Context

This line is from the song "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor from the album Love Tracks (1978).

Breakups are devastating. There can be a lot of crying, awkward conversations with mutual friends, and returning belongings that you used to share… except for that really comfortable t-shirt that you're going to say you lost just so you can keep wearing it.

But after all that, and a few deep breaths, a person has to bounce back, and what better way to do it than with the greatest breakup anthem of all time: "I Will Survive"?

In this song, disco queen Gloria Gaynor tells her loser ex that she isn't going to crumble, she isn't going to lay down and die, oh no not her! As long as she knows how to love, she knows she'll stay alive. She sings, "I've got all my life to live, I've got all my love to give," meaning the end of this relationship is the beginning of a brand new, better life. 

Good riddance.

Where you've heard it

Unless you've been to a drag show recently, here are a few places you might have heard it:  

• It was covered by Valerie Cherish (played by Lisa Kudrow) on The Comeback.
• It was covered by Cake.
• For some reason, this alien sings it. (Spoiler alert: it doesn't survive.)
• It's on the soundtrack for Far Cry 4.
• Apparently it's good for CPR timing purposes.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Even though disco didn't thrive for too many years after this song exploded mirror balls across the country, it doesn't matter. Gloria inspired millions to survive.