Only The Strong Survive
Jerry Butler Lyrics

I remember, my first love affair
I recall the experience of my initial romantic relationship

Somehow or another the whole darn thing went wrong
Unfortunately, things did not go as planned

My mama had some great advice
My mother shared some wise words with me

So I thought I'd put it into words of this song
I decided to write a song using her advice

Boy, oh, I see you're sitting out there all alone
I notice you are alone and upset

Cryin' your eyes out
You are crying uncontrollably

'Cause the woman that you love has gone
The woman you love has left you

There's gonna be, there's gonna be
You can expect there to be

A whole lot of trouble in your life
Your life will likely be filled with challenges and difficulties

So listen to me get up off of your knees
Pay attention to my advice and stop feeling hopeless

'Cause only the strong survive
Only those who are mentally and emotionally strong will overcome

That's what she said
That is the advice my mother gave me

Only the strong survive, only the strong survive
One must be strong to endure

You've got to be strong, you'd better hold on
You need to remain resilient and persevere

Don't go, all around with your head hung down
Do not wander aimlessly with a defeated attitude

I wouldn't let that little girl
I would not allow that woman

No, I wouldn't let her know
I would not reveal to her

That she made me feel like a clown
That she made me feel foolish

There's a whole lot a girl
There are many women

Lookin' for a good man like you
Searching for a respectable man like you

Oh, but you'll never meet them if you give up now
But you will not encounter them if you give up hope

And say, your life is through
And declare that your life is over

Then she said it
My mother repeated her advice

You've got to be a man, you've got to take a stand
You need to assert yourself and take control

So I am telling you right now
Therefore, I am conveying to you currently

Don't worry about it
Do not fret over it

Don't you know that things are gonna change
Are you not aware that circumstances will improve?

But you've got to be a man, you've got to take a stand
However, you must still be courageous and decisive

Don't ever feel that, you can make it, baby
Never doubt that you can overcome this, my friend