How Beyonce and Destiny’s Child Wrote The Song ‘Survivor.”
According to Billboard, TLC was one of the most popular and best-selling girl groups in America during the 1990s. Their hits "Waterfalls" and "No Scrubs" reverberated throughout even the most forgotten corners of the universe—including Baricho, where I was born and bred. And who could forget Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes?
While TLC was on the rise, selling out venues and stadiums, another girl group was warming up in Houston, Texas. This group, called Girl’s Tyme, was performing in talent shows and local events around the city.
You may not have heard of Girl’s Tyme, but it featured some soon-to-be superstars: Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and LaTavia Roberson.
We all know Beyoncé—stunning, with large eyes and a captivating smile. Vogue once described her as “wholesome and sexy at the same time.”
And of course, Kelly Rowland needs no introduction, though if you don’t know her, Silas Nyanchwani could probably fill you in.
Beyoncé’s mother, Tina, wasn’t impressed with the name "Girl’s Tyme." Like any concerned mom, she sought divine guidance for a better name for the group. It wasn’t surprising when Tina pulled the word "destiny" out of the Bible. Her husband, Mathew—Beyoncé’s father—added the word "child."
And that’s how Girl’s Tyme became Destiny’s Child, with members Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, LaTavia Roberson, and LeToya Luckett.
In the years that followed, Destiny’s Child became known as much for its lineup changes as for its hit songs. Their 1997 lead single "No No No" from their self-titled debut album achieved success, but the group was still struggling to solidify its place in the industry.
In 2000, the reality TV show Survivor premiered in America. The show featured contestants stranded on a deserted island, competing in challenges to win a grand prize. Contestants had to work together and strategize to outwit and outlast each other while surviving the elements and living on limited resources.
Critics and skeptics began comparing Destiny’s Child to Survivor, drawing parallels between the group's internal struggles and the show’s intense competition. The question on everyone’s mind was, "Who will be the last to survive?"
And indeed, after three members left the group, some people even joked, as reported by the LA Times, that Luckett, Roberson, and Franklin had been "voted off the island," much like an episode of Survivor.
Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland weren’t pleased with the comparisons and negative chatter. By then, Michelle Williams had joined the group.
So, who was going to survive?
Instead of succumbing to the rumors and pressure, Destiny’s Child channeled their energy into songwriting. They penned the song "Survivor" as a direct response to the gossip and industry demands for a hit. The lyrics emphasized the group’s strength and determination in the face of adversity. The message of resilience and perseverance in "Survivor" resonated with audiences, much like the TV show itself.
Nelson Mandela once said that criticism prevents a person from becoming a demi-god; for Destiny’s Child, criticism fueled their creativity. They drew inspiration from the hit competition series to create what would become the group’s most iconic track.
"Survivor" went on to win the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 2002.
Today, "Survivor" remains Destiny’s Child’s second highest-debuting single and holds a spot on Billboard’s list of the 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time.
"I'm a survivor, I'm not gon' give up
I'm not gon' stop, I'm gon' work harder
I'm a survivor, I'm gonna make it
I will survive, keep on survivin’."