My teacher told me, "Boy, you're no good

Just because you don't do what you should

You better shape up, or you're gonna fail."

But I said, "I'm leavin', cuz this is a jail."

An' I know what you're thinkin'

But don't pity me, oh no

I'll be better off out on my own



CHORUS:

I can survive

I can survive just fine

I can survive

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



CHORUS



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 that you'll understand

You got the power, baby, in your hands, yeah



CHORUS