Soul Survivor

Album: Phoenix (2018)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • It's been seven long years fighting for your attention
    Manipulated by fear and misdirection
    Wrapped in your ugly chains, swore you'd rise me to heaven
    Brought me nothing but pain, was that your intention?


    In 2008, Rita Ora signed with Roc Nation record label and released her debut album, Ora. However, in December 2015, the singer started legal proceedings against the label, claiming they failed to support her career and seeking release from her contract. She eventually came to an agreement with Roc Nation, parted ways with them and signed a contract with Atlantic Records. This song tells the story of her label woes.
  • In the song's chorus Ora sings of being a "soul survivor" who "started with nothing" and has "nothing to lose." Asked by The Guardian if she really feels like she had nothing to lose? The singer replied: "Yes, I lost a lot of confidence in myself. I thought: 'What am I going to do?'"
  • The female empowerment anthem was initially called "Sole Survivor," Ora felt it was much easier to relate to "Soul Survivor" so she renamed it with that title.
  • "Soul Survivor" soundtracked the first-ever Super Bowl ad for Bumble, a dating app in which female users make the first contact with matched male users. The commercial stars tennis champ Serena Williams, whose push for women to take charge is coupled with footage of her on the court.

Comments: 1

  • Maryana from Nizhniy Novgorodsadder than the credits from the sequel EEAAO2GF.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."

Daniel Lanois

Daniel LanoisSongwriter Interviews

Daniel Lanois on his album Heavy Sun, and the inside stories of songs he produced for U2, Peter Gabriel, and Bob Dylan.

Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?

Devo

DevoSongwriter Interviews

Devo founders Mark Mothersbaugh and Jerry Casale take us into their world of subversive performance art. They may be right about the De-Evoloution thing.

How The Beatles Crafted Killer Choruses

How The Beatles Crafted Killer ChorusesSong Writing

The author of Help! 100 Songwriting, Recording And Career Tips Used By The Beatles, explains how the group crafted their choruses so effectively.