Gloria Gaynor – I Will Survive
Inspiration Behind I Will Survive:
Gloria Gaynor’s song was inspired by situations which taught her to discover resilience and strength. The lyrics focus on a devastating breakup and Gloria’s journey to recover. This life experience enabled Gloria to overcome adversity, finding strength from within to press on without this significant other.
Biblical Application:
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it, Hebrews 12:7-11.
Exegesis of I Will Survive:
At first I was afraid
I was Petrified
Kept thinking I could never live
Without you by my side
After being dumped, Gloria doubted that she would ever recover.
But then I spent so many night
Thinking how you did me wrong
And I grew strong
And I learned how to get along
Many nights of reflection helped Gloria realize that she wasn’t treated with respect. This season of growth enabled Gloria to mature and recover.
And so you’re back
From outer space
I just walked in to find you here
With that sad look upon your face
Gloria had no room in her heart to take him back.
I should have change that stupid lock
I should have made you leave your key
If I had known for just one second
You’d be back to bother me
Gloria wished she took financial steps to prevent him from coming back to her place.
Go on now go
Walk out the door
Just turn around now
‘Cause you’re not welcome anymore
Gloria doesn’t hesitate, immediately asking her ex to leave.
Weren’t you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye
You think I’d crumble
You think I’d lay down and die
I’m done with your stupid mind games.
Oh no not I
I will survive
Oh as long as I know how to love
I know I’ll stay alive
Gloria will be fine on her own, letting love lead the way.
I’ve got all my life to live
And I got all my love to give
I’ll survive
I will survive
Hey hey
This chorus magnifies that Gloria has fully recovered from this devastating breakup.
It took all the strength I had
Not to fall apart
Kept trying hard to mend the pieces
Of my broken heart
A glimpse of the heartache that Gloria endured.
And I spent oh so many nights
Just feeling sorry for myself
I used to cry
But now I hold my head up high
This wasn’t easy but crying has now turned into recovery and rebirth.
And you see me
Somebody new
I’m not that chained up little person
Still in love with you
Gloria is glad that she is free from this past relationship.
And so you felt like dropping in
And just expect me to be free
Well now I’m saving all my loving
For someone who’s loving me
Gloria learned to invest her time into men who appreciate and love her.
Go on now go
Walk out the door
Just turn round now
You’re not welcome anymore
Gloria doesn’t give her ex a second chance, shutting him out.
Weren’t you the one who tried to break me with goodbye
You think I’d crumble
You think I’d lay down and die
I’m not the same woman I was before.
Oh no not I
I will survive
Oh as long as I know how to love
I know I’ll stay alive
I’ll be fine without you as I wait for true love.
I got all my life to live
And I’ve got all my love to give
And I’ll survive
I will survive
Oh
This chorus serves as an anthem for Gloria’s new perspective on life.
Go on now go
Walk out the door
Just turn around now
You’re not welcome anymore
Gloria didn’t wait to repeat the same mistakes of her past.
Weren’t you the one who tried to break me with goodbye
You think I’d crumble
You think I’d lay down and die
Gloria is now mentally tough to recognize the games her ex tried to play.
Oh no not I
I will survive
Oh as long as I know how to love
I know I’ll stay alive
She is better off without him.
I’ve got all my life to give
And I’ve got all my love to give
And I’ll survive
I will survive
I will survive
Gloria is ready for the next phase in her life, waiting on love.
Final Thoughts:
As someone who was dumped multiple times in high school, I spent too much time dwelling on my past instead of looking forward to the future like Gloria. During my 5 years of college, I matured, breaking off friendships with girls who took an emotional toll on my soul. My recovery occurred through Christian friends and my relationship with Jesus. To individuals who grew up in a strict household, you learned right from wrong, even if it was painful. The people who really care about you will confront areas that you need to address. If you want the very best for someone, flawed characteristics need to be corrected until you reach your full potential in life. Although these conversations can be dicey, experiencing tough love will make you a better person in the future.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 