Way to Survive
Dottie West · With All My Heart and Soul [RCA Victor] [1967]
I look at your picture too often
It helps keep your mem'ry alive
It's not healthy they say to relive yesterday
But for me it's the way to survive.
I must cling to what's gone if I've to go on
I can't face the future I've tried
Perhaps for the rest looking back isn't best
But for me it's the way to survive.
--- Instrumental ---
When my heart aches I read all your letters
And the words make our love come alive
They say I can't last if I live in the past
But for me it's the way to survive.
I must cling to what's gone if I've to go on
I can't face the future I've tried
Perhaps for the rest looking back isn't best
But for me it's the way to survive...
Way to Survive
Dottie West's 'Way to Survive' stands as a defining track from her 1967 RCA Victor album, With All My Heart and Soul. As a prominent figure in country music during the late 1960s, West blended traditional storytelling with a distinct vocal style that resonated deeply with audiences. The song exemplifies the genre's focus on resilience and personal struggle, themes central to her discography. Her ability to deliver emotive performances helped establish her reputation as a serious artist beyond the typical honky-tonk image. This recording remains a testament to her skill in capturing the human condition through music, reflecting the era's evolving sound while maintaining the integrity of country roots.