The song I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor, released in 1978, quickly became an iconic disco anthem. Its powerful message of resilience and empowerment has inspired countless listeners to overcome challenges.

Did You Know?

• I Will Survive was released by Gloria Gaynor in 1978 and became a defining anthem of the disco era.
• The song has been embraced as a symbol of empowerment, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.
• In 1980, I Will Survive won the Grammy Award for Best Disco Recording, solidifying its legacy as a timeless classic.

Lyrics

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 have 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

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 still in love with you

And so you felt like dropping in

And just expect me to be free

And now I’m saving all my loving 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?

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

I’ve got all my love to give

And I’ll 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 break 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

I’ve got all my love to give

And I’ll survive

I will survive

I will survive