Gloria Gaynor is an American singer best known for her disco hit I Will Survive, which became an anthem of Strength and empowerment.
She rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like Never Can Say Goodbye and won a Grammy Award in 1980 for Best Disco Recording.
In 2019, she won another Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album, proving her lasting impact on music.
About the Song
I Will Survive is a famous disco song by Gloria Gaynor, released in 1978. It is about strength and moving on after hard times.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | October 23, 1978 |
| Album | Love Tracks |
| Writers | Freddie Perren & Dino Fekaris |
| Producers | Freddie Perren & Dino Fekaris |
I Will Survive Lyrics by Gloria Gaynor
Intro
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 thinkin’ how you did me wrong
And I grew strong and I learned how to get along
Verse 1
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
Pre-Chorus
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?
Chorus
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
String Solo
Verse 2
It took all the strength I had not to fall apart
Just tryin’ 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 droppin’ in and just expect me to be free
Now I’m saving all my lovin’ for someone who’s lovin’ me
Pre-Chorus
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?
Chorus
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
Pre-Chorus
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?
Chorus
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
Saxophone Solo
Verse 2
It took all the strength I had not to fall apart
Just tryin’ 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 droppin’ in and just expect me to be free
Well, now I’m saving all my lovin’ for someone who’s lovin’ me
Pre-Chorus
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 break down and die?
Chorus
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
Outro
I’ve got all my life to live, and I’ve got so much love to give
And I’ll survive, yes, I’ll survive, yeah, I’ll survive
Live Performances of The Song
1. Live From Her Majesty’s on the 13th of October 1985
2. Live at the Sopot International Song Festival on the 20th of August, 1980
Similar Songs Like I Will Survive
If you’re looking for songs similar to I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor, here are some of her notable tracks that share similar themes or styles:
- Never Can Say Goodbye (1974) – A cover of the Jackson 5 song that became one of Gloria Gaynor’s early hits.
- Let Me Know (I Have a Right) (1979) – This is a disco hit with a strong vocal performance and a catchy melody.
- I Am What I Am (1983) – An inspiring song with a strong theme, though less disco-oriented than her earlier work.
Awards for The Song
Here’s the key award information for I Will Survive:
| Award | Category | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Grammy Award | Best Disco Recording | 1980 |
| Grammy Hall of Fame | Inducted | 2012 |
Similar Artists Like Gloria Gaynor
If you enjoy Gloria Gaynor’s music, here are some similar artists you might appreciate:
- Donna Summer
Genres: R&B, Soul, Pop, Rock, Disco
Top Albums: Love to Love You Baby (1975), A Love Trilogy (1976), Bad Girls (1979) - Village People
Genres: Disco, Pop/Rock
Top Albums: Village People (1977), Macho Man (1978), Cruisin’ (1978) - Thelma Houston
Genres: Soul, R&B
Top Albums: Sunshower (1969), Thelma Houston (1972), Any Way You Like It (1976) - Anita Ward
Genres: Disco
Top Albums: Songs of Love (1979), Sweet Surrender (1980) - The Trammps
Genres: Disco, Pop/Rock, R&B/Soul
Top Albums: The Trammps (1975), Where Do We Go from Here (1975)
Behind The Scenes
Frequently Asked Questions
What Movie Used the Song I Will Survive?
The song I Will Survive has been used in the movies The Angry Birds Movie and Resort to Love.
Why is I Will Survive Considered an Anthem?
The song’s message of strength, independence, and empowerment has made it an anthem for many, especially in LGBTQ+ and feminist communities.
Have I Will Survive been Covered by Other Artists?
Yes, many artists, including Diana Ross, Chantay Savage, and Demi Lovato, have covered the song in different styles.
