System of Survival
Earth Wind & Fire Lyrics
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I punch a clock at nine and five
Just tryin' to make a livin'
A plastic face on satellite TV
Says, "Life is filled with give and take"
He's takin' and I'm givin'
So I dance
It's my system of survival (SOS)
I'm dancin'
System of survival (SOS)
It's a system of survival
Future revival
Greet the new arrival
(Bridge)
At times it's the only way
I'm gonna make it through this day
(Chorus)
Everybody get up
Do your dance
Keep survivin'
Everybody get up
Do your dance
Stay alive
A city night
I walk a street in fear
While politicians brag about
A paperwork solution
Another life
I shed another tear
I'm waiting for somebody new
To lead the revolution
So I dance
(Hook)
It's my system of survival...
(Repeat Hook and Chorus)
(SOS) Send it out
Send it out, send it out, send it out...
The lyrics of Earth Wind & Fire's song System of Survival talk about the struggles and challenges of everyday life, where people feel that the human race is running over them. The song starts by talking about the daily struggle of working to make a living, where people punch in and out of work, just hoping to survive. The plastic face on satellite TV, which represents the media, makes people believe that life is about giving and taking, but in reality, most of the time, the media is taking from people, and people are giving. Despite this, the singer dances, showing that dancing is his system of survival.
The chorus of the song encourages people to get up and dance because dancing is a way of surviving. The "system of survival" mentioned throughout the song is the dance that helps people deal with their problems and challenges. The lyrics also talk about waiting for somebody new to lead a revolution, suggesting that there is a need for change in society.
Line by Line Meaning
The Human Race is runnin' over me
I feel like I'm being trampled on by the speed and demands of modern human life.
I punch a clock at nine and five
I work a typical 9-5 job and have a set schedule.
Just tryin' to make a livin'
I'm simply trying to earn enough money to support myself and my life.
A plastic face on satellite TV
The media promotes a superficial and hollow view of life.
Says, 'Life is filled with give and take'
People are expected to contribute to society, but also receive support and benefits in return.
He's takin' and I'm givin'
I feel like society is taking more from me than it is giving back.
So I dance
Despite the challenges, I find joy in dance and music.
It's my system of survival (SOS)
Dancing and music are my way of coping with the challenges of life.
Future revival
The future will bring new opportunities and a chance for renewal and rejuvenation.
Greet the new arrival
I welcome and embrace change and new experiences.
At times it's the only way
Dancing and music may be the only thing that keeps me going through difficult times.
I'm gonna make it through this day
I have the strength and determination to overcome my current challenges and survive another day.
Everybody get up
Everyone should join together and rise above their struggles.
Do your dance
Each person should find their own way of coping and thriving in life.
Keep survivin'
Perseverance and resilience are essential for surviving life's challenges.
Stay alive
My ultimate goal is to not just survive, but to live fully and enjoy life as much as possible.
A paperwork solution
Politicians often propose ineffective or bureaucratic solutions to complex problems.
Another life
Another person is lost or suffering due to the failures of society.
I shed another tear
I feel sadness and grief over the injustices and struggles in the world.
I'm waiting for somebody new
I hope for a leader or movement that can bring positive change to society.
To lead the revolution
I want to see a transformative change in the way the world works, with more compassion and justice for everyone.
Send it out, send it out, send it out...
The message of survival and perseverance should be spread and shared with others.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: SKYLARK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@laurarobertson3196
I'm in this video!✨ I'm the last girl into the store. Black pointy buckle shoes😂. I'd STILL wear those shoes😁💖
@toinettetamayo7328
Amazing
@KhalidAlsadoon-wz6bh
One of my favorite hype for change songs
@TheReneex
Maurice and Phillip had some unique pipes!
@theresawebb1968
This is my first hearing this it is a song television never showed.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
@spectre56j
Rest In Peace A True Legend! Maurice White!
@stevenbingham4828
Amen...even though may admit NOT feeling this joint from EWF.
@tinahobbs3273
These are the times we living in System Of Survival!!!!!!!!
@hanslesolo
I love how the lyrics are stll relevant to today!
@nickprobst3263
hanslesolo for real!