Guide
Lewis Capaldi is back and it is a surprise, to say the least! He returns on top form too with his new song, “Survive”, his first release in almost 2 years after taking a break to concentrate on his mental health.
Song Analysis (Survive Review)
“Survive” is typical of Lewis Capaldi. It is everything I would have expected and more. It centres around a huge vocal from Lewis and it follows a similar structure to his last releases, gentle verses and huge stadium-filling choruses; if you love his earlier work then this will be your new go-to fave! Also, for those who sit on the fence, you may be pleasantly surprised too! For me, I love it! The song is really good and has power leaking out of every area of the mix. Also, the lyrics stand out given the hard time Lewis Capaldi has been having in recent years.
Lewis Capaldi – “Survive” Lyrics (Survive Review)
Verse 1
How long till it feels
Like the wound’s finally starting to heal?
How long till it feels
Like I’m more than a spoke in a wheel?
Pre-Chorus
Most nights, I fear
That I’m not enough
I’ve had my share of Monday mornings when I can’t get up
But, when hope is lost
And I come undone
Chorus
I swear to God, I’ll survive
If it kills me to
I’m gonna get up and try
If it’s the last thing I do
I’ve still got something to give
Though it hurts sometimes
I’m gonna get up and live
Until the day that I die
I swear to God, I’ll survive
Verse 2
How long till you know
That, in truth, you know nothing at all?
How far will you go
To get back to the place you belong?
Pre-Chorus
Most nights, I fear
That I’m not enough
But I refuse to spend my best years rotting in the Sun
So, when hope is lost
And I come undone
Chorus
I swear to God, I’ll survive
If it kills me to
I’m gonna get up and try
If it’s the last thing I do
I’ve still got something to give
Though it hurts sometimes
I’m gonna get up and live
Until the day that I die
I swear to God, I’ll survive
I swear to God, I’ll survive
Chorus
I swear to God, I’ll survive
If it kills me to
I’m gonna get up and try
If it’s the last thing I do
I’ve still got something to give
Though it hurts sometimes
I’m gonna get up and live
Until the day that I die
I swear to God, I’ll survive
Meaning (My Opinion) (Survive Review)
The lyrics are a powerful message of resilience and determination. Moreover, the repeated questioning in the verses reveals the feeling of being stuck in a painful cycle. Lewis is longing for healing and also a sense of purpose. There’s a deep vulnerability in the acknowledgement of self-doubt here too. These hard-hitting lyrics are no shocker given the openness of Lewis’ mental health in recent times. Yet, it is not all despair, instead, “Survive” transitions into an anthem of perseverance, where Lewis declares a commitment to keep going, no matter the cost; he is not giving up and good!
Thematically, “Survive” pushes deep into battling internal demons and finding the will to move forward, even when hope seems lost; many will find his lyrics relatable. The chorus acts as a defiant statement of survival “I swear to God, I’ll survive” is repeated like a mantra. It reinforces the idea that life is worth fighting for, even through pain. It also touches on the importance of not letting time slip away in passivity (“I refuse to spend my best years rotting in the Sun”), urging everyone to take control of their narrative and not let mental health define them.
Listen To “Survive” By Lewis Capaldi (Survive Review)
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