Only the Strong Survive
View chords used in this chart
Ab
I remember my first love affair
Ab
Somehow or another the whole darn thing went wrong
Ab
My mamma had some great advice
Ab
So I thought I'd put it into words of this song
Ab
I can still hear her sayin' it
Ab
Boy, Oh, I see you're sittin' out there all alone
Ab
Cryin' your eyes out 'cos the woman that you love has gone
Ab
Oh, there's gonna be, there's gonna be a whole lot of trouble in your life
Ab
Oh, so listen to me get up off your knees 'cos only the strong survive
Ab
That's what she said, only the strong survive
Ab
Only the strong survive,
Bb C Db Eb
Oh you've got to be strong, you'd better hold on
Ab
Don't go all around with your head hung down
Ab
Well I wouldn't let that little girl
Ab
No, I wouldn't let her know that she made me feel like a clown
Ab
There's a whole lot a girls lookin' for a good man like you
Ab
Oh but you'll never meet 'em if you give up now and say that your life is through
Ab
Yes she said: Only the strong survive, only the strong survive,
Bb C Db Eb
You've got to be a man, you've got to take a stand
Ab
Only the strong survive, only the strong survive,
Bb C Db Eb
Oh, you've got to be strong, you'd better hold on
Ab
'Cos only the strong survive
Ab
Only the strong survive, only the strong survive,
Bb C Db Eb
Well, you've got to be a man, you've got to take a stand
Ab
Only the strong survive, only the strong survive
How to play Only the Strong Survive
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is Ab. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.