Get to know all about 'Stayin’ Alive' by the Bee Gees
A Disco classic!
Last updated 1st Jun 2021
It’s a dance floor anthem and a disco classic. 'Stayin’ Alive' by the Bee Gees was released in 1977, written specifically for the hit movie Saturday Night Fever.
It topped charts around the world and has since been covered by a number of other artists including Ozzy Osbourne and the Happy Mondays! Read more interesting facts about the Bee Gees here.
What is 'Stayin’ Alive' about?
Several words from Robin Gibb’s ticket for Concorde inspired the lyrics of the track.
Robin said: "The subject matter of 'Stayin' Alive' is actually quite a serious one; It's about survival in the streets of New York, and the lyrics actually say that"
Barry added: "People crying out for help. Desperate songs. Those are the ones that become giants. The minute you capture that on record, it's gold. 'Stayin' Alive' is the epitome of that.
“Everybody struggles against the world, fighting all the b------t and things that can drag you down. And it really is a victory just to survive. But when you climb back on top and win bigger than ever before, well that's something everybody reacts to everybody."
Where was ‘Stayin’ Alive’ written?
'Stayin’ Alive' was written by Robin, Barry and Maurice Gibb in Paris. The lyrics were written over a few days at the Château d'Hérouville studio. The track was finished at Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida.
Was ‘Stayin’ Alive’ written for Saturday Night Fever?
It sure was!
Saturday Night Fever producer and future Bee Gees manager Robert Stingwood asked the brothers to write some songs for the movie soundtrack.
The Bee Gees wrote a total of four tracks for the film’s incredible disco soundtrack, these were ‘Stayin’ Alive’, ‘How Deep Is Your Love’, ‘Night Fever’ and ‘More Than A Woman’.
The film’s music was nominated for a number of awards including a Golden Globe for Best Original Music in a Motion Picture and Best Original Song for ‘How Deep Is Your Love’. Saturday Night Fever won four Grammy Awards, Album of the Year, Producer of the Year, Best Arrangement of Voice for ‘Stayin’ Alive’ and Best Pop Vocal Performance.
Does Stayin’ Alive work for CPR?
Yes! The song was later used for medical training to provide the right number of chest compressions per minute for CPR.
‘Stayin’ Alive’ has around 104 beats per minute, the recommended amount of chest compressions per minute is 100-120.
Is Stayin’ Alive a Disco song?
Of course! We’ve all moved to this hit on a dance floor, haven’t we?
Check out these bands with siblings, including the Bee Gees:
Oasis
Noel and Liam Gallagher formed Oasis in Manchester in 1991 and went on to worldwide stardom with massive hits and anthems including: 'Don't Look Back In Anger' and 'Supersonic'. Famously, the brothers didn't get on well and split in 2009. We hope they reunite one day!
Bee Gees
The Bee Gees formed in 1958, featuring brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. With their catchy tunes, they were incredibly prominent in the 70s disco era and their songs continue to fill dancefloors today. Sadly, Maurice passed away in 2003 and brother Robin died in 2012.
We do however have a film about the trio to look forward to as a biopic about their lives is in the making!
Sister Sledge
Formed in 1971 and hailing from Philadelphia, Sister Sledge (Debbie, Joni, Kim, and Kathy Sledge) also enjoyed incredible success during the Disco era. Their album 'We Are Family', co-produced by Nile Rodgers the mastermind behind Chic, included hits like 'He's The Greatest Dancer' and 'Lost In Music'.
Spandau Ballet
Spandau Ballet, including brothers Martin and Gary Kemp, were formed in London in 1979. The band went on to top the charts with hits like 'True' and 'Gold'. They also performed at Live Aid in 1985 alongside David Bowie, Queen and Elton John.
Dire Straits
One of the world's best-selling music artists, Dire Straights were formed in London in 1977 by Mark Knopfler and David Knopfler. Their album 'Brothers in Arms' was the first album to sell a million copies on compact disc.
The Pointer Sisters
The Pointer Sisters (June, Bonnie, Ruth and Anita Pointer) were formed in California in the early 1970s and went on to produce hits like 'Jump (For My Love)' and 'I'm So Excited'. They have won a total of three Grammy Awards and have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
Sadly, Ruth is the only surviving origial member of the group.
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys' original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine! Although they began as a garage band, they went on to solidify the pop genre and influence many future musicians with songs like 'Surfin USA' and 'Good Vibrations'.
The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5 was made up of Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Michael and Jermaine Jackson. In 1968, they were signed to now legendary label Motown Records and went on to achieve number one hits with tunes like 'I Want You Back' and 'ABC'.
The Nolan Sisters
Although they originally performed with their parents and brothers as The Singing Nolans, the Irish sisters (Maureen Nolan, Anne Nolan, Linda Nolan, Coleen Nolan, Bernie Nolan and Denise Nolan) took on the name of the The Nolan Sisters and went on to achieve huge success. Their song 'I'm In The Mood For Dancing' remains their biggest hit.
Earth, Wind & Fire
Founded by Maurice White, the group Earth, Wind & Fire also included brothers Verdine and Fred White. The band was known for their hit songs 'Shining Star', 'September' and 'Boogie Wonderland'.
Read more:
Bee Gees: From disco superstars to hit songwriters
ABBA: All your questions answered