Peak
49
Weeks
19
Score
1,112
Chart Year
2001
Shelby Kennedy and Philip White wrote this country-pop song. It recounts the trials and tribulations of a premature baby who grows up to be a single mom juggling two jobs and raising her kids. As a strong woman who experienced a divorce and the tragic loss of her entire band in a 1991 plane crash, Reba McEntire fit this song of resilience perfectly. She could relate to the story of a woman who survives difficult circumstances with the help of "God's amazing grace." McEntire recorded this as one of three new songs for her third compilation album, Greatest Hits Volume III: I'm a Survivor. Released as its lead single on September 6, 2001, it peaked at #49 on the Hot 100 and #3 on the Country chart. McEntire co-produced the song with Tony Brown. It features the following musicians: Guitars: Steve Gibson Bass: Michael Rhodes Drums: Paul Leim Keyboards: Steve Nathan and Matt Rollings Backing Vocals: Russell Terrell and Kim Parent. McEntire recorded an altered version as the theme song for her WB sitcom Reba, which aired from October 5, 2001 to February 18, 2007. The show's lyrics are as follows: My roots are planted in the past, Though my life is changing fast, Who I am is who I want to be. A single mom, who works too hard, Who loves her kids and never stops. With gentle hands and the heart of a fighter. I'm a survivor. In 2021, the song received a new life from TikTok when the social platform users started showing the amusing things that make them a "survivor." McEntire got in on the trend filming herself trying to feed her donkeys.
I was born three months too early The doctor gave me thirty days But I must have had my mama's will And God's amazing grace So I guess I'll keep on livin' Even if this loves to die for 'Cause your bags are packed and I ain't cryin' You're walking out and I'm not trying To change your mind 'cause I was born to be The baby girl without a chance A victim of circumstance The one who ought to give up But she's just too hard-headed A single mom who works two jobs Who loves her kids and never stops With gentle hands and the heart of a fighter I'm a survivor I don't believe in self pity It only brings you down Maybe the queen of broken hearts But I won't hide behind the crown And when the deck is stacked against me I just play a different game My roots are planted in the past And though my life is changing fast Who I am is who I want to be The baby girl without a chance A victim of circumstance The one who ought to give up But she's just too hard-headed A single mom who works two jobs Who loves her kids and never stops With gentle hands and the heart of a fighter I'm a survivor A single mom who works two jobs Who loves her kids and never stops With gentle hands and the heart of a fighter I'm a survivor Oh, I must have had my mama's will And God's amazing grace
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 15, 2001 | 81 | 45 |
| 2 | Sep 22, 2001 | 70 | 56 |
| 3 | Sep 29, 2001 | 70 | 56 |
| 4 | Oct 6, 2001 | 72 | 54 |
| 5 | Oct 13, 2001 | 62 | 64 |
| 6 | Oct 20, 2001 | 60 | 66 |
| 7 | Oct 27, 2001 | 57 | 69 |
| 8 | Nov 3, 2001 | 56 | 70 |
| 9 | Nov 10, 2001 | 53 | 73 |
| 10 | Nov 17, 2001 | 53 | 73 |
| 11 | Nov 24, 2001 | 55 | 71 |
| 12 | Dec 1, 2001 | 49 | 77 |
| 13 | Dec 8, 2001 | 55 | 71 |
| 14 | Dec 15, 2001 | 72 | 54 |
| 15 | Dec 22, 2001 | 86 | 40 |
| 16 | Dec 29, 2001 | 95 | 31 |
| 18 | Jan 12, 2002 | 93 | 33 |
| 19 | Jan 19, 2002 | 97 | 29 |
| 20 | Jan 26, 2002 | 98 | 28 |