Song recorded between December 1971 and March, 1972. Released on Exile On Main Street in 1972.
Alternative take released on May 18, 2010 as a bonus track to Exile; it has different lyrics, but the same music, with Keith Richards singing the lead vocals instead of Mick Jagger.
Lead Vocal: Mick Jagger Slide Guitar: Mick Taylor Rhythm Guitar, Bass Backing Vocals: Keith Richards Drums: Charlie Watts Piano: Nicky Hopkins
SOUL SURVIVOR (M. Jagger/K. Richards)
When the waters is rough The sailing is tough, I'll get drowned in your love. You've got a cut throat crew, I'm gonna sink under you, I got the bell bottom blues, It's gonna be the death of me. It's the graveyard watch, Running right on the rocks, I've taken all of the knocks. You ain't giving me no quarter. I'd rather drink sea water, I wish I'd never had brought you, It's gonna be the death of me.
Soul survivor, soul survivor. Soul survivor, soul survivor. Soul survivor, soul survivor. Soul survivor, soul survivor, Gonna be the death of me, It's gonna be the death of me.
When you're flying your flags All my confidence sags, You got me packing my bags. I'll stowaway at sea, You make me mutiny, Where you are I won't be, You're gonna be the death of me.
SOUL SURVIVOR(alternative take lyrics) (M. Jagger/K. Richards)
Hey hey hey, I just drown By the time my feet' s on the ground
I just can't stand up No but this loving cup I just run around Live it up do or die
Yeah I may be a fool Oh you had my tool Oh you know that I do, because
I just can't go by In my big blind eye And my swollen nose Every time that she walks by
Yeah, yeah I know you can't stand Hey, hey, yeah Or just a memory I got the love Ooh But I just have enough But I just can't fuck it
Every time that she walks by Every time that she walks by
Yeah... Hey, hey I just fucking show My loving on your knees
Well I just can't stand it Well I just can't have it I've got two left feet Every time that she walks by
Oh Oh......
But I just have enough Well I just can't fuck it Yeah, well I just can't suck it As she walks by Every time that she walks by