Created in 1969 by songwriter and record producer Tony Hiller, Brotherhood of Man was initially an umbrella title for a frequently-changing line-up of session singers. Early on, they scored a worldwide hit with the song "United We Stand". By 1973 the concept had run its course and Hiller formed a definite four-member line-up consisting of Martin Lee, Lee Sheriden, Nicky Stevens and Sandra Stevens. This version of the group went on to score many hits around the world in the mid to late 1970s including "Kiss Me Kiss Your Baby", "Angelo", "Oh Boy (The Mood I'm In)" and "Figaro". They achieved perhaps their biggest success in their native UK with three number one singles and four top twenty albums. The group under this line-up still continues, performing shows throughout Europe. Altogether, they have released 16 studio albums, with worldwide sales topping 15 million records.
After winning Eurovision, they had a string of hits in the UK, but long-term, continued success, proved to be elusive. Nevertheless, the triple chart topping UK vocal group, formed by record producer / composer, Tony Hiller, and which originally featured the well-travelled vocalist, Tony Burrows, broke the voting record for Eurovision, and sold well over 1 million copies of "Save Your Kisses For Me". Speaking with Songfacts about their #1 hit "Angelo" in a 2011 interview, Tony Hillier said: "Angelo, very simply, was based on perhaps the greatest love stories of all time, Romeo and Juliet. The beautiful young daughter of the richest man in the country and the handsome labourer working on the estate - they died for love."
"Save Your Kisses For Me" was nominated as one of final five finalists in the 50th anniversary Eurovision concert held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in October 2005.
Members
Nicky Stevens (born on 3 December 1951, in Carmarthen, Wales).
Sandra Stevens (23 November 1949, in Leeds, Yorkshire).
Martin Lee (26 November 1949, in Surrey).
Lee Sheriden (11 April 1949, in Bristol).
I Will Survive
Brotherhood of Man Lyrics
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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
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 had 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 will 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 will 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
The song "I Will Survive" by Brotherhood of Man is an empowering and uplifting song about heartbreak and moving on. The first verse describes the initial shock and sadness of a breakup, with the singer feeling like they can't live without their partner. However, as time goes on, they start to realize that they are stronger than they thought and learn to live without them. When the ex-partner returns, the singer realizes that they should have taken better care of themselves and not let the ex have so much power over them. The chorus is an anthem of determination and resilience, stating that the singer will survive and thrive as long as they know how to love.
The second verse continues the theme of self-improvement and recovery. The singer acknowledges the pain they went through when their heart was broken but praises themselves for not giving up and continuing to try to move forward. They describe their transformation into a stronger and more confident person, no longer controlled by their past relationship. The chorus repeats, reinforcing the message of resilience and optimism.
Overall, "I Will Survive" is a song that encourages listeners to believe in themselves and their ability to overcome obstacles. It suggests that heartbreak can be a valuable lesson and a catalyst for personal growth. The song has become an enduring classic and an anthem for empowerment and strength.
Line by Line Meaning
At first I was afraid
Initially, I was scared and unsure.
I was petrified
I was terrified and unable to act.
Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side
I believed that I could not survive without you.
But then I spent so many nights thinking how you did me wrong
After contemplating your actions and how they hurt me for countless nights,
And I grew strong
I built up inner strength and resilience.
And I learned how to get along
I realized how to function independently and without you.
and so you're back from outer space
Now you have returned unexpectedly.
I just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face
I arrived to discover you with a mournful expression.
I should have changed that stupid lock
I regret not changing the lock preventing you from re-entering.
I should have made you leave your key
I should have ensured you no longer had access to my home.
If I had known for just one second you'd be back to bother me
If I had foreseen the possibility of you returning and troubling me once again,
Go on now go walk out the door
Please leave immediately.
just turn around now 'cause you're not welcome anymore
You are no longer permitted to remain in my presence.
weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye
Did you not attempt to harm me with your departure?
Did you think I'd crumble
Did you believe that I would break down under the pressure?
Did you think I'd lay down and die
Did you expect me to merely give up and perish?
Oh no, not I
That is not my character.
I will survive
I will endure and flourish.
Oh as long as I know how to love I know I will stay alive
As long as I have the ability, capacity and desire to love, I will persist.
I've got all my life to live I've got all my love to give
I still have many years of existence and an abundance of love to share.
and I'll survive
I will manage to endure.
I will survive (hey-hey)
I will flourish against all odds.
Writer(s): Frederick J. Perren, Dino Fekaris
Contributed by Alyssa V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.