"I will survive" by Gloria Gaynor

[sailor65]

Ok, GLBT DUers, I need a question answered. I've always loved this song, and on several occasions now, I've heard it described (By Gay males) as a "Gay Anthem." Most recently, two weeks ago one of the young guys that comes out for hockey with us and is gay said the same thing in response to the question. I've even heard it described thus on a television show. The guys I've asked didn't have any idea HOW it came to be known as such. My hockey buddy said he thinks that perception is limited to males.

So, is this song considered an anthem of sorts, and if so, how did it get to be that way? Is there a movie tie-in or something similar that brought it about? It's always seemed like a generic "You screwed me over now go away" kind of song to me.

[RaleighNCDUer]

1. There is nothing in its content that makes it a gay anthem - in fact,

this is the first time I've heard that it is. But stylistically, it doesn't surprise me. It is so over the top that I imagine it would play well at drag shows, in a Judy Garland, Liza Minelli way - a lot of flash and flare. The song practically choreographs itself.

[sailor65]

3. Well the hockey player I mentioned

did say that at some of the clubs when it comes on the (Usually very young) men go bonkers and pile out onto the dance floor. Maybe it is just the style that makes it so, but it seems like the reaction is more concrete than that.

Edited for forgetting the spellcheck

[sui generis]

18. I thought the gay anthem was

I yam what I yam and what I yam is a potato.

:silly:

[dipsydoodle]

2. News to me

I've always associated it with girl's nights out dancing round their handbags at discos donkeys years ago. Maybe times have changed. :shrug:

[TechBear_Seattle]

4. Just read the lyrics

First I was afraid
I was petrified
Kept thinking I could never live
without you by my side
But I spent so many nights
thinking how you did me wrong
I grew strong
I learned how to carry on
and so you're back
from outer space
I just walked in to find you here
with that sad look upon your face
I should have changed my stupid lock
I should have made you leave your key
If I had known for just one second
you'd be back to bother me

Go on now go walk out the door
just turn around now
'cause you're not welcome anymore
weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye
you think I'd crumble
you think I'd lay down and die
Oh no, not I
I will survive
as long as i know how to love
I know I will stay alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
and I'll survive
I will survive

It took all the strength I had
not to fall apart
kept trying hard to mend
the pieces of my broken heart
and I spent oh so many nights
just feeling sorry for myself
I used to cry
Now I hold my head up high
and you see me
somebody new
I'm not that chained up little person
still in love with you
and so you felt like dropping in
and just expect me to be free
now I'm saving all my loving
for someone who's loving me.

Go on now go walk out the door
just turn around now
'cause you're not welcome anymore
weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye
you think I'd crumble
you think I'd lay down and die
Oh no, not I
I will survive
as long as i know how to love
I know I will stay alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
and I'll survive
I will survive

The song is about a woman who finds the strength to stand up for herself, to give up on so-called love that relies on fear and guilt and go on. That is very close to the coming out experience that many gay people face.

[sailor65]

5. That makes some sense

I was familiar with the lyrics, which is why I wasn't sure of the tie-in. The lyrics could be seen that way though, and it could be the answer to my question. I had always assumed it was individual, maybe the link is societal instead.

Good perspective, thanks......

[Mira]

7. WOW = what an analogy;

This song helped me get through a divorce
:)

[RaleighNCDUer]

14. It is a song BY a woman - but the lyrics are gender neutral.

There is nothing in the lyrics to say that the person is male or female, though the content might suggest a woman there is nothing there that is alien to even straight men.

[TechBear_Seattle]

19. The "you" works just as well to describe a parent, sibling, clergyman, etc.

That, I think, is where the parallel to coming out is strongest.

[keepCAblue]

15. Adventures Of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert ...

"I Will Survive" was among many of the disco hits featured in the drag flick "Adventures Of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert"...

I never get tired of watching that movie. Hugo Weaving was brilliant...

[RaleighNCDUer]

20. Who was he?

I saw that years ago, but that was before LOTR or Matrix - long before I knew who Hugo Weaving was.

[sailor65]

22. So there IS actually a movie link

Interesting, but I've seen a core explanation in the thread that makes a lot of sense.

[TechBear_Seattle]

23. The connection goes back much farther than Priscilla

"I Will Survive" was a gay anthem back in the 70s, which is why it was part of the "Priscilla" soundtrack.

[hedgehog]

6. This was my introduction:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r01olgV2jo&playnext=2&p=E20896CEA1BC2CB7&index=5&feature=PlayList&playnext_from=PL&ytse

BTW - I'm an active Roman catholic (I even sing in the choir) and I think Jesus thinks this video is a hoot!

[pkdu]

8. That was pretty funny.....I think this version might be even better

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eim5jLlEPYI

Cheers
P

[Rowdyboy]

24. I think Jesus would crack up! Absolutely hilarious....

I just spent the evening with the people I love best watching "Dogma" so this video fits into my day perfectly. Thanks.

[DURHAM D]

9. First - it was the disco era.

Gay folk all over the country gathered in bars. It was our only safe place in most parts of the country. We were part of the night and part of a large underground culture. It was sort of our secret thing - which made it even more exciting. Disco was the "thing" to express ourselves and an over-the-top diva with attitude was speaking to and for us.

BTW, I remember the first time I saw straight people in my local club - I knew an era was ending. They claimed it was the only place to dance. Actually, they were largely thrill seekers and gawkers. I really did not want them there - in fact, few people did. As a result of the infiltration word went out quickly through the community that our personal security had been breeched. Many people's lives/jobs were threatened by the straight gossipy a-holes. This change to mixed clientele closed many a bar because once word got out most people could not take the risk.

[stillcool]

11. I used to go with friends of mine..

all the time. They were gay, and I was straight, but at that time it was not out of the realm for me to explore my own sexuality. To me, it was a far different era.

[hedgehog]

12. I think in some places straight people started getting into disco

after seeing Saturday Night Fever, only to drop it like a hot rock when they realized it had something to do with teh gay!

[stillcool]

10. I remember this song when it first came out....

I was working in Boston and I used to party at some really nice gay-disco type bars with the waiters I worked with. I don't know why it would be called the gay anthem, but it sure brings back great memories. I think we used to do some dance called 'the rock'?

[Amimnoch]

13. I am definitely among those that considers it something of an anthem.

I also think it's widely embraced because the message and passion of the song can be drawn among so many parallels within our culture.

The very title "I will survive", and the meaning of the song.. the feelings of sadness followed by strong resolve to persevere can be applied to:

A gay male/female trying to survive after coming out, and the possible rejection by family and/or friends. The way many of us have had to pull ourselves up, strengthen our own personal resolve, and overcome as a result of it.

The feelings many of us get when our own government, and fellow countrymen/women turn on us (prop 8 for example). It's the call of survival and self reliance/Independence from the words and feeling Ms. Gaynor puts into the song that sings to some of us. The words "as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive" can ring close when put in this context.

All of this in addition to the traditional meaning of the message this song has can definitely account for it's popularity in our community. A song about dealing with being rejected, learning to love ourselves, develop our own style of Independence, and the courage to reject the ones (or even ideas) that have rejected us.

I also think it has to do with what Durham D stated earlier about the time period it was released in.

[sailor65]

21. There was an upthread poster

who expressed a similar view, and I think it's the best explanation I've heard. Makes perfect sense. Not having lived through it, I didn't get the connection.

[keepCAblue]

16. Video: Adventures of Priscilla -- "I Will Survive"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DJC-ECU8IE

[hedgehog]

26. Thank you for a morning smile!

:hi:

[closeupready]

17. That song was released during a two or three year period of popular music

which was dominated by strong black female vocalists, such as Donna Summer, Diana Ross, the Chic group, and others.

But this particular song, as others have said upthread, is strong on drama and camp, qualities which always resonate among many in the gay community.

Additionally, it wasn't too many years after this was released that AIDS started to make headway into the gay community, and "I Will Survive" has a way of lifting spirits in the face of poor odds.

So those are three reasons I can think of. :hi:

[Raster]

25. My favorite version...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybXrrTX3LuI