Today’s song of the day is an American disco song, “I Will Survive,” by Gloria Gaynor.
Fun Facts:
- The song was released in 1978 and quickly gained traction for its catchy beat and powerful lyrics.
- Gloria had experienced moderate commercial success with a few previous releases; however, “I Will Survive” was her first song to top the charts and launch her career into the mainstream music market.
- The song was featured on Gloria’s sixth studio album, “Love Tracks.”
- “I Will Survive” was originally the b-side to the album’s first single, a cover of “Substitute” by Clout. The two songs were quickly switched—”I Will Survive” becoming the single and “Substitute” the b-side—once the former’s popularity was realized.
- In 1979, “I Will Survive” was number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart for several consecutive weeks.
- In 2004, Rolling Stone included the song on their list of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
- Later, in 2012, “I Will Survive” ranked as number two in Rolling Stone’s poll of The Best Disco Songs of All Time.
- In 2016, Gloria’s original recording of “I Will Survive” was selected by the Library of Congress to be formally preserved in the National Recording Registry due to its cultural, historical, and artistic significance.
Lyrics:
At first I was afraid, I was petrified
Kept thinkin’ I could never live without you by my side
But then I spent so many nights thinking how you did me wrong
And I grew strong
And I learned how to get along
And so you’re back from outer space
I just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face
I should have changed that stupid lock
I should have made you leave your key
If I’d known for just one second you’d be back to bother me
Go on now, go walk out the door
Just turn around now
‘Cause you’re not welcome anymore
Weren’t you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye?
Did you think I’d crumble?
Did you think I’d lay down and die?
Oh no not I, I will survive
Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive
I’ve got all my life to live
And I’ve got all my love to give
And I’ll survive
I will survive
Hey, hey
Oh, leave the Lord to give me strength not to fall apart
Though I tried hard to mend the pieces of my broken heart
And I spent oh so many nights just feeling sorry for myself
I used to cry, but now I hold my head up high
And you see me, somebody new
I’m not that chained up little person still in love with you
And so you felt like dropping in and just expect me to be free
Well now I’m savin’ all my lovin’ for someone who’s lovin’ me
Go on now, go walk out the door
Just turn around now
‘Cause you’re not welcome anymore
Weren’t you the one who tried to crush me with goodbye?
Did you think I’d crumble?
Did you think I’d lay down and die?
Oh no not I, I will survive
And as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive
I’ve got all my life to live
And I’ve got all my love to give
And I’ll survive
I will survive
Oh
Go on now, go walk out the door
Just turn around now
‘Cause you’re not welcome anymore
Weren’t you the one who tried to crush me with goodbye?
Did you think I’d crumble?
Did you think I’d lay down and die?
No, no not I, I will survive
And as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive
I’ve got all my life to live
And I’ve got all my love to give
And I’ll survive
I will survive
I will survive
Go on now, go walk out the door
Just turn around now
‘Cause you’re not welcome anymore
Weren’t you the one who tried to crush me with goodbye?
Did you think I’d crumble?
Did you think I’d lay down and die?
Oh no not I, I will survive
And as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive
I’ve got all my life to live
And I’ve got all my love to give
And I’ll survive
I will survive
I will survive