We Are the Champions
Glee Cast Lyrics


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Finn: I've paid my dues time after time
Puck: I've done my sentence but committed no crime
Santana: And bad mistakes, I've made a few
Rachel: I've had my share of sand kicked in my face, but I've come through
New Directions: And we mean to go on and on and on and on

Finn: We are the champions, my friends
Rachel: And we'll keep on fighting till the end
New Directions: We are the champions, we are the champions
Rachel: No time for losers, 'cause we are the champions
Finn: Of the world

Kurt: I've taken my bows and my curtain calls
You brought me fame and fortune, everything that goes with it, I thank you all
Quinn: But it's been no bed of roses, no pleasure cruise
Rachel: I consider it a challenge before the whole human race, and I ain't gonna lose
New Directions: And we mean to go on and on and on and on

Finn: We are the champions, my friends
Rachel: And we'll keep on fighting till the end
New Directions: We are the champions, we are the champions
Rachel: No time for losers, 'cause we are the champions
Finn & Rachel: Of the world

Puck: We are the champions, my friends
Puck & Santana: And we'll keep on fighting till the end
New Directions: We are the champions, we are the champions




No time for losers, 'cause we are the champions of the world
We are the champions of the world

Overall Meaning

The song "We Are the Champions" by Glee Cast is a powerful anthem of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. The opening lines, sung by Finn, reflect on the struggles he has faced and the dues he has paid throughout his life. Puck follows with a declaration that although he may have been punished for his actions, he has not committed any crimes. Santana acknowledges the mistakes she has made in her life, but adds that she has learned from them. Rachel then chimes in with her own struggles, having been bullied and beaten down, but still rising above it all.


As the song progresses, each member of the ensemble takes a turn singing about their own challenges and triumphs. Kurt thanks the audience for their support in making him famous, but notes that it has not been an easy road. Quinn reflects on the difficult times she has faced, likening them to a rough sea voyage. Rachel then boldly proclaims that she sees life as a challenge, and that she will not back down from it.


Overall, "We Are the Champions" is a triumphant celebration of the human spirit. The song encourages listeners to persevere through life's obstacles, and to refuse to be beaten down by them. The repeated refrain of "we are the champions, we are the champions" serves as a rallying cry for anyone who has ever had to fight to achieve their goals.


Line by Line Meaning

I've paid my dues time after time
I have worked hard and made sacrifices repeatedly


I've done my sentence but committed no crime
I have been punished for my mistakes, but I am innocent


And bad mistakes, I've made a few
I have made some serious errors in judgment


I've had my share of sand kicked in my face, but I've come through
I have faced hardships and adversity, but I have persevered


And we mean to go on and on and on and on
We are determined to keep moving forward, no matter what


We are the champions, my friends
We have succeeded and become champions


And we'll keep on fighting till the end
We will continue to fight until we achieve our ultimate goal


No time for losers, 'cause we are the champions
We are winners and do not associate with those who are not


Of the world
We are the best in the world


I've taken my bows and my curtain calls
I have received recognition for my achievements


You brought me fame and fortune, everything that goes with it, I thank you all
I am grateful to everyone who supported me and helped me achieve success


But it's been no bed of roses, no pleasure cruise
It has not been easy or enjoyable all the time


I consider it a challenge before the whole human race, and I ain't gonna lose
I see my success as a challenge to be the best and I will not give up


We are the champions of the world
We are the best in the world, and no one can take that away from us




Contributed by Lily A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@nocturnal223

I find it incredibly sad that for most of them that sang individually, the lyrics sort of showed parts of their past lives and futures.

For Cory Monteith, his addiction had caused him many problems eventually ending his life. (I've paid my dues, time after time.)
Mark Salling was just about the opposite for his, he committed his crimes but did no time. (I've done my sentence, but committed no crime.)
Naya Rivera has of course just like all of us made mistakes to which she wrote about in her book Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up. (And bad mistakes, I've made a few.)
Lea Michele had been really close to Cory, in a relationship with him too, so dealing with his death was worse for her then others, but she got through it and honors his memory every day. (I've had my share of sand kicked in my face, but I've come through.)
And Chris Colfer's career kicked off because of Glee. His fame from the show helped his books when he released them and the following helped them to become popular. (You brought me fame and fortune everything that goes with it.)

I'm probably just tiredly overthinking this, but that's what I thought when I heard them all singing this.



@kenkevintommy7370

I've paid my dues
Time after time
I've done my sentence
But committed no crime
And bad mistakes
I've made a few
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face
But I've come through

We are the champions, my friends
And we'll keep on fighting, till the end
We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
'Cause we are the champions, of the world

I've taken my bows
And my curtain calls
You brought me fame and fortuen and everything that goes with it
I thank you all

But it's been no bed of roses
No pleasure cruise
I consider it a challenge before the whole human race
And I ain't gonna lose



We are the champions, my friends
And we'll keep on fighting, till the end
We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
'Cause we are the champions, of the world (x2)

we are the champions, of the world..



All comments from YouTube:

@zaraelms9642

'So called Finchel' - cracks me up!!

@tuesdayhager1753

Zara Elms, I loved Principal Figgins! He was so totally out of his element and yet fully aware of his position. I love how he introduced the song where Brittany and a couple others threw up on Rachel. He said, ".... Tick and also Tock by Key Dollar sign Ha (he meant Kesha)" I thought he was cool.

@emilysimmons5093

"By Ke-dollar sign-ha"

@linaraygoza7698

Thatkiddemily 😂😂😂

@ericanaytorrr

RAPPER key dollar sign ha 😂😂😂

@therealmakaylajames2339

Same 😂😂😂😂😂😂

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@broaynstarc3083

It broke my heart when I noticed that Will hugged Finn the longest.

@millierobinss7233

Broayn Starc Finn was always his favorite😩

@emanuel9063

Broayn Starc he hugged Kurt a little long too

@jenniferesperseth681

At the end he was practically holding on to quinn forever!

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