Only The Strong Survive
Recording Artist: Bryan Adams
Writers: Jim Vallance
Bryan Adams
Date Written: January 1986 / Vancouver Canada
Albums: Into The Fire (A&M Records, 1987) / Vancouver Canada
Audio:
  Bryan Adams: rhythm guitar, vocal
Robbie King: organ
Keith Scott: slide guitar
Dave Pickell: piano
Dave Taylor: bass
Mickey Curry: drums
 
Produced by Bob Clearmountain and Bryan Adams.  Associate producer Jim Vallance.  Recorded by Bob Clearmountain, September 1986, at Cliffhanger Studios, West Vancouver.  Mixed by Bob Clearmountain, January 1987, at AIR Studios, London.
Comments:
"Only The Strong Survive" was written for the "Top Gun" film soundtrack. Adams and I viewed early footage while the film was still in production, and we wrote the song based on that.

Director Tony Scott loved our song and scheduled it for inclusion in the film, but Bryan changed his mind at the last minute, saying he didn't want to be associated with a project that glorified war (apparently preferring films where the victims are dispatched with swords and arrows).

The "Top Gun" soundtrack album, minus "Only The Strong Survive", went on to sell more than 15 million copies.
Lyrics:
When the pressure's on and you're all alone
Take a little ride into the danger zone
When the moon is high and the skies are clear
Just show me a sign and we'll be outa here

Take me up on a wing and a prayer
If you need a friend you know I'll be there

Hound dogs howlin' all through the night
Eight miles high and I'm doin' alright
Better move over 'cause you're goin' too slow
I feel the need for freedom now it's time to go

It's a fine line between pleasure and pain
Let your conscience be your guide 'til we meet again

Your time has come - you can stand our you can run
But don't keep it all inside
'Cause you gotta understand that there ain't no second chance
No one gets outa here alive
Only the strong survive

Tearin' it up goin' down the track
Gonna fly so high, I might never come back
If things get tough you can count me in
'Cause if you play the game you gotta play to win

Take me up where only angels can fly
If you need a helpin' hand I won't pass you by

Your time has come - you can stand our you can run
But don't keep it all inside
'Cause you gotta understand that there ain't no second chance
No one gets outa here alive
Only the strong survive

Solo

Take me up on a wing and a prayer
If you need someone you know I'll be there

Your time has come - you can stand our you can run
But don't keep it all inside
'Cause you gotta understand that there ain't no second chance
No one gets outa here alive
Only the strong survive