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:

(Musixmatch)

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