About the song
“Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees is not just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon that embodies the spirit of an era. Released in December 1977 as the second single from the iconic soundtrack of ‘Saturday Night Fever’, the song quickly ascended the charts, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 by February 4, 1978, where it remained for four consecutive weeks. This achievement solidified its status as one of the Bee Gees’ signature tunes.
Written and performed by the Bee Gees—Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb—the song was co-produced with Albhy Galuten and Karl Richardson. Its infectious melody and Barry Gibb’s distinctive falsetto vocals became instantly recognizable, further amplified by its prominent use in the opening sequence of ‘Saturday Night Fever’, a film that would define an era of disco culture.
The song’s lyrics, inspired by the bustling streets of New York City, convey a message of resilience and survival amidst urban challenges. Robin Gibb once reflected on its theme, noting its serious undertones despite its upbeat rhythm. Barry Gibb added that the song’s success was a testament to overcoming adversity, resonating with audiences globally.
Critically acclaimed, “Stayin’ Alive” has been recognized as one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, ranking 189th in 2004 and moving up to 99th in their updated 2021 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It also earned the Bee Gees a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group at the 21st Annual Grammy Awards in 1979, among other accolades.
The creation of “Stayin’ Alive” was serendipitous, with the Gibb brothers writing the song during a brief stint at Château d’Hérouville near Paris. Recorded predominantly in France for tax reasons, the song’s production involved innovative techniques, including the use of a drum loop sampled from another track, which became integral to its infectious beat.
Despite initial plans to name the song “Saturday Night” to align with the film, the Bee Gees insisted on “Stayin’ Alive” to avoid redundancy with other songs featuring similar titles. This decision proved pivotal, as the song’s success not only contributed to the film’s soundtrack but also cemented the Bee Gees’ reputation as disco legends, despite their versatile career spanning various musical genres.
The accompanying music video, shot at MGM Studios in Culver City, California, featured the Bee Gees amidst elaborate sets reminiscent of classic Hollywood films. This visual spectacle added another layer of iconic imagery to the song’s legacy.
“Stayin’ Alive” remains a timeless anthem of resilience and rhythm, showcasing the Bee Gees’ musical prowess and their profound influence on popular culture. Its legacy continues to resonate, inspiring generations with its infectious groove and uplifting message of perseverance against all odds.
Video
Lyrics
Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk
I’m a woman’s man, no time to talk
Music loud and women warm, I’ve been kicked around
Since I was born
And now it’s alright, it’s okay
And you may look the other way
We can try to understand
The New York Times’ effect on man
Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother
You’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Feel the city breakin’ and everybody shakin’
And we’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive
Oh, when you walk
Well now, I get low and I get high
And if I can’t get either, I really try
Got the wings of Heaven on my shoes
I’m a dancin’ man and I just can’t lose
You know it’s alright, it’s okay
I’ll live to see another day
We can try to understand
The New York Times’ effect on man
Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother
You’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Feel the city breakin’ and everybody shakin’
And we’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive (oh)
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive (oh)
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me
Somebody help me, yeah
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me, yeah
I’m stayin’ alive
Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk
I’m a woman’s man, no time to talk
Music loud and women warm
I’ve been kicked around since I was born
And now it’s all right, it’s okay
And you may look the other way
We can try to understand
The New York Times’ effect on man
Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother
You’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Feel the city breakin’ and everybody shakin’
And we’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive (hey)
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me
Somebody help me, yeah
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me, yeah
I’m stayin’ alive
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me
Somebody help me, yeah (ah, ah, ah)
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me, yeah
I’m stayin’ alive
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me
Somebody help me, yeah (ah, ah, ah, ay)
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me, yeah
I’m stayin’ alive
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me
Somebody help me, yeah (oh)
Life goin’ nowhere, somebody help me, yeah
I’m stayin’ alive