Talking about the song, Smith said, "There'd been times when I felt like I'd been in a washing machine and on a conveyor belt at the same time, but when people asked me how I was doing, the answer was always the British cliché: 'Yep, all good, fine'. At the start of lockdown I felt very self-conscious about having written a song that felt relevant when it wasn't intended to be, but then I also think 2020 is the year we all stopped pretending everything's fine."
A music video for the song was released on 6 October 2020 at a total length of three minutes and two seconds. The video was directed by Reza Dolatabadi. Talking about the video, Dolatabadi said, "Overall I wanted to give the video a grand feel, almost like it belongs on the big screen, and for that we had to build a city in 3D, lock all the camera angles and movements and then animate our characters over the 3D layouts. Animation is a teamwork. I have to say I've been so lucky to work with an incredible team of artists from all over the world on this project. Without their dedication and attention to details there was no way I could have finished this ambitious piece."
survivin'
Bastille Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Killing time, flying high
As I held on tight to you, to you
Did I blow my mind on the wild side?
Singing, "Hallelujah" to 'em every night
With you, with you
And I'm not gonna lie
'Cause it feels like I've been living upside down
What can I say? I'm survivin'
Crawling out these sheets to see another day
What can I say? I'm survivin'
And I'm gonna be fine
I'm gonna be fine
I think I'll be fine
Ooh, yeah
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Ba, da, da, da, da, da, na, na
Ooh, yeah
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Like a thunder cloud in November rain
Is the black dog out running wild again
For you, for you?
Tryna stream my way to a better life
But I daydream crash like Vanilla Sky, do you?
Do you?
'Cause I'm not gonna lie
And say I've been alright
'Cause it feels like I've been living upside down
What can I say? I'm survivin'
Crawling out these sheets to see another day
What can I say? I'm survivin'
And I'm gonna be fine
I'm gonna be fine
I think I'll be fine
Ooh, yeah
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Ooh, yeah
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
So what can I say? I'm survivin'
Just crawling out these sheets to see another day
Oh what can I say? I'm survivin'
And I'm gonna be fine
I'm gonna be fine
I think I'll be fine
Bastille's "Survivin'" is an introspective and cathartic song that explores the ups and downs of life. The lyrics convey the message that life is a roller coaster ride, moving between moments of intense joy and despair. Dan Smith, the lead singer of Bastille, describes a "white-knuckle seven-year ride" where he was "killing time and flying high" while clinging on to someone he cared about deeply. He wonders if he lost his mind on the wild side, staying up late at night singing "Hallelujah" with the person. But Smith admits that it all feels like he has been living upside down, which suggests that he's been feeling disoriented and off-kilter lately.
The chorus of the song is the core message of the song. Smith declares that he is "survivin'." It's a declaration of hope that he is getting through tough times and that he will be okay. He crawls out of bed each day, ready to face whatever comes next, and is determined to be fine. The song continues with Smith grappling with the black dog (a metaphor for depression) again. He tries to make his way to a better life while daydreaming, but he falls back to reality, crash-landing like Vanilla Sky. Smith continues to acknowledge that he's not alright and that things still feel upside down, but he's survivin', and that's enough for now.
Overall, "Survivin'" is a powerful song that encourages listeners to keep going, even when life feels tough. The song speaks to the human experience of facing challenges and trying to find the strength to carry on. Its driving melody and uplifting chorus make it an anthem for anyone who has ever struggled and survived.
Line by Line Meaning
Had a great seven year, white knuckle ride
Referring to a thrilling and exciting journey that lasted seven years.
Killing time, flying high
Engaging in activities to pass the time and feeling exhilarated.
As I held on tight to you, to you
Holding on tightly to a person or thing for support during a tumultuous period.
Did I blow my mind on the wild side?
Wondering if one went too far with their experiences that led to self-destructive behavior.
Singing, "Hallelujah" to 'em every night
Expressing praise or gratitude every night in their own way.
With you, with you
Being accompanied by someone and sharing the experiences with them.
And I'm not gonna lie
Being honest about the situation and feelings.
Say I've been alright
Claiming to be okay, despite not entirely feeling that way.
'Cause it feels like I've been living upside down
Feeling like everything has been reversed, where things that were once good aren't anymore and vice versa.
What can I say? I'm survivin'
Acknowledging that they are still hanging in there, despite the challenging circumstances.
Crawling out these sheets to see another day
Getting out of bed and facing the new day ahead.
And I'm gonna be fine
Staying optimistic and positive about the future.
I think I'll be fine
Believing that everything will work out in the end.
Like a thunder cloud in November rain
Comparing one's state of mind to a thunder cloud during the rainy season, where there's a metaphorical storm inside.
Is the black dog out running wild again
Referring to a mental affliction/illness that causes distress and is resurfacing.
Tryna stream my way to a better life
Attempting to make positive changes to turn things around.
But I daydream crash like Vanilla Sky, do you?
Having dreams and hopes that come crashing down, similar to a scene in the movie Vanilla Sky.
So what can I say? I'm survivin'
Reiterating that they are still making it through despite the turbulence.
Just crawling out these sheets to see another day
Making an effort to get out of bed and face the unknown ahead.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Daniel Campbell Smith, Daniel Robin Priddy, Mark Blair Crew, Philip John Plested
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@nkksksdkflrb
Lyrics 😁
[Verse 1]
Had a great seven-year, white-knuckle ride
Killin' time, flyin' high, as I held on tight
To you, to you
Did I blow my mind on the wild side?
Singin' "Hallelujah" to 'em every night
With you, with you
[Pre-Chorus]
And I'm not gonna lie, say I've been alright
'Cause it feels like I've been livin' upside down
[Chorus]
What can I say? I'm survivin'
Crawlin' out these sheets to see another day
What can I say? I'm survivin'
And I'm gonna be fine, I'm gonna be fine
I think I'll be fine
[Post-Chorus]
Ooh, yeah
Ba-da-da-da-da-da
Ba-da-da-da-da-da
My love, my love
Ooh, yeah
Ba-da-da-da-da-da
Ba-da-da-da-da-da
[Verse 2]
Like a thunder cloud in November rain
Is the black dog out, runnin' wild again
For you, for you?
Tryna stream my way to a better life
But I daydream crash like Vanilla Sky
Do you? Do you?
[Pre-Chorus]
'Cause I'm not gonna lie and say I've been alright
'Cause it feels like I've been livin' upside down
[Chorus]
What can I say? I'm survivin'
Crawlin' out these sheets to see another day
What can I say? I'm survivin'
And I'm gonna be fine, I'm gonna be fine
I think I'll be fine
[Post-Chorus]
Ooh, yeah
Ba-da-da-da-da-da
Ba-da-da-da-da-da
My love, my love
Ooh, yeah
Ba-da-da-da-da-da
Ba-da-da-da-da-da-da
[Chorus]
So what can I say? I'm survivin'
Just crawlin' out these sheets to see another day
Oh, what can I say? I'm survivin'
And I'm gonna be fine, I'm gonna be fine
I think I'll be fine
I hope you'll be fine 😊 have a nice day
@BASTILLEvideos
Thanks so much for tuning into the premier everyone. What do you think of the video on first impression?
@bastillegermanfanclub
It's absolutely amazing and it feels like many different lyrics from other songs fit in this video too
@hollz3785
It's sooo different from any other bastille music video, but incredibly refreshing and fitting for the song, such an easy video to watch and song to listen to
@hairybuttsniff
Loved the song @Bastille
@renatkar4003
We love it ❤️
@ocarinaot452
I really want a poster of the guy ascending into space!!!
@gailharrison9331
My husband died last month.What can I say? I'm surviving.This song means a lot to me.Thank you.
@lordwarrior012
hope you are doing fine!!!
@rachelvanderpool3269
God Bless You
@jenniferwaugh8796
It is so good that music can help you through difficult times in your life. Take care.