Sole Survivor

Asia

About Sole Survivor

"Sole Survivor" is a song by progressive rock band Asia. Written by Geoffrey Downes and John Wetton, it is the third track and fourth single from the band's 1982 eponymous debut. It was Asia's third single for the U. S Mainstream Rock Charts that reached the Top Ten. The single also peaked at #75 in Germany and #91 in the UK. The song was covered by Japanese power metal band Galneryus for their 2008 cover album, Voices from the Past II. It was also used in some of the foreign versions of the 1982 Japanese anime Future War 198X. In 2000, the song was referenced in satirical newspaper The Onion with a brief article titled "Sole Survivor Of Air Crash Has Asia's 'Sole Survivor' Stuck In Head." 


Year:
2002
5:17
42 

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When I ride the hounds of hell
Twist my foot, I nearly fell
I was lucky I was alive
One look back, I could have died

I was the sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Solitary fire

When I saw it, I was amazed
One-time glory right in my gaze
I saw the sorrow, I saw the joy
Light in the darkness none could destroy

I am the sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Solitary fire

And from the wreckage I will arise
Cast the ashes back in their eyes
See the fire I will defend
Just keep on burning right to the end

I'll be the sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor

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Asia

Asia are an English progressive rock band formed in London in 1981. The most commercially successful line-up was its original, which was a supergroup of four members of different progressive rock bands of the 1970s: lead vocalist and bassist John Wetton of King Crimson and U.K., guitarist Steve Howe of Yes, keyboardist Geoff Downes of Yes and the Buggles, and drummer Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Their debut album, Asia, released in 1982, remains their best selling album and went to number one in several countries. The lead single from the album, "Heat of the Moment", remains their top charting and best-known song, reaching the top 40 in over a dozen markets and peaking in the U.S. at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Billboard … more »

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Written by: Geoff Downes, John Kenneth Wetton

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Band History
"Sole Survivor" is a song by British rock band Asia, co-written by John Wetton and Geoff Downes, key members of the band.
Album Success
The song is part of the band's eponymous debut album, "Asia" released in 1982. The album became the biggest selling album in the United States that year, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
John Wetton's Contribution
Featuring John Wetton on lead vocals and bass guitar, "Sole Survivor" is a key exemplar of his signature style in both writing and performing.
Famous Lyrics
One of the most recognized lines from "Sole Survivor" is "When I saw you standing there, I about fell off my chair."
Chart Performance
While the song was not released as a single in the US, "Sole Survivor" did chart in the UK, reaching the Top 75.
Replacement Video
Despite not being centered as a single, a video for 'Sole Survivor' was made as a replacement when MTV banned another video of the band for its violent content.
Cover Versions
"Sole Survivor" was covered by other artists in later years, demonstrating the song's enduring popularity. These artists include Richard Sinclair of Hatfield and the North and Caravan fame.
Tour Staple
Throughout Asia's existence and during John Wetton's time with the band, "Sole Survivor" remained a staple, often played live at most concerts.
Prog-Rock Heritage
The song carries the 'Progressive Rock' imprint, a genre Asia's members were famous for from their previous bands like King Crimson, Yes and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
Powerful Theme
"Sole Survivor" carries a melancholic theme and symbolizes finding hope in times of despair and loneliness, a reflection of the songwriting depth of Wetton and Downes.
John Wetton's Death
The song gained additional emotional weight for fans after the death of John Wetton in 2017 due to his long battle with cancer.
Use in Media
Lastly, "Sole Survivor" and its elements have been used or referred to in various media, including movies and TV shows, indicating its cultural impact.

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