Not Gonna Die – English Lyrics

• By: Skillet
• Album: Rise

Lyrics & Translation

Discover the language of resilience and hope in Skillet's powerful song, 'Not Gonna Die.' Explore the inspiring lyrics and driving music that have made this track an anthem for those battling adversity, and learn how its message of perseverance can empower you to take on any challenge.

[English]

Death surrounds

My heartbeat's slowing down

I won't take this world's abuse

I won't give up, I refuse

This is how it feels when you're bent and broken

This is how it feels when your dignity's stolen

When everything you love is leaving

You hold on to what you believe in

The last thing I heard was you whispering goodbye

And then I heard you flatline

No, not gonna die tonight

We're gonna stand and fight forever

(Don't close your eyes)

No, not gonna die tonight

We're gonna fight for us together

No, we're not gonna die tonight

...

Break their hold

'Cause I won't be controlled

They can't keep their chains on me

When the truth has set me free

This is how it feels when you take your life back

This is how it feels when you finally fight back

When life pushes me I push harder

What doesn't kill me makes me stronger

The last thing I heard was you whispering goodbye

And then I heard you flatline

No, not gonna die tonight

We're gonna stand and fight forever

(Don't close your eyes)

No, not gonna die tonight

We're gonna fight for us together

No, we're not gonna die tonight

...

Don't you give up on me

You're everything I need

This is how it feels when you take your life back

This is how it feels when you fight back

...

No, not gonna die tonight

We're gonna stand and fight forever

(Don't close your eyes)

No, not gonna die tonight

We're gonna fight for us together

No, we're not gonna die tonight

No, we're not gonna die tonight

...

Not gonna die

(Not gonna die)

Not gonna die

(Not gonna die)

Not gonna die tonight

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
death /dɛθ/ B2	noun - the end of life
heartbeat /ˈhɑːrtˌbiːt/ B2	noun - the rhythmic contraction of the heart
abuse /əˈbjuːz/ B2	noun - cruel or violent treatment
dignity /ˈdɪɡnɪti/ B2	noun - the state of being worthy of honor or respect
truth /truːθ/ B1	noun - the quality or state of being in accordance with fact or reality
life /laɪf/ A1	noun - the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter
fight /faɪt/ A2	verb - to take part in a violent struggle
stronger /ˈstrɔːŋɡər/ B1	adjective - having power or strength greater than that of another
whisper /ˈwɪspər/ B2	verb - to speak very softly
goodbye /ɡʊdˈbaɪ/ A2	noun - a farewell
hold /hoʊld/ A2	verb - to grasp or carry with the hands
believe /bɪˈliːv/ A2	verb - to accept something as true
control /kənˈtroʊl/ B1	verb - to exercise restraint or direction over
push /pʊʃ/ A1	verb - to exert force on someone or something
forever /fərˈɛvər/ B1	adverb - for all future time

Key Grammar Structures

• I won't take this world's abuse

  ➔ Future simple tense with 'will' for refusal.

  ➔ The phrase "I won't" indicates a strong refusal to accept something.

• What doesn't kill me makes me stronger

  ➔ Present simple tense for general truths.

  ➔ The phrase expresses a universal truth about resilience.

• We're gonna stand and fight forever

  ➔ Informal future with 'gonna' for intention.

  ➔ The use of "gonna" indicates a strong intention to act.

• Don't you give up on me

  ➔ Imperative form for giving commands.

  ➔ The phrase is a command urging someone not to lose hope.

• This is how it feels when you're bent and broken

  ➔ Present simple tense for describing states.

  ➔ The phrase describes a specific emotional state.

• The last thing I heard was you whispering goodbye

  ➔ Past simple tense for completed actions.

  ➔ The phrase indicates a completed action in the past.

• They can't keep their chains on me

  ➔ Present simple tense for expressing inability.

  ➔ The phrase indicates that they are unable to control the speaker.