Well, my teacher told me, "Boy, you're no good Because you don't do what you should You better shape up, or you're gonna fail" But I said, "I'm leavin' 'cause this is a jail" And I know what you're thinkin' But don't pity me, oh no I'll be better off out on my own I can survive I know that I can survive just fine I said, I can survive I said, I can survive on my own They tried to tell me, they tried to sell me "Play music like this, if you want to be smart" But I said, "Listen, here's what you're missin' Music's got to have a heart" They put me through many changes Faces and names are clear But I'll just leave my music Ringin' louder in their ears I can survive I know that I can survive just fine I can survive I know that I can survive just fine Yeah, I can survive Baby, I can survive on my own Said I can survive Now you should know just what to do Don't let other people take advantage of you now Don't think twice, no, don't hesitate Shoot for the top, you gotta deal with fate And I know you'll feel understand And I know that you'll understand You got the power, baby In your hands, yeah I can survive Baby, I can survive just fine I know, I can survive Baby, I can survive on my own I can survive Baby, I can survive just fine I can survive I said, I can survive I can survive I know, I can survive