Only the Strong Survive
Surviving Heartbreak: Jerry Butler's Anthem of Resilience
Lyrics
I remember, my first love affair
I recall my first romantic relationship
Somehow or another the whole darn thing went wrong
Unfortunately, things didn't go well
My mama had some great advice
My mother gave me valuable advice
So I thought I'd put it into words of this song
Decided to express it in this song
I can still hear her saying it
I still remember her words
Boy, oh, I see you're sitting out there all alone
Addressing someone feeling lonely and heartbroken
Cryin' your eyes out
Expressing sadness and crying
'Cause the woman that you love has gone
The loved one has departed
There's gonna be, there's gonna be
Forewarning of upcoming difficulties
A whole lot of trouble in your life
Anticipating challenges in life
So listen to me get up off of your knees
Encouragement to stand up and move forward
'Cause only the strong survive
Survival is for the strong
That's what she said
Reiterating the message
Only the strong survive, only the strong survive
Emphasizing that only the strong endure
You've got to be strong, you'd better hold on
Strength is essential, hold on tight
Don't go, all around with your head hung down
Don't walk around defeated
I wouldn't let that little girl
Not revealing vulnerability to the girl
No, I wouldn't let her know
Despite feeling hurt by her
That she made me feel like a clown
Acknowledging the emotional impact
There's a whole lot a girl
Many girls are searching for a good man
Lookin' for a good man like you
Encouragement to persevere and not give up
Oh, but you'll never meet them if you give up now
Opportunities will be missed if one gives up
And say, your life is through
Discouragement and feeling like life is over
Then she said it
Reiterating the theme of strength
Only the strong survive, only the strong survive
Emphasizing that only the strong endure
You've got to be a man, you've got to take a stand
To endure, one must be strong and take a stand
So I am telling you right now
Direct advice to the listener
Only the strong survive, only the strong survive
Repeating the message of strength and survival
You've got to be strong, you'd better hold on
Emphasizing the need for strength
Don't worry about it
Reassurance that things will change
Don't you know that things are gonna change
Encouraging resilience in the face of change
But you've got to be a man, you've got to take a stand
Asserting the importance of taking a stand
Don't ever feel that, you can make it, baby
Instilling confidence that success is achievable
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