Survive
Elijah Rosario Lyrics
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You don't know the pain that I've been through
Walk around inside my skin
And watch all of the judgement they gone show you
You don't know what I had to do to survive
You don't know what I had to do to survive
You don't know what I had to do to survive
A black man working hard to stay alive
They say this the land of the free
Ain't this suppose to be the home of the brave
Why you tryna chain me down
And kick me down when I stand up to the plate
I won't let em take control
I won't ever sell my soul no no
The devil tryna get a hold on me
Really tryna take a toll on me
As I walk through the valley In the shadow of death
I'm just praying to the lord that he orders my steps
Crazy how some people say they wanna serve and protect
Then turn around and put that noose on ya neck
No remorse or regret
You wont ever buy my silence
Let's put an end to all the violence
Despite the scars on my skin and my soul
Through it all they gone still remain vibrant
You don't know where I've been
You don't know the pain that I've been through
Walk around inside my skin
And watch all of the judgement they gone show you
You don't know what I had to do to survive
You don't know what I had to do to survive
You don't know what I had to do to survive
A black man working hard to stay alive
Working hard to stay alive
In this world it's either do or die
Working hard to stay alive
In this world man I swear that's do or die
The song "Survive" by Elijah Rosario is a powerful representation of the struggles faced by black men in America. The song starts with the lyrics "You don't know where I've been, You don't know the pain that I've been through," which highlights the ignorance and lack of understanding faced by black men in America. The lyrics give insight into the feeling of being constantly judged and underestimated. The singer of the song is trying to explain that despite the challenges and difficulties faced, he has fought hard to survive. The lyrics "You don't know what I had to do to survive, a black man working hard to stay alive" represent the ordeal of a man fighting for survival, with limited resources and opportunities.
The second verse of the song paints a dismal picture of the reality that many people of color face in America. Elijah Rosario uses his lyrics to address the systemic racism faced by black men in America. He questions the idea of America being the land of the free, and why people of color are routinely oppressed despite being living in a free country. The reference to the devil is symbolic of the system, which is out to destroy the minority communities. The song concludes with a triumphant tone, stating that despite the scars on his skin and soul, black men will always remain strong and resilient.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't know where I've been
You have no idea about the places I have been to.
You don't know the pain that I've been through
You cannot fathom the anguish I have experienced.
Walk around inside my skin
Try to understand my individual experience.
And watch all of the judgement they gone show you
Observe the bias and criticisms I face every day.
You don't know what I had to do to survive
You do not comprehend the actions I took to endure.
A black man working hard to stay alive
An African American man striving to survive against all odds.
They say this the land of the free
Society claims that this nation values freedom.
Ain't this suppose to be the home of the brave
Isn't America seen as a symbol of courage and bravery?
Why you tryna chain me down
Why attempt to confine me?
And kick me down when I stand up to the plate
Why knock me over when I attempt to rise up and succeed?
I won't let em take control
I refuse to allow them to seize authority over me.
I won't ever sell my soul no no
I will never compromise my values or beliefs.
The devil tryna get a hold on me
Evil forces attempt to claim influence over me.
Really tryna take a toll on me
The negative impact is draining and overwhelming.
As I walk through the valley In the shadow of death
Metaphorically describing the challenging obstacles faced.
I'm just praying to the lord that he orders my steps
Relying on faith to guide and protect me.
Crazy how some people say they wanna serve and protect
Irony in those who claim to offer aid and security, yet discriminate.
Then turn around and put that noose on ya neck
After promising safety, they instead threaten harm.
No remorse or regret
They show no sorrow or apology for their actions.
You wont ever buy my silence
I will not be silenced or bought off.
Let's put an end to all the violence
It is time to abolish all forms of aggression and hostility.
Despite the scars on my skin and my soul
Despite the physical and emotional wounds I have endured.
Through it all they gone still remain vibrant
Despite adversity, I will continue to thrive and shine.
Working hard to stay alive
Striving to survive each day.
In this world it's either do or die
In this society, you either succeed or fail.
In this world man I swear that's do or die
In today's world, achieving success can determine one's survival.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Elijah Rosario
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind