Survivor

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Rising up, back on the street
Did my time, took my chances
Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet
Just a man and his will to survive
So many times, it happens too fast
You trade your passion for glory
Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must fight just to keep them alive

[Chorus]
It's the eye of the tiger
It's the thrill of the fight
Rising up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor
Stalks his prey in the night
And he's watching us all
With the eye of the tiger

[Verse 2]
Face to face, out in the heat
Hanging tough, staying hungry
They stack the odds 'til we take to the street
For the kill with the skill to survive

[Chorus]
It's the eye of the tiger
It's the thrill of the fight
Rising up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor
Stalks his prey in the night
And he's watching us all
With the eye of the tiger
[Verse 3]
Rising up, straight to the top
Had the guts, got the glory
Went the distance, now I'm not gonna stop
Just a man and his will to survive

[Chorus]
It's the eye of the tiger
It's the thrill of the fight
Rising up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor
Stalks his prey in the night
And he's watching us all
With the eye of the tiger

[Outro]
The eye of the tiger
The eye of the tiger
The eye of the tiger
The eye of the tiger

Eye of the Tiger, the iconic song by Survivor, is a timeless classic that has remained a symbol of strength and perseverance since its release in 1982. This powerful anthem quickly climbed the charts, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for an impressive six consecutive weeks during the summer of '82. Its success wasn't limited to the United States, as it also topped charts in various countries including Canada, Japan, Norway, Finland, and the United Kingdom. The song's popularity was further solidified by its impressive Grammy win for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

Written by guitarist Frankie Sullivan and keyboardist Jim Peterik, Eye of the Tiger perfectly captures the spirit of determination and resilience. The lyrics tell the story of someone pushing themselves to overcome hardships and rise above their obstacles. This theme aligns perfectly with its original intention as it was featured in the training montage of the acclaimed film Rocky III. The song's connection to the iconic series has made it a staple at sports events, particularly those with a fighting spirit, and it shares the title of being Rocky Balboa's theme song alongside "Gonna Fly Now."

The creation of Eye of the Tiger is an interesting tale. According to The Billboard Book Of Number 1 Hits, the band was inspired to write the song within just 90 minutes of seeing an early tape of Rocky III. They drew their inspiration from a line repeated by a boxing trainer in the film, the now-famous phrase "eye of the tiger." This instantly recognizable line became the basis for the title and lyrics of the song, cementing its place in music history.

The Impact and Legacy of Eye of the Tiger

The impact of Eye of the Tiger reaches far beyond its initial success on the charts. Its motivational lyrics and powerful melody continue to resonate with listeners across generations. The song has become a symbol of empowerment and has been embraced by athletes, fighters, and anyone facing adversity.

Eye of the Tiger's connection to the Rocky franchise plays a significant role in its enduring popularity. The song perfectly encapsulates the determination and fighting spirit of the films, serving as a rallying cry for individuals striving to overcome their own personal challenges. The combination of powerful vocals, driving guitar riffs, and an infectious chorus makes the song an undeniable anthem, capable of inspiring anyone who hears it.

Survivor's Grammy win for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal further solidified Eye of the Tiger's legacy. The award recognized the band's exceptional talent and the impact that this song had on the music industry. It also served as a testament to the enduring influence of Eye of the Tiger, a timeless song that continues to captivate audiences decades after its release.

Eye of the Tiger: A Musical Masterpiece

Beyond its lyrical themes and cultural significance, Eye of the Tiger is a musical masterpiece. The catchy guitar riffs and memorable melody immediately grab the listener's attention, drawing them into the powerful message of triumph over adversity. The song's robust instrumentation, combined with the impassioned vocals, creates an electrifying atmosphere that encapsulates the essence of the human spirit.

Eye of the Tiger's success wouldn't have been possible without the exceptional songwriting and performances by Survivor. Guitarist Frankie Sullivan and keyboardist Jim Peterik expertly crafted a composition that not only served as the perfect accompaniment to Rocky III but also transcended its cinematic origins.

Even though Eye of the Tiger is synonymous with Survivor, it's important to recognize the contributions of the band's other members. The dynamic rhythm section provided by bassist Stephan Ellis and drummer Marc Droubay adds an undeniable energy to the song, while the soaring vocals of Dave Bickler bring the lyrics to life with a raw and emotional power.

Eye of the Tiger's enduring popularity is a testament to its lasting impact on popular culture. It has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and sporting events, solidifying its place as one of the most recognizable and influential songs in music history.

In retrospect, Eye of the Tiger embodies the spirit of triumph and embodies the essence of the human spirit. Its impact extends beyond its chart success, earning its place as an anthem of perseverance and resilience. Survivor's masterpiece serves as a reminder that no obstacle is insurmountable when one has the strength and determination of the eye of a tiger.

• Release Date: May 29, 1982
• Artist: Survivor