(Ow, ow-ow-ow-ow!
Ow, ow-ow-ow-ow!)
Yeah, yeah, yeah!
How can you be sitting there
Telling me that you care –
That you care?
When every time I look around
The people suffer in the suffering
In every way, in everywhere
Say: na-na-na-na-na (na-na, na-na!):
We’re the survivors, yes: the black survivors!
I tell you what: some people got everything
Some people got nothing
Some people got hopes and dreams
Some people got ways and means
Na-na-na-na-na (na-na, na-na!):
We’re the survivors, yes: the black survivors!
Yes, we’re the survivors, like Daniel out of the lions’ den
(Black survivors) Survivors, survivors!
So I Idren, I sistren
A-which way will we choose?
We better hurry; oh, hurry; oh, hurry; wo, now!
‘Cause we got no time to lose
Some people got facts and claims
Some people got pride and shame
Some people got the plots and schemes
Some people got no aim it seems!
Na-na-na-na-na, na-na, na!
We’re the survivors, yes: the black survivors!
Tell you what: we’re the survivors, yeah! – the black survivors, yeah!
We’re the survivors, like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
(Black survivors)
Thrown in the fire, but-a never get burn
So I Idren, I-sistren
The preaching and talkin’ is done
We’ve gotta live up, wo now, wo now! –
‘Cause the Father’s time has come
Some people put the best outside
Some people keep the best inside
Some people can’t stand up strong
Some people won’t wait for long
(Na-na-na-na-na!) Na-na-na, na-na-na na!
We’re the survivors
In this age of technological inhumanity (Black survival)
Scientific atrocity (survivors)
Atomic mis-philosophy (Black survival)
Nuclear mis-energy (survivors):
It’s a world that forces lifelong insecurity (Black survival)
Together now:
(Na-na-na-na-na!) Na na-na na na! (Na na-na na na!)
We’re the survivors, yeah!
We’re the survivors!
Yes, the black survivors!
We’re the survivors:
A good man is never honoured (survivors)
In his own country (Black survival)
Nothing change, nothing strange (survivors)
Nothing change, nothing strange (Black survivors)
We got to survive, y’all! (survivors)
Resilience and Unity in the Face of Adversity
“Survival” by Bob Marley is an anthem of resilience, unity, and hope for those facing oppression. Marley’s powerful lyrics highlight the struggles of marginalized communities, emphasizing the harsh realities they endure. The song repeatedly references survival, encouraging listeners to rise above hardship and remain steadfast. Biblical allusions, such as Daniel in the lions’ den and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, deepen the message, drawing parallels between ancient trials and modern struggles. Marley also critiques societal inequalities, technological advancements, and the lack of recognition for good deeds, urging his audience to stay strong and united despite these challenges.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bob Marley
- Songwriters: Bob Marley
- Release Year: 1979
- Label: Tuff Gong