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Cake — I Will Survive
Album: Fashion Nugget
Avg rating:
6.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 586









Released: 1996
Length: 4:02
Plays (last 30 days): 0
At first I was afraid
I was petrified
I kept thinking I could never live
Without you by my side
But then I spent so many nights
Just thinking how you've done me wrong
I grew strong
I learned how to get along

And so you're back
From outer space
I just walked in to find you
Here without that look upon your face
I should have changed my door lock
I would have made you leave your key
If I had known for just one second
You'd be back to bother me

Oh now go
Walk out the door
Just turn around now
You're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one
Who tried to break me with desire?
Did you think I'd crumble?
Did you think I'd lay down and die?

Oh not I
I will survive
Yeah
As long as I know how to love
I know I'll be alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
I will survive
I will survive
Yeah, yeah

It took all the strength I had
Just not to fall apart
I'm 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
But now I hold my head up high

And you see me
With somebody new
I'm not that stupid little person
Still in love with you
And so you thought you'd just drop by
And you expect me to be free
But now I'm saving all my lovin'
For someone who's lovin' me

Oh now go
Walk out the door
Just turn around
Now, you're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one
Who tried to break me with desire?
Did you think I'd crumble?
Did you think I'd lay down and die?

Oh not I
I will survive
Yeah
As long as I know how to love
I know I'll be alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
I will survive
I will survive
Yeah, yeah
Da da, da da, da da dada...
Da, da, da, da, dada dada dada dada
...
Oh no
Comments (184)add comment
I'm kind of surprised at all the 1 ratings.  No, it's not the original and it's not meant to be.  Taken at face value, it's good, and as other have said, puts a different tone on it.  8! 
Gave it a 10 just to help the average.  Love Cake!
Never heard this cover. Taking a sparkly disco anthem and making it angry is quite a feat!!! Tucking this into my favourites folder for those days when sparkly just wont cut it
Defiant gay anthem vs AIDS.  
"Did you think I'd lay down and die?"


 fitzworld wrote:
Who'd a thunk you could take a pretty cheesy disco song and make it hip? The lyrics always seemed so trite to me until now. Especially like Cake's tweak of one line to "I should have changed my fucking lock." Outstanding!!

 
Agreed!  You and I are two of the few who enjoy this cover....for me it's the incongruity of the vocal style and lyrical content.  And that "fucking lock" line is really what Gloria probably wanted to say in her song.  It's a 10 for me!
Why?
 n4ku wrote:

Oh. Hipster douchebags. That explains a lot.
 
{#Clap} 

A little of Cake's snarky detached irony goes too far. Overall, it's nice to see that Socalhol's post refers to the band in the past tense.  
what a redundant cover
Not even worth the comment!   {#No}


shayde wrote:
When I grow up, I want to be that good a bass player.

Awesome. 

 
ya, what you said....

I guess I can appreciate what they were going for here, but... yuck.


 bluedot wrote:
I know these guys are trying to be ironic but this is just so annoying on so many levels...

 
agreed - use of irony requires a bit of smarts to start

this is just torturous 
Who'd a thunk you could take a pretty cheesy disco song and make it hip? The lyrics always seemed so trite to me until now. Especially like Cake's tweak of one line to "I should have changed my fucking lock." Outstanding!!
The original song is now kitsch and only bearable in parties but this cover is in no occasion bearable !  It's a 1 from me and would be a 0 if that was an option... 
 UltraNurd wrote:
Perhaps the lock was manufactured in Fucking, Austria?
 
I learned today that the Fucking police are angry because British tourists are continually stealing the Fucking sign from the edge of town. In fact, the police are so mad that they've now sunk the Fucking sign in concrete. That ought to discourage those, um, British tourists. 
I know these guys are trying to be ironic but this is just so annoying on so many levels...
 topherg87 wrote:
one of those rare cases in which the cover is ultimately better than the original (IMO, anyway)
 
you have GOT to be kidding. 3 from me!

 Pharlap wrote:

wouldn't that be Sid Vicious doing his version of "My Way"?

 

 cc_rider wrote:

Best.

Cover.

Ever.
 
 
I would vote for Crispin Glover's cover of "These Boots."

 topherg87 wrote:
one of those rare cases in which the cover is ultimately better than the original (IMO, anyway)
 

Oh yes it is.  CAKE RULES
one of those rare cases in which the cover is ultimately better than the original (IMO, anyway)
 Pharlap wrote:

wouldn't that be Sid Vicious doing his version of "My Way"?

 

 cc_rider wrote:

Best.

Cover.

Ever.

I think that would have to be a tie
 


This song in its original version has always threatened me as a man because of the way it riles up the feminist in any woman at a wedding.

Thanks to Cake for making it safe for me to enjoy it again.
This could have been outstanding. His staccato vocals kinda ruin it for me. Still, I give it a 6 for pure novelty. {#Propeller}
Sorry, I'm loyal to the original, feminist version.  I was newly widowed when it came out, so it has a meaning for me.  This version is gross.  {#No}


Simply one of my favorite RP posts...thanks haljordan
*bump*
 
haljordan wrote:
I love this version of the old classic. It comes off like an alcohol-slurred, bitter rant which in and of it self is just plain funny as a satirical slant on the original anthem of perseverance.

Whoa, that guitar solo is just a little toooooo ironic.  Was great up until then, with awesome bass playing.

wouldn't that be Sid Vicious doing his version of "My Way"?

 

 cc_rider wrote:

Best.

Cover.

Ever.
 


Crummy!!!
hhhmmmmm
Best.

Cover.

Ever.
 jsjacob wrote:
What happened to the rest of the song? I don't think I've ever heard a song intentionally truncated on Radio Paradise before.
 
Not only truncated, but edited for harsh language.  Damn it!

I think this quite innovative.  As a recently divorced woman, I kind of like hearing the male perspective.   Jams too.
I have heard bad versions of songs, but this is one of the most god-awful things I have ever heard.  barfo-sucko for sure! I'm going on rhapsody and hearing the real one!
Maybe the worst guitar solo since "in a gadda da vida"
 danagle wrote:
Wow, this is the first time I've ever seen anybody not *love* this song.  Seriously.  I bought this CD the first time I ever heard this version of the song, and anyone that's ever heard me play it has went and started buying CAKE CDs also.

I know it takes all types to make the world turn, but this was a shocking experience.  9 from me.
 
2 from me. Seriously!


Cake - "I Will Survive" Live in San Francisco (2004):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvsI3jc4pPA

"at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, September 8th, 2004."


LOL
 
unclehud wrote:
I just wants me some CAKE!  Now, where's that damn glitter ball?
 


I just wants me some Cake!  Now, where's that damn glitter ball?


What happened to the rest of the song? I don't think I've ever heard a song intentionally truncated on Radio Paradise before.


This guy sounds like he is way to much in love with the sound of his own voice. I do really like Cake's instrumental stuff though and own 2 of their CD's. I just avoid the songs on them that have singing :)
Hideous.
Disco CAKE! How awesome is this. {#Lol}
When I grow up, I want to be that good a bass player.

Awesome. 
 danagle wrote:
Wow, this is the first time I've ever seen anybody not *love* this song.  Seriously.  I bought this CD the first time I ever heard this version of the song, and anyone that's ever heard me play it has went and started buying CAKE CDs also.

I know it takes all types to make the world turn, but this was a shocking experience.  9 from me.
 
You must be new around here. God himself could come down and conduct an orchestra of angels playing Mozart, and some clown here will post it a 1.

(If it helps ... I love it. ... I give it an 8.)

I love this cover, and it took me awhile to get there.  I know a lot of people get stuck on the lead singer's voice and style (it's an acquired taste, but grows on you), but listen to the guitar and bass.  Absolutely amazing. 
Wow, this is the first time I've ever seen anybody not *love* this song.  Seriously.  I bought this CD the first time I ever heard this version of the song, and anyone that's ever heard me play it has went and started buying CAKE CDs also.

I know it takes all types to make the world turn, but this was a shocking experience.  9 from me.
 socalhol wrote:
WOW!!  Lighten UP people!!  Maybe you all should read the AllMusic.com entry for Cake to understand who they are.  Their songs are fun & humorous - not to be taken seriously.  "...Cake epitomized the postmodern, irony-drenched aesthetic of ‘90s geek-rock. Their sound freely mixed and matched pastiches of widely varying genres — white-boy funk, hip-hop, country, new wave pop, jazz, college rock, and guitar rock — with a particular delight in the clashes that resulted. Their songs were filled with lyrical non sequiturs, pop-culture references, and smirky satire, all delivered with bone-dry detachment by speak-singing frontman John McCrea."
 
Oh. Hipster douchebags. That explains a lot.

 socalhol wrote:
WOW!!  Lighten UP people!!  Maybe you all should read the AllMusic.com entry for Cake to understand who they are.  Their songs are fun & humorous - not to be taken seriously.  "...Cake epitomized the postmodern, irony-drenched aesthetic of ‘90s geek-rock. Their sound freely mixed and matched pastiches of widely varying genres — white-boy funk, hip-hop, country, new wave pop, jazz, college rock, and guitar rock — with a particular delight in the clashes that resulted. Their songs were filled with lyrical non sequiturs, pop-culture references, and smirky satire, all delivered with bone-dry detachment by speak-singing frontman John McCrea."
 

The stuff is tune free, though.

Maybe they should just go spoken word.
WOW!!  Lighten UP people!!  Maybe you all should read the AllMusic.com entry for Cake to understand who they are.  Their songs are fun & humorous - not to be taken seriously.  "...Cake epitomized the postmodern, irony-drenched aesthetic of ‘90s geek-rock. Their sound freely mixed and matched pastiches of widely varying genres — white-boy funk, hip-hop, country, new wave pop, jazz, college rock, and guitar rock — with a particular delight in the clashes that resulted. Their songs were filled with lyrical non sequiturs, pop-culture references, and smirky satire, all delivered with bone-dry detachment by speak-singing frontman John McCrea."
GAH. I couldn't even listen to this. {#Taped-shut}
Every fargin time these guys are played I have to stop and find out what that crap is.

Another 1.

 tictocsailor wrote:
The original was very bad. This one is worse.
 
you mean this one is AWESOME!

bass line rules, trumpet... little guitar riffs.. the 'heys' and 'ah yeahs' the flow of it all.. most excellent indeed!

NO BILL! you CUT IT OFF! right as they were about to start rocking out in full capacity.. such disappointment.

Wow - polarizing rendition!  I guess I'm on the pole that likes it - pure cheese but love how these guys don't take themselve seriously.  They're obviously having fun and nice enough instrumentals too.
{#Wall}
Good word 2 define this mmm. ah, yes: shitty {#Yell}

Such silly boys!


This is pretty darn funny.
The original was very bad. This one is worse.

I tried to like this at first because it's ridiculous..

But no.  It's just hateful.  Even worse than the original, if that's possible.

A solid 1.

And I don't give out many 1's.

LOL

Hmmm, to dig or not to dig, that is the question....
Since this tune got me jazzed and head-bopping in the office, today, it's 'dig'.  I guess I have to be in the right mood to listen to it.
A nice angry song.  Probably the nicest way to tell someone to F-off. 
Great interpretation, I like this version way better than the hideous disco original.................{#Lol}
 jakewhite77 wrote:
{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Dancingbanana}

I LOVE THIS COVER!!!!!
 
YES! This is one great version, I love it from the first time I heard it and I never get tired of it.

This one sure get's a lot of haters, but I have always dug it.  Played it from a mix CD at a party with some kids ... forgot about the fbomb.  I got a raised eyebrow from mom, but I don't think any of the kids noticed.  Ooops. {#Mrgreen}

(and the "kids" weren't exactly youngsters)

Just plain weird....
Whatta sexy version. Yummy! {#Drool}
 owld_skipper wrote:
Fail! Unless you're puffing a big spliff, and even then .....
 
Oh yeah but then baby!!!!
{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Dancingbanana}

I LOVE THIS COVER!!!!!
failed version
 gandalfbmg wrote:
This is the first song from Cake I ever really loved. (prompted me to go buy Fashion Nugget... which btw should be updated as the album in the song info above).
 
The Distance was the single that prompted me to buy Fashion Nugget almost immediately. But once I had the album, this track illustrated exactly what I was getting into with my newfound Cake-love way back then.

Horn section? Distinctive vocals? Irony? General lack of seriousness? Great live show? Yes, please.
This song makes me dance in my chair and my head bob.
I love the fact that an F-bomb just went off in my office....hehehehe
 vandal wrote:


I don't think many casual listeners will identify it. My son listens to 101.1 (KUFO) and they have honed the fine art of slicing out only the "u" from that particular epithet - so that what people hear is "Fck." It passes right by his Mom, who has an amazing affinity for detecting that word. . .

 

Heh heh—my phone has a moment of silence after each key punch.  So when I call to get my voicemail & log out, it says "Thank you for calling"—but the delay makes it sound like "***k you for calling"!

(Whoops—did I stray off topic?)

f-bomb
well, you can, but it may well fall apart and stink you up.{#Lol}

Excelsior wrote:
I completely agree! Cake is great, but the song sucks. You really can't polish a turd.




This is the first song from Cake I ever really loved. (prompted me to go buy Fashion Nugget... which btw should be updated as the album in the song info above).
...i don't know whether to boo or to applaud...

Xeric wrote:
Wow—this is WAY better than the Gloria Gaynor version. Hell, this might be worth a 2! (I might be worth quite a bit more than that, actually, except that it reminds me of the first version. . . .)
I completely agree!  Cake is great, but the song sucks.  You really can't polish a turd.


Ah, a cover worthy of William Shatner!
 lathyris wrote:
Love the pace, love the funk, love the irreverence. Actually, I just love Cake.
  Agree totally! One of the most talented bands around.


completely bizzare at first listen. Will try to remain open minded.
{#Bananapiano}{#Drummer}{#Bananajam}  I'm always hungry for Cake!

 
lathyris wrote:
Love the pace, love the funk, love the irreverence. Actually, I just love Cake.
 


Hey! Wait a min!
Face it, all anti-disco snobs: This is just a great song!
{#Bounce}

Well I don't think anyone can deny Cake really made this song their own...
A read through of many of the comments suggests that quite a lot of you missed the point here...

I give this a 9 on a slight curve. Otherwise an 8. One of the best covers I've ever heard.
Wow--this is WAY better than the Gloria Gaynor version. Hell, this might be worth a 2! (I might be worth quite a bit more than that, actually, except that it reminds me of the first version. . . .)
bigB_3 wrote:
Cake is good but rarely serious. Lighten up Francis.
Whatever you say there, Ace. But this is horrible.
Why bother developing that ray gun that deters angry mobs by burning the top 1/64th layer of their skin? Instead, you can more effectively disperse the most motivated of crowds by projecting this song at them.
Love the pace, love the funk, love the irreverence. Actually, I just love Cake.
This is a worthless remake-worthless-I can only hope that all proceeds from this version are going to charity!
I always appreciate a cover that doesn't stay true to the original. A solid 9.
Chazar wrote:
...can't be serious with this......................
Cake is good but rarely serious. Lighten up Francis.
...can't be serious with this......................
Why why why did this guy even bother covering this tune?? Sheer torture.
Ahhh... drunk on Southern Comfort and singing this with my best friends during our band's last show...
Revenge of the rockers ... Before Cake's version, my only memory of this song was during the late 70's when I was still in High School and working as a stockboy at a Health Food Store after school. My friends and I were decidely anti-disco, but the store manager was a DISCO FREAK who came down into our basement abode and BLASTED this tune incessently on our BOOM BOX. He would smugly stand there in his Capezio's, smoking his Vantage's and relay what a 'divine' time he had the night before at Studio 54, while he bullied us into menial chores. Sweet revenge.... Thank you Cake!
Tagish_girl wrote:
Torture. Maybe the ATF should use this one when they want to assault someone's compound in the future. Torture. But it makes me giggle. Kind of like tickling torture. It would make me pee my pants. Then pull my hair out. Then shoot someone.
I prefer the Gloria Gaynor version.
Torture. Maybe the ATF should use this one when they want to assault someone's compound in the future. Torture. But it makes me giggle. Kind of like tickling torture. It would make me pee my pants. Then pull my hair out. Then shoot someone.
Baby_M wrote:
I miss Gloria Gaynor. She at least put some emotion into it.
This cover definitely lacks emotion. The longer it goes on, the more annoying it becomes.
I'd give this one a zero if it were possible.
This is an awesome cover. Thanks as always, Bill. Just the note I needed to hear this morning to pull me out of my personal little funk. :-)
I keep hearing a Lou Reed semi-rap.
Depending on the day/mood, I either think this completely sucks or is just funky fun
I miss Gloria Gaynor. She at least put some emotion into it.
Grammarcop wrote:
Um... Hummm... Okay... And exactly what do you call a resident of Fucking, Austria? I'm... just... curious...
No, it's from the famous town of locksmiths named Fuckingham, U.K., not far from Cornhole.
This cracks me up every time I hear it. Which, thankfully, is not too often.
cake. novelty rockers. nooooooooooooooooooooo put them back in the cupboard with les hommes sans chapeaux and let's just forget that some of that music ever happened.
BillG wrote:
Actually we try to avoid that, since a lot of people have us on at work, in coffee shops & other public locations, etc. Sometimes one slips through anyway.
I don't think many casual listeners will identify it. My son listens to 101.1 (KUFO) and they have honed the fine art of slicing out only the "u" from that particular epithet - so that what people hear is "Fck." It passes right by his Mom, who has an amazing affinity for detecting that word. . .
UltraNurd wrote:
Perhaps the lock was manufactured in Fucking, Austria?
Um... Hummm... Okay... And exactly what do you call a resident of Fucking, Austria? I'm... just... curious...
superflyLD wrote:
this is the first time I've heard an 'F-bomb' dropped on Radio Paradise.
Actually we try to avoid that, since a lot of people have us on at work, in coffee shops & other public locations, etc. Sometimes one slips through anyway.
littlebluedog wrote:
Cake is usually too smug for my tastes, but this cover is one of their best offerings.
I agree with the "usually too smug" comment, but this cover borders on snotty for me. I love their song "Comfort Eagle" which I first heard on RP.
This song never should have happened in the first place. Secondly- please not here again.
awesome
Grammarcop wrote:
He should have changed what kind of lock? Is that a name brand?
Perhaps the lock was manufactured in Fucking, Austria?
Make the bad man stop...
Stinks.
hearing this i would love to hear a Shane Magowan Pogues cover as well
He should have changed what kind of lock? Is that a name brand?
thiscarup wrote:
Am I crazy, or is there an Ennio Moricone melody from the Good the Bad & the Ugly in the horn lines in the background there? But the original is still much better than this, IMO.
I'm pretty sure that's the string line in the original Gloria Gaynor version that you hear toward the end. It definitely sounds a little Morricone-esque tho! Also, this song rocks. Of all the things I love about Cake, I think their rhythm section is the element I love the best, especially the BASS!