion by 2031.
The World Health Organization also estimates that more than 430million people worldwide currently have disabling hearing loss.
Astley, who performed at Glastonbury earlier this year, began singing in a local church choir a the age of 10, which fuelled his passion for music.
On leaving school at the age of 16, he was employed as a driver in his father’s market-gardening business and at night, he played drums on the Northern club circuit.
He then went on to release the hit, Never Gonna Give You Up, in 1987 which topped the charts in the UK for five weeks and became the highest-selling album of the year.
Astley released the hit, Never Gonna Give You Up, in 1987 which topped the charts in the UK for five weeks and became the highest-selling album of the year. He said: ‘I had great fun re-recording the song with Specsavers and discovering the amusing ways people have misheard my song. It felt weird singing different lyrics but I’m pleased to be raising awareness of hearing loss, as there is still a stigma around this. I’ve noticed my hearing changing over time so recently had a hearing test at Specsavers.’ Pictured, Astley performing in the Never Gonna Give You Up music video
Astley, who performed at Glastonbury earlier this year (pictured), began singing in a local church choir a the age of 10, which fuelled his passion for music. On leaving school at the age of 16, he was employed as a driver in his father’s market-gardening business and at night, he played drums on the Northern club circuit
According to Specsavers’ research, one in three Brits have noticed changes in their hearing over the last 10 years.
Despite this, more than half (57 per cent) have taken no action to address these changes.
For many people, hearing loss and hearing aids are still associated with negative stereotypes, and fear of stigma can be strong, charities have warned.
Evidence shows, on average, people wait 10 years between noticing symptoms and taking steps to address their hearing loss.
For respondents with hearing issues, coping mechanisms included nodding or saying ‘yes’, leaning ears closer, or awkwardly laughing, the study showed.
Some 45 per cent also confessed to asking people to frequently repeat themselves. Of this, 70 per cent admitted to finding it embarrassing.
TV medic Dr Michael Mosley said: ‘Hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide, but often goes undiagnosed and untreated and that is a terrible shame because it often leads to social isolation.
‘If you notice any changes in your hearing, don’t wait 10 years to get checked.
‘Hearing change is completely normal and is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about.’
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