About the song
In the realm of music, few songs have managed to capture the essence of an era as profoundly as “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. Released in 1977, this iconic track has become synonymous with the disco era, yet its impact extends far beyond its genre. Written and performed by the legendary trio, “Stayin’ Alive” is a masterclass in songcraft, weaving together a tapestry of melody, harmony, and rhythm that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
The song’s origins can be traced back to the early stages of the Saturday Night Fever motion picture soundtrack, when the Bee Gees were tasked with writing a few songs for the film. At the time, the project was still in its infancy, with only a New York cover story about discomania to guide the creative process. The brothers Gibb, Barry, Robin, and Maurice, drew inspiration from this concept, crafting a song that would become an anthem for the era.
“Stayin’ Alive” is a testament to the Bee Gees’ remarkable songwriting skills, with its distinctive bass line, soaring falsetto vocals, and infectious rhythm. The song’s lyrics, penned by Robin Gibb, are a poignant reflection on survival in the streets of New York, with the brothers’ signature harmonies adding depth and emotion to the narrative.
The song’s recording process was marked by a series of innovative decisions, including the use of a drum machine and the incorporation of a looped drum track from another song, “Night Fever.” This unconventional approach resulted in a unique sound that has become synonymous with the disco era.
“Stayin’ Alive” has been widely acclaimed, earning numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices. The song has also been recognized as one of the greatest songs of all time, ranking at No. 99 on Rolling Stone’s 2021 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
In conclusion, “Stayin’ Alive” is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its elegance, sophistication, and enduring appeal. The song’s impact extends far beyond its genre, serving as a testament to the Bee Gees’ remarkable songwriting skills and their ability to craft music that transcends eras. As a cultural artifact, “Stayin’ Alive” remains an essential part of our musical heritage, a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and transcend time.
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Lyrics
Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk
I’m a woman’s man, no time to talk
Music loud and women warm, I’ve been kicked around
Since I was born
And now it’s alright, it’s okay
And you may look the other way
We can try to understand
The New York Times’ effect on man
Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother
You’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Feel the city breakin’ and everybody shakin’
And we’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive
Oh, when you walk
Well now, I get low and I get high
And if I can’t get either, I really try
Got the wings of Heaven on my shoes
I’m a dancin’ man and I just can’t lose
You know it’s alright, it’s okay
I’ll live to see another day
We can try to understand
The New York Times’ effect on man
Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother
You’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Feel the city breakin’ and everybody shakin’
And we’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive (oh)
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive (oh)
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me
Somebody help me, yeah
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me, yeah
I’m stayin’ alive
Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk
I’m a woman’s man, no time to talk
Music loud and women warm
I’ve been kicked around since I was born
And now it’s all right, it’s okay
And you may look the other way
We can try to understand
The New York Times’ effect on man
Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother
You’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Feel the city breakin’ and everybody shakin’
And we’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive (hey)
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me
Somebody help me, yeah
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me, yeah
I’m stayin’ alive
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me
Somebody help me, yeah (ah, ah, ah)
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me, yeah
I’m stayin’ alive
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me
Somebody help me, yeah (ah, ah, ah, ay)
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me, yeah
I’m stayin’ alive
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me
Somebody help me, yeah (oh)
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me, yeah
I’m stayin’ alive