Unexpected Ukulele Covers - I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor (Dtube Exclusive)
Hello Friends!
Earlier this week I debuted my "Unexpected Ukulele Covers" series with Gangsta's Paradise. I had a total blast making that song and I got some great responses from people saying they wanted to see more crazy covers!
Several of you made some awesome recommendations - which i'm looking to add into the rotation. For today though... I will be playing "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. This iconic disco song has some powerhouse vocals that you might not usually hear paired with a ukulele.
Here are the lyrics!
At first I was afraid, I was petrified
Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side
But then I spent so many nights thinking how you did me wrong
And I grew strong
And I learned how to get along
And so you're back
From outer space
I just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face
I should have changed that stupid lock, I should have made you leave your key
If I'd known for just one second you'd be back to bother me
Go on now, go, walk out the door
Just turn around now
'Cause you're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye
Do you think I'd crumble
Did you think I'd lay down and die?
Oh no, not I, I will survive
Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive
I've got all my life to live
And I've got all my love to give and I'll survive
I will survive, hey, hey
It took all the strength I had not to fall apart
Kept 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
Somebody new
I'm not that chained-up little person and still in love with you
And so you felt like dropping in and just expect me to be free
Well, now I'm saving all my lovin' for someone who's loving me
Go on now, go, walk out the door
Just turn around now
'Cause you're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one who tried to break me with goodbye
Do you think I'd crumble
Did you think I'd lay down and die?
Oh no, not I, I will survive
Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive
I've got all my life to live
And I've got all my love to give and I'll survive
I will survive
Oh
Go on now, go, walk out the door
Just turn around now
'Cause you're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one who tried to break me with goodbye
Do you think I'd crumble
Did you think I'd lay down and die?
Oh no, not I, I will survive
Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive
I've got all my life to live
And I've got all my love to give and I'll survive
I will survive
I will survive
I hope you guys enjoyed this cover. If you have any song recommendations for another "Unexpected Ukulele Cover"... please shoot them in the comments below!
xo, Lea
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Aw... You brought back some sweet memories for me! About 20 years ago and then again about 5 years ago, I sang in a rock band performing both covers and originals. Of the covers, I Will Survive was always a favorite and would usually get even the deadest crowds dancing. Blondie and Pat Benatar were usually pretty popular retro tunes at that time too. You played it well!
Umm the fact that you have performed in multiple rock bands is amazing!! Doesn’t surprise me though since you are such a talented musician!
I can totally see how this song would get everyone moving. It’s hard NOT to dance and start singing once it comes on!
Actually, it was almost the same band! Just a different name.😂 I left the music scene to raise a family. The rest of the guys went their separate ways and after a few years, formed a band with another singer. She sang a couple shows, then started flaking and they had a big gig they didn't want to cancel, so they asked me to sit in for this one show. I had a week to learn two sets and I hadn't been on stage in over a decade! I had become a typical soccer mom! So, a friend gave me a makeover and lent me rocking outfit. I stayed with the band for over a year until I discovered I was pregnant. Anyway, I have been very blessed to be surrounded with great friends who happened to be insanely talented musicians.
Omg that is an amazing story!!! I love the part about getting a “rock star” makeover from your friend!
Well... I have to say, your kids are pretty freaking adorable! They really do make great back up dancers for your videos. 😆
Oops! I'm helping my kids with their homework- and commented using the wrong account! Haha!
Thanks! I'm pretty fond of them too, but I might be a tad biased! 🤣
Anyway, I just set up my oldest, @Tonks with her own account individual account. She's getting pretty confident in her ukelele skills. I'm trying to get her to focus on getting one song down really cleanly so she can share it, but she loves to hop around from song to song. She has a wide range of musical tastes like her mama! Haha!
Aww I love it! What a great idea to get the kids set up with their own accounts so they can share some of their artwork, music and other creative aspirations! :-) Following both accounts and I look forward to seeing @tonks ukulele cover at some point! 😊
So sorry my mother forgot to change accounts before commenting!LOL
BTW I loved your cover of Royals. Actually I'm learning to play Royals on the Uke myself. I get all my notes on https://ukutabs.com
Who's your favorite artist?
the cover looks very feminine to me taking advantage of the month of the woman, as always represents a bold and strong woman, I love this cover, I hope to see more
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the compliment on the cover photo too! 😊
It is definitely not the gentle voice that you usually use. You had to use some stronger tone as well as gutsy feel to bring out the essence of the lyrics. It is another style that your listeners can enjoy and appreciate. The ukulele was louder too to blend with your strong voice.
Yaaay I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! It’s so fun to switch things up sometimes.
Great version by you.
I love listening to your songs.
The ukulele is too cute :P
Aww thanks @infinityroad! I’m glad that you are enjoying the Ukulele covers. :-)
I love listening to your songs!!!
Great version by you, thx for sharing xD
I love it in the delicate way as the notes, you have never seen this version in Ukulele and you do not know how happy it is to watch your video. Congratulations, you have a fan from Venezuela ♥
Aww I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! It was pretty fun to learn this on the uke!
Lovong your steez @coruscate. You have pipes of glory..
Hahah your comment is AMAZING! Totally made me smile!
;)
Great cover! Keep it up. I'd love to get your opinion on my saxophone cover (on my profile)
So cool that you play the sax!! One of my brothers plays a tenor sax and loves it. I’m a flute player myself. I’ll head over and check out your video! Us band kids have to stay together. 😉
This is seriously one of the most dramatic sounding covers of I Will Survive that I've ever heard. Something about the tone of your voice just brings out the glamor of this song for sure. You got a new follower Yo!!!!
Aww thank you!! I’m so glad you enjoyed this crazy cover! Hehe
Oh for sure, I'm glad you made it. I wish I was able to play a traditional instrument well enough, instead I just make my music with gadgets and computers :)
OMG this so great. Brings back so many fun memories!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Yay!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I had a lot of fun making this video. 😊