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 you'll feel better I know that you'll understand You got the power, baby, in your hands, yeah CHORUS