I'll Survive
B.B. King Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You say you're leaving, you've shattered my dreams
All of our plans dear, forgotten it seems
Yes, it had to happen
I'm not surprised, but I'll, I'll survive

Your friends have shown you a better way
All my years of loving you, ending today
Yes, you go on, darlin'
I'll dry my eyes, but I'll, I'll survive

Go on, may god bless you
It was fun, while it was fun
Have fun, baby, I hate to lose you
It's all over, what's done is done

Yes, go on darlin', seek your fortune and fame
Yes, your good luck or bad luck, baby
Your friends must take the blame
Oh, I can't beg you, baby
I've got too much pride, but I'll, I'll survive





Oh, I'll, I'll survive

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to B.B. King's "I'll Survive" tell the story of a person dealing with the aftermath of a breakup. The singer's partner has decided to leave because their friends have shown them a "better way." These actions have left our speaker alone, with their dreams and plans shattered. However, the singer appears to accept their partner's decision to leave, noting that it was "inevitable" and they are "not surprised." The singer acknowledges their pain and sadness but, in the end, assures themselves that they will survive.


What makes this song so potent are the moments where the singer is grappling with the realities of this breakup. They state that their partner seeking their fortune and fame is ultimately their decision, and they hold too much pride to beg. They accept that their partner's friends will have to shoulder some of the responsibility for this failed relationship. The song is ultimately a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure through difficult times.


Line by Line Meaning

You say you're leaving, you've shattered my dreams
The singer's partner is leaving them, causing them great pain and disappointment.


All of our plans dear, forgotten it seems
The plans the singer made with their partner are now gone, and it feels like the partner has completely forgotten about them.


Yes, it had to happen
While the ending of the relationship hurts, the singer recognizes that it was something that had to occur.


I'm not surprised, but I'll, I'll survive
While the breakup wasn't unexpected, the artist will still be able to make it through the pain and come out on the other side.


Your friends have shown you a better way
The partner has been influenced by their friends to leave the relationship.


All my years of loving you, ending today
The love the singer had for their partner has now come to an end.


Yes, you go on, darlin'
The singer is acknowledging that their partner will move on from the relationship.


I'll dry my eyes, but I'll, I'll survive
Despite the pain, the artist will dry their tears and get through this hard time.


Go on, may god bless you
The artist wishes their partner well as they move on.


It was fun, while it was fun
The artist acknowledges that the relationship was enjoyable while it lasted.


Have fun, baby, I hate to lose you
The singer is expressing their sadness at losing their partner, but still wants them to enjoy their life.


It's all over, what's done is done
The relationship has officially ended and there's no going back.


Yes, go on darlin', seek your fortune and fame
The singer encourages their partner to go out and find success and happiness.


Yes, your good luck or bad luck, baby
The singer acknowledges that their partner's future may hold both good and bad fortunes.


Your friends must take the blame
The singer believes that the partner's friends influenced them to leave the relationship.


Oh, I can't beg you, baby
The artist won't beg their partner to stay, even though they want them to.


I've got too much pride, but I'll, I'll survive
The artist's pride won't let them beg their partner to come back, but they will still be able to get through this hard time.


Oh, I'll, I'll survive
The singer repeats their determination to survive and move on from the relationship.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Saul Bihari, Riley B. King

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Anonymous


on Always On My Mind

Here's BB King's Version - Lyrics

Maybe I didn't love you
Quite as often as I should have
Maybe I didn't treat you
Quite as good as I could have

If I made you feel second best
Girl I'm sorry I was blind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Maybe I didn't hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
I guess I never told you
That I am so happy that you're mine
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
ou were always on my mind

If I made you feel second best
Girl I'm sorry I was blind

Tell me, tell me that your sweet love hasn't died
Give me, give me one more chance
To satisfied
I'll keep you satisfied

Musical Interlude

Tell me, tell me that your sweet love hasn't died
Give me, give me one more chance
To satisfied
I'll keep you satisfied

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