Well, my teacher told me, "Boy, you're no good
Because you don't do what you should
You better shape up, or you're gonna fail"
But I said, "I'm leavin' 'cause this is a jail"And I know what you're thinkin'
But don't pity me, oh no
I'll be better off out on my ownI can survive
I know that I can survive just fine
I said, I can survive
I said, I can survive on my ownThey tried to tell me, they tried to sell me
"Play music like this, if you want to be smart"
But I said, "Listen, here's what you're missin'
Music's got to have a heart"They put me through many changes
Faces and names are clear
But I'll just leave my music
Ringin' louder in their earsI can survive
I know that I can survive just fine
I can survive
I know that I can survive just fineYeah, I can survive
Baby, I can survive on my own
Said I can surviveNow you should know just what to do
Don't let other people take advantage of you now
Don't think twice, no, don't hesitate
Shoot for the top, you gotta deal with fateAnd I know you'll feel understand
And I know that you'll understand
You got the power, baby
In your hands, yeahI can survive
Baby, I can survive just fine
I know, I can survive
Baby, I can survive on my ownI can survive
Baby, I can survive just fine
I can survive
I said, I can surviveI can survive
I know, I can survive