Survive

TC's song 'Survive' is a powerful anthem of resilience and personal growth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who has been through a tumultuous relationship, feeling as though they were left to drown in emotional turmoil. The opening lines, 'Left me underwater there to drown / Never thought I’d ever get my feet back on the ground,' set the stage for a narrative of struggle and eventual triumph. The protagonist reflects on the madness they endured and the toll it took on them, but ultimately, they find the strength to break free and reclaim their life.

The chorus, with its repetitive assertion, 'Bet you didn’t think I’d survive,' serves as a defiant declaration of independence and self-worth. It highlights the protagonist's journey from feeling broken and defeated to emerging stronger and more self-assured. The act of leaving a letter with goodbyes symbolizes a final, irrevocable break from the past, emphasizing that there is no turning back. This moment of liberation is crucial, as it marks the point where the protagonist begins to heal and rediscover their sense of self.

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of emotional unavailability and the frustration it causes. Lines like 'You took your feelings and locked them in / So hard to show it, so hard to care' reveal the emotional barriers that hindered the relationship. The protagonist's desire to show genuine love and care was met with resistance, leading to a sense of futility. However, by the end of the song, the protagonist has found peace and strength in solitude, symbolized by the imagery of standing on a mountain with no one around. This newfound clarity and self-reliance underscore the message that true happiness and fulfillment come from within, not from external validation.