Muse’s “Survival” announced as official 2012 Olympic song

Grace Stanisci

This year, the London 2012 Olympic Games' vision is to "connect more young people with sport," and what better way to do that than with a soundtrack featuring rock band Muse's epic song, "Survival?"

Muse's "Survival" song sample

The UK trio, consisting of members Matt Bellamy, Christopher Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard, broke the news on their website yesterday, writing, "We are honoured that the Olympics have chosen our song to officially represent the London 2012 Olympic Games across the globe."

See more: Lana Del Rey transforms into icons in new music video

During an interview with BBC Radio 1, Bellamy said that he was approached a year ago about possibly working on the project, but that it simply "went away." Then, after the Olympic committee had asked the band to perform during the closing ceremony and heard the track that they were planning on playing, they asked if they could use it as the theme for the Games.

According to the band's website, Bellamy "wrote the song with the Olympics in mind," and says, "it's about total conviction and pure determination to win."

"The way the music developed was that the lyrics are about trying to get into that zone of what it is to compete and having to win against all odds," the frontman explained.

See more: Michelle Williams remembers joining Destiny's Child

Adding, "Also the more, I don't want to say dark side, but the truth about what it [really means.] Some people could write a song for the Olympics about being all encompassing and all embracing and we wanted to make a song that tuned into that path and real competitive side. It is a competition and I wanted to capture that side of it."

"Survival" features lyrics like "And I choose to survive/ Whatever it takes/ You won't pull ahead/ I'll keep up the pace/ And I will reveal my strength to the whole human race/ Yes, I am prepared to stay alive." Words that seem to relate well to the Olympic creed, which states, "The most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the fight; the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well."

Other musicians have also been tapped to release official Olympic songs as the Games get closer. These four additional tracks will debut between July 16 and August 6 featuring a collaboration between Elton John and Australian dance duo Pnau, English alternative dance band Delphic, English duo The Chemical Brothers and UK Hip Hop star Dizzee Rascal.

These tunes are part of a "unique music programme" issued by the Olympics called "Rock The Games" and will be featured as live performances and recorded tracks.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @GraceS35

More Up Beat stories

Avril Lavigne donates instruments to children's hospital

Carly Rae Jepsen nominated for Teen Choice Awards

Shakira sings 'Magia' at 13 years old