I Will Survive

Gloria Gaynor

About I Will Survive

"I Will Survive" is a hit song first performed by American singer Gloria Gaynor, released in October 1978. It was written by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris. A top-selling song after its initial release, it sold 14 million copies worldwide and has remained a popular disco anthem, as well as being certified platinum by the RIAA. The song's lyrics describe the narrator's discovery of personal strength following an initially devastating breakup. It received heavy airplay in 1979, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and on the UK Singles Chart on consecutive weeks. The song is also frequently recalled as a symbol of female empowerment. In 2016, the Library of Congress deemed Gaynor's original recording to be "culturally, historically, or artistically significant" and selected it for preservation in the National Recording Registry. 


3:18
79 
#2

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At first I was afraid, I was petrified
Kept thinking 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
Do 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

It took all the strength I had not to fall apart
Kept trying 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 and still in love with you
And so you felt like dropping in and just expect me to be free
Well, now I'm saving all my lovin' for someone who's loving 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 break me with goodbye
Do 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

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 break me with goodbye
Do 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
I will survive

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Gloria Gaynor

Gloria Gaynor (born September 7, 1943) is an American singer, best known for the disco era hits; "I Will Survive" (Hot 100 number 1, 1979), "Never Can Say Goodbye" (Hot 100 number 9, 1974), "Let Me Know (I Have a Right)" (Hot 100 number 42, 1980) and "I Am What I Am" (R&B number 82, 1983). more »

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Written by: Dino Fekaris, Frederick J. Perren

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release Date
"I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor was released in October 1978 as the B-side to her cover of "Substitute."
Genre
The song is classified under the disco genre, providing a significant contribution to the booming disco era during the late 1970s.
Production
The song was produced by Dino Fekaris and Freddie Perren and released under the record label Polydor.
Popularity
The song became incredibly popular, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart in March 1979.
Awards
The song won Gloria Gaynor her only Grammy Award for Best Disco Recording in 1980, the first and only year the category was included.
Cover Versions
Over the years, many artists have covered "I Will Survive," including Diana Ross, Demi Lovato, and Cake, which had a hit with it in 1996.
Theme
"I Will Survive" resonates with many people due to its themes of empowerment and resilience in the face of adversity. It has since become an anthem for both the feminist movement and the LGBTQ+ community.
Original Reception
Despite being the B-side to "Substitute", "I Will Survive" quickly amassed significant airplay and was soon released as its own single due to its overwhelming popularity.
Movie Appearance
Though its fame spans various aspects of pop-culture, the song notably appeared in the closing credits of the popular movie, The Martian, in 2015.
Cultural Impact
In 2016, the song was selected by The Library of Congress to be preserved in the National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or artistically significant."
Music Video
Its music video was recorded in 1979 at the discotheque located on top of the World Trade Center tower, a location that gives an even stronger historical significance.

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    "I Will Survive Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/21147846/Gloria+Gaynor/I+Will+Survive>.

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    I Will Survive

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1979

    Billboard #1


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