I Will Survive

Cake covered "I Will Survive" in 1996 on the album Fashion Nugget. This is Gloria Gaynor's least favorite version of the song, due to its use of profanity: lead singer John McCrea altered the line "I should have changed that stupid lock" to "I should have changed my fucking lock." The music video for Cake's version features John McCrea as a parking control officer who is writing tickets in San Francisco, often at the expense of normally happy people (such as a newly wed couple). This is combined with footage of Todd Roper playing in the streets, Victor Damiani playing on top of a car, and Greg Brown playing in a crowded courtyard. The runner from the video for "The Distance" is seen running by in the background of one scene [02:01].

[Verse 1] 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 fucking lock I would have made you leave your key If I'd have known for just one second You'd be back to bother me [Pre-Chorus] 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? [Chorus] 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 [Verse 2] 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 [Pre-Chorus] 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? [Chorus] 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