Stayin' Alive
Saturday Night Fever Lyrics


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Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk
I'm a woman's man, no time to talk
Music loud and women warm
I've been kicked around since I was born
But now it's all right, that's okay
You may look the other way
We can try to understand
The New York Times' effect on man

Whether you're a brother or whether you're a mother
You're stayin' alive, stayin' alive
Feel the city breakin' and everybody shakin'
I'm a-stayin' alive, stayin' alive
Ah, ah, ah, ah, stayin' alive, stayin' alive
Ah, ah, ah, ah, stayin' ali-i-i-i-ive
Oh, when you walk

Well, now I get low and I get high
And if I can't get either, I really try
Got the wings of heaven on my shoes
I'm a dancin' man, and I just can't lose
You know, it's all right, it's okay
I'll live to see another day
We can try to understand
The New York Times' effect on man

Whether you're a brother or whether you're a mother
You're stayin' alive, stayin' alive
Feel the city breakin' and everybody shakin'
I'm a-stayin' alive, stayin' alive
Ah, ah, ah, ah, stayin' alive, stayin' alive
Ah, ah, ah, ah, stayin' ali-i-i-i-ive
Oh

Life goin' nowhere, somebody help me
Somebody help me, yeah
Life goin' nowhere, somebody help me, yeah
I'm stayin' alive

Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk
I'm a woman's man, no time to talk
Music loud and women warm
I've been kicked around since I was born
Now it's all right, it's okay
You may look the other way
We can try to understand
The New York Times' effect on man

Whether you're a brother or whether you're a mother
You're stayin' alive, stayin' alive
Feel the city breakin' and everybody shakin'
I'm a-stayin' alive, stayin' alive
Ah, ah, ah, ah, stayin' alive, stayin' alive
Ah, ah, ah, ah, stayin' ali-i-i-i-ive
Yeah

Life goin' nowhere, somebody help me
Somebody help me, yeah
Life goin' nowhere, somebody help me, yeah
I'm stayin' ali-i-i-i-ive

Life goin' nowhere, somebody help me
Somebody help me, yeah
Life goin' nowhere, somebody help me, yeah
I'm stayin' ali-i-i-i-ive

Life goin' nowhere, somebody help me
Somebody help me, yeah
Life goin' nowhere, somebody help me, yeah
I'm stayin' ali-i-i-i-ive

Life goin' nowhere, somebody help me
Somebody help me, yeah




Life goin' nowhere, somebody help me, yeah
I'm stayin' ali-i-i-i-ive

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Stayin' Alive convey a sense of confidence and resilience in the face of adversity. The first verse describes the singer's self-assured demeanor, which is conveyed through their walk and their ability to attract women. The second verse delves deeper into the singer's character, describing how they can sometimes feel low or high, but always manage to keep dancing and moving forward. The chorus acts as a unifying force, bringing "brothers" and "mothers" together under the banner of "stayin' alive." The repetition of this phrase is both catchy and empowering, making it a popular anthem for those who feel like they are facing obstacles but determined to push through.


The line about "the New York Times' effect on man" has been the subject of much debate and interpretation over the years. Some view it as a reference to the power of media and how it shapes our perceptions of the world, while others see it as a critique of the mainstream media specifically. In any case, it adds an interesting layer of complexity to the song.


Overall, Stayin' Alive is a powerful anthem that combines catchy beats with meaningful lyrics about resilience and determination. Its success has made it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk
My confident strut suggests that I am smooth with women and don't have time for chit chat


I'm a woman's man, no time to talk
I am charming and good looking and women flock to me, so I don't have time to engage in idle conversations


Music loud and women warm
Surrounded by lively music and attractive women


I've been kicked around since I was born
I have faced hardships from a young age


But now it's all right, that's okay
Despite my difficult upbringing, everything is good now


You may look the other way
Others may not understand my lifestyle


We can try to understand
We can make an effort to comprehend each other


The New York Times' effect on man
The impact that media has on people's perceptions and behaviors


Whether you're a brother or whether you're a mother
Regardless of who you are


You're stayin' alive, stayin' alive
You are surviving and thriving


Feel the city breakin' and everybody shakin'
The energy of the city is electric, making everyone dance and have fun


I'm a-stayin' alive, stayin' alive
I am keeping up with the beat and enjoying myself


Ah, ah, ah, ah, stayin' alive, stayin' alive
Vocals that complement the music


Ah, ah, ah, ah, stayin' ali-i-i-i-ive
Vocals that complement the music


Oh, when you walk
The previous verse repeats


Well, now I get low and I get high
I experience ups and downs in life


And if I can't get either, I really try
When things aren't going well, I make every effort to improve my situation


Got the wings of heaven on my shoes
I feel light and free of worries


I'm a dancin' man, and I just can't lose
I am enjoying myself to the fullest and nothing can bring me down


You know, it's all right, it's okay
Everything is good and I am content


I'll live to see another day
I will survive and look forward to what tomorrow brings


Life goin' nowhere, somebody help me
I feel stuck and need assistance


Somebody help me, yeah
I am reaching out for help


I'm stayin' alive
Despite my struggles, I am persevering


Yeah
Vocals that complement the music




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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@rdsginia7499

This video reminds me that, in 45 years, I’ve never tired of hearing this song. It’s my go-to wake up song, energizing me every time.

I danced to it this morning with my nine-month-old grandson.

It also reminds me of my first love. We met in 1982. I was 18. He was 23. He was tall, thin, with facial features that resembled John Travolta. He smoothed his dark hair back, wore a similar black leather jacket and heeled shoes like Tony in SNF. He walked like him and tried to sound like him.

Although I found this behavior to be weird, I was fascinated with him and taken in by his charm. We dated for two years.

He charmed women of all ages, with his handsome smile and never-ending terms of endearment. They blushed and giggled, perhaps because it seemed that John Travolta himself was paying them attention. I was somewhat jealous at times. But, mostly impressed with how easily he made people, especially the ladies, smile.

37 years have passed since I last saw him. I think of him often. I wonder if he’s outgrown his Tony phase or if the Tony persona stuck with him permanently. Thinking of him at the age of 63 strutting by like Tony wearing a black leather jacket, heeled boots, and slicked back hair brings brings a huge smile to my face.



All comments from YouTube:

@djhutcherson6761

When I was 14 years old in the 9th grade back in 1998, in my drama class, the teacher gave us an assignment/project to pick a song to lip sync to in front of the class. I had always loved this song so I decided that this was the song I was going to do. I got my mom to take me to a vintage clothing store and I bought an awesome 70's disco outfit to wear...white polyester bell bottom pants, platform shoes, and a brown yellow and orange polyester disco shirt with a big wide pointed butterfly collar...When the day came and it was my turn to perform, I walked into the classroom in my disco outfit and started lip syncing and dancing to Staying Alive. The whole class went crazy, everyone was clapping and cheering...they loved it and my performance was voted everyone's favorite...needless to say I got an A, lol. I was nervous as heck to do it because I had always been very shy at school, but I'm so glad I did. I was really proud of myself for having the courage to do it. I will remember that day for the rest of my life. 😁

@B_rye8

So proud of you!!!!! What an amazing soundtrack

@kimberlykramer1389

That’s awesome. 💜

@bigchungus5581

lmao thats just a copypasta that people do for literally any 80s song

@djhutcherson6761

@@bigchungus5581 Stayin' Alive is a 70's song, it came out in 1977.

@bigpoop3073

@@bigchungus5581 r/thathappened

56 More Replies...

@jaikieperry-sloan4661

Is it me, or did everyone in the 70's look as if they were walking to the beat of this song?

@Corkycrazybeard

Jaikie Perry-Sloan true

@thecatatemyhomework

@diascrive you are alone in your miserable thoughts. Everyone but you was having a blast.

@Isaac-lg2wd

true hahaha

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