About the song
“Stayin’ Alive” stands as an iconic anthem of the disco era and a defining track for the Bee Gees, written and performed by the trio—Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb—for the blockbuster film “Saturday Night Fever.” Released in December 1977 as the second single from the film’s soundtrack on RSO Records, the song quickly ascended to become one of the Bee Gees’ most recognizable and enduring hits.
**Creation and Production**
The Bee Gees wrote and co-produced “Stayin’ Alive” with Albhy Galuten and Karl Richardson. Its pulsating beat, catchy melody, and falsetto vocals became synonymous with the disco sound of the late 1970s. The song’s infectious rhythm and upbeat lyrics captured the spirit of the era, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.
**Chart Success and Cultural Impact**
Upon its release, “Stayin’ Alive” soared to the top of the charts, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in February 1978 and remaining there for an impressive four consecutive weeks. Its success was bolstered by its prominent placement in the opening sequence of “Saturday Night Fever,” catapulting the song—and the Bee Gees—into superstardom. In the United States, it marked the second of the Bee Gees’ six consecutive number-one singles, matching a record previously held by the Beatles for the most consecutive number ones at the time.
**Recognition and Awards**
The song’s cultural impact is underscored by its accolades over the years. In 1979, “Stayin’ Alive” earned the Grammy Award for Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices at the 21st Annual Grammy Awards, highlighting its musical sophistication and vocal harmonies. Furthermore, it has been consistently recognized in critical evaluations of music history. Rolling Stone initially ranked it at No. 189 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004, later moving up to No. 99 in the 2021 updated list. Additionally, it ranked No. 9 on the American Film Institute’s 100 Years…100 Songs survey of top tunes in American cinema, affirming its enduring legacy in film and music.
**Legacy and Cultural Endurance**
Beyond its initial success, “Stayin’ Alive” has maintained its status as a pop culture phenomenon. Its infectious groove and empowering lyrics continue to resonate with new generations of listeners, ensuring its place as a timeless classic. Its inclusion in various media and its influence on subsequent music genres underscore its lasting impact on popular music and its status as one of the Bee Gees’ signature songs.
“Stayin’ Alive” not only defined an era but also transcended its origins to become a symbol of resilience, vitality, and the universal appeal of music that moves both body and soul.
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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 bornAnd 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 manWhether 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’ aliveWell 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 dancing man and I just can’t lose
You know it’s all right, it’s okay
I’ll live to see another day
We can try to understand
The New York Times’ effect on manWhether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother
You’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Feel the city breakin’ and everybody shakin’
And were stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ aliveLife going nowhere, somebody help me
Somebody help me, yeah
Life going nowhere, somebody help me
Somebody help me, yeah
Stayin’ alive