survivin’ by Bastille Lyrics Meaning – The Anthem of Resilience in a Tumultuous World
Lyrics
Killing time, flying high
As I held on tight to you, to you
Did I blow my mind on the wild side?
Singing, “Hallelujah” to ’em every night
With you, with you
And I’m not gonna lie
Say I’ve been alright
‘Cause it feels like I’ve been living upside down
What can I say? I’m survivin’
Crawling out these sheets to see another day
What can I say? I’m survivin’
And I’m gonna be fine
I’m gonna be fine
I think I’ll be fine
Ooh, yeah
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Ba, da, da, da, da, da, na, na
Ooh, yeah
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Like a thunder cloud in November rain
Is the black dog out running wild again
For you, for you?
Tryna stream my way to a better life
But I daydream crash like Vanilla Sky, do you?
Do you?
‘Cause I’m not gonna lie
And say I’ve been alright
‘Cause it feels like I’ve been living upside down
What can I say? I’m survivin’
Crawling out these sheets to see another day
What can I say? I’m survivin’
And I’m gonna be fine
I’m gonna be fine
I think I’ll be fine
Ooh, yeah
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Ooh, yeah
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
So what can I say? I’m survivin’
Just crawling out these sheets to see another day
Oh what can I say? I’m survivin’
And I’m gonna be fine
I’m gonna be fine
I think I’ll be fine
Bastille’s ‘survivin” is a raw, pulsating track that dives headfirst into the psyche of an individual on the brink of both despair and resilience—a paradoxical dance between vulnerability and self-assurance that resonates with anyone who’s ever found themselves teetering on the edge. It’s a sonically layered ballad that’s both a confessional and a declaration, setting the stage for a deep dive into its lyrical essence.
The song operates on several levels, flirting with themes of mental health, existential angst, and the relentless pursuit of a life worth living, despite its obstacles. Let’s explore the intricate layers of meaning hidden beneath the surface of Bastille’s anthem of persistence, ‘survivin”.
The Rollercoaster Ride: Decoding the Emotional Turbulence
The opening line, ‘Had a great seven year, white knuckle ride,’ succinctly captures the ups and downs that define the human experience. Seven years can represent a phase of life, a chunk of time significant enough for massive personal change and reflection. Bastille uses this lens to showcase the intensity and sheer grit it takes to cling to one’s course within the unpredictable rollercoaster of life.
The mention of killing time and flying high juxtaposes passive inaction with moments of exhilarating triumph – an acknowledgment of the oscillations between feeling stuck and soaring in achievement. Through this imagery, the listener is invited to reconcile their own peaks and valleys, acknowledging that life isn’t a flat trajectory but an intricate composition of multiple narratives.
Living Upside Down: Mirror to the World’s Upside-Down Nature
‘Cause it feels like I’ve been living upside down’—this statement powerfully conveys a sense of disorientation and chaos, resonating deeply with a world recently tossed into the tumult by a global pandemic and social upheaval. It reflects a collective feeling of disarray, where conventions and certainties have been shattered, forcing us to reevaluate what it means to truly live.
In these lyrics, Bastille encapsulates a theme that’s universal and timely: the feeling of losing one’s grip on normalcy. This line is an anthem for every listener who has ever felt the foundation of their reality slip away, encouraging them to embrace the struggle of piecing it back together.
The Refrain of Resilience: A Cathartic Chorus
The cathartic chorus with the lyrics ‘What can I say? I’m survivin” operates as an infectious mantra for anyone who has felt the weight of the world on their shoulders. It captures the essence of carrying on despite the desire to stay hidden beneath the covers, avoiding the challenges that await. Amidst the vulnerability, there’s a strong undercurrent of hope—’I’m gonna be fine,’ Bastille repeats with growing conviction.
Each repetition of the chorus serves as a heartbeat, a reminder to keep moving forward. By laying bare the struggle it takes to simply see another day, the band gives a voice to silent battles, while also gently nudging the listener towards the realization that survival itself can be a victory.
The Ballad’s Hidden Meaning: The Black Dog of the Mind
‘Is the black dog out running wild again?’—this line in ‘survivin” is a notable nod to Winston Churchill’s metaphor for depression, the ‘black dog.’ The song covertly addresses mental health, creating an allegory for the internal struggle that often remains invisible to the world. Bastille artistically tip-toes around this heavy subject, treating it with the dual brushes of gravity and subtlety.
Through imagery like the black dog and the Vanilla Sky ‘daydream crash,’ Bastille evokes the harsh realities of crippling anxiety and the momentary escape of wishful thinking. The song challenges the stigma surrounding mental health, bringing it into the light and singing it loud for all to hear—and in doing so, presenting a powerful statement of solidarity with those who battle their own black dogs every day.
Memorable Lines Etched in the Soul
‘I think I’ll be fine’—seemingly simple words from ‘survivin” transcend the mundane when repeated as a self-soothing balm. These lyrics are a testament to the resilience that exists within each one of us. The phrase becomes a motto to hold on to, a whispered promise in the dark that soon there will be light. It is the heart of the song, encapsulating all of its raw humanity and complex emotions.
The line is both vulnerable and defiant, acknowledging the struggle while asserting the underlying strength that propels us forward. It captures the internal monologue of those who fight their battles quietly but fiercely, a harmony of reality and reassurance that echoes long after the final note fades.
