Sole Survivor
Asia (Rock) Lyrics


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When I ride the hounds of hell
Twist my foot, I nearly fell
I was lucky I was alive
One look back, I could have died

I was the sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Solitary fire

When I saw it, I was amazed
One-time glory right in my gaze
I saw the sorrow, I saw the joy
Light in the darkness none could destroy

I am the sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Solitary fire

And from the wreckage I will arise
Cast the ashes back in their eyes
See the fire I will defend
Just keep on burning right to the end

I'll be the sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor
Sole survivor




Sole survivor
Sole survivor

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Asia's song "Sole Survivor" are about someone who has gone through a life-threatening experience and managed to survive against all odds. The first stanza describes the danger the person faced, riding the hounds of hell and almost falling. The second stanza reveals that the danger was perhaps a crash or an explosion, as the person looks back and sees the wreckage. The chorus emphasizes that this person survived while others perished. They are the sole survivor, a solitary fire that burned through the darkness.


The second verse is about the aftermath of the event. The person is amazed by what they see - some kind of glory that was there for only a moment. They also see the sorrow and the joy, the light in the darkness that couldn't be destroyed. This person emerges from the wreckage, determined to rise again and defend the fire of life, to keep burning to the end. They will be the sole survivor.


This song is a powerful anthem for anyone who has survived a traumatic event, from a natural disaster to a personal tragedy. It celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to face danger head-on and come out the other side.


Line by Line Meaning

When I ride the hounds of hell
As I face my demons and inner turmoil,


Twist my foot, I nearly fell
I almost succumbed to my doubts and fears,


I was lucky I was alive
But I was fortunate to have survived,


One look back, I could have died
A single glimpse behind and I would have perished,


I was the sole survivor
I am the only one who made it through,


Solitary fire
I am fueled by an unwavering determination,


When I saw it, I was amazed
When I witnessed moments of greatness,


One-time glory right in my gaze
I marveled at the fleeting yet magnificent display,


I saw the sorrow, I saw the joy
I witnessed both pain and pleasure,


Light in the darkness none could destroy
But an unquenchable light existed within me,


And from the wreckage I will arise
Even in the depths of destruction, I will emerge,


Cast the ashes back in their eyes
I will defy my detractors and rise above their criticism,


See the fire I will defend
My passion and drive will remain steadfast,


Just keep on burning right to the end
I will keep pushing forward until the very end,


Sole survivor
I am the last one standing,




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: Geoff Downes, John Kenneth Wetton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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