I'm a Survivor

Album: Greatest Hits Volume III: I'm a Survivor (2001)
Charted: 49
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Shelby Kennedy and Philip White wrote this country-pop song. It recounts the trials and tribulations of a premature baby who grows up to be a single mom juggling two jobs and raising her kids. As a strong woman who experienced a divorce and the tragic loss of her entire band in a 1991 plane crash, Reba McEntire fit this song of resilience perfectly. She could relate to the story of a woman who survives difficult circumstances with the help of "God's amazing grace."
  • McEntire recorded this as one of three new songs for her third compilation album, Greatest Hits Volume III: I'm a Survivor. Released as its lead single on September 6, 2001, it peaked at #49 on the Hot 100 and #3 on the Country chart.
  • McEntire co-produced the song with Tony Brown. It features the following musicians:

    Guitars: Steve Gibson
    Bass: Michael Rhodes
    Drums: Paul Leim
    Keyboards: Steve Nathan and Matt Rollings
    Backing Vocals: Russell Terrell and Kim Parent.
  • McEntire recorded an altered version as the theme song for her WB sitcom Reba, which aired from October 5, 2001 to February 18, 2007. The show's lyrics are as follows:

    My roots are planted in the past,
    Though my life is changing fast,
    Who I am is who I want to be.
    A single mom, who works too hard,
    Who loves her kids and never stops.
    With gentle hands and the heart of a fighter.
    I'm a survivor.
  • In 2021, the song received a new life from TikTok when the social platform users started showing the amusing things that make them a "survivor." McEntire got in on the trend filming herself trying to feed her donkeys.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")Song Writing

Nick made some of the biggest videos on MTV, including "The Final Countdown," "Heaven" and "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)."

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."