Survive
David Bowie and Reeves Gabrels Lyrics
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Naked eyes
I should have kept you
I should have tried
I should have been a wiser kind of guy
I miss you
Give me wings
Give me money for a change of face
Those noisy rooms and passion pants
I loved you
Where's the morning in my life?
Where's the sense in staying right?
Who said, "Time is on my side?"
I've got ears and eyes and nothing in my life
But I'll survive your naked eyes
I'll survive
You alone across the floor
You and me and nothing more
You're the great mistake I never made
I never lied to you, I hated when you lied
But I'll survive your naked eyes
I'll survive
Beatle boys, all snowy white
Razzle dazzle clubs, every night
Wish I'd sent a Valentine
I love you
I'll survive
Naked eyes
I'll survive
I'll survive
My naked eyes
I'll survive
I'll survive
Naked eyes
I'll survive
I'll survive
I'll survive
The lyrics to David Bowie and Reeves Gabrels's song "Survive" explore themes of regret, loss and survival. The singer reflects on a past relationship, acknowledging mistakes that were made, and expressing a longing for what was lost. The imagery of "naked eyes" suggest vulnerability, and the disappointment of not being able to hold onto something valuable or meaningful. The chorus is a testament to the singer's resilience, declaring that despite everything, they will survive.
The feeling conveyed in the verses is one of desperation, as the singer longs for a change, or a different life altogether. The second verse reveals a dissatisfaction with the present, with the loud and chaotic "noisy rooms and passion pants." The repetition of "I'll survive" in the chorus serves as a declaration of strength and determination, highlighting the singer's resilience in the face of pain and loss.
One potential interpretation of the song is that it represents Bowie's reflection on his own life and career. The lyrics could be seen as a reflection on his past mistakes and regrets, but also as a declaration of his determination to continue to create and survive in the face of challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, my
Expressing surprise, shock, or admiration at something
Naked eyes
Being exposed or vulnerable
I should have kept you
Regretting not holding onto something valuable
I should have tried
Regretting not making an effort to make something work
I should have been a wiser kind of guy
Regretting not having enough experience or knowledge to make better decisions
I miss you
Expressing a sense of loss or nostalgia for someone or something
Give me wings
Asking for freedom or the ability to escape a situation
Give me space
Asking for distance or room to breathe
Give me money for a change of face
Asking for the means to improve one's outlook or situation
Those noisy rooms and passion pants
Recalling memories of rowdy, intense situations
I loved you
Expressing affection or attachment to someone
Where's the morning in my life?
Feeling lost or directionless
Where's the sense in staying right?
Questioning the value of conforming to societal norms or expectations
Who said 'time is on my side'?
Challenging the notion that one has unlimited time and opportunities in life
I've got ears and eyes and nothing in my life
Becoming aware of a lack of meaning or substance in life
But I'll survive your naked eyes
Enduring and overcoming the vulnerability or exposure caused by someone's gaze
You alone across the floor
Noticing someone from a distance
You and me and nothing more
Recognizing simplicity and lack of complications in a relationship
You're the great mistake I never made
Acknowledging the regret of not taking a chance on a missed opportunity
I never lied to you, I hated when you lied
Valuing honesty in a relationship
Beatle boys, all snowy white
Referencing a cultural phenomenon of the past
Razzle dazzle clubs, every night
Recalling memories of lively, exciting nightlife
Wish I'd sent a Valentine
Expressing regret for not showing love or appreciation
I love you
Expressing affection or attachment to someone
I'll survive
Persisting despite adversity or challenges
My naked eyes
Referring to one's vulnerable and exposed state
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: David Bowie, Reeves Gabrels
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind