Whatever it takes
I know I can make it through
If I hold out
If I do
I know I can make it
Be the best
The best that I can be
Hear what I say to you
Whatever it takes
I can see it
I know I can make it
I know I know I
I know I can make it through
Nobody said it would be easy to be a kid
But growing up’s tough when you think of the things you did
Everybody’s always trying to show you the way
And telling you to work and all you wanna do is play
And your friends was hang, go out and have a blast
Laughing and they joking at the back of the class
And you wanna dance have a good time and relax
Sitting with your friends and your favourite tracks
I’m saying sometimes life is a place we don’t get
You know you’ll make it through just believe and you’ll set
An example of what you wanna be what you wanna see
Use your imagination be free
Be the best
The best that I can be
Hear what I say to you
Whatever it takes
I can see it
I know I can make it
I know I know I
I know I can make it through
Life is an empty notebook
Go on and fill it however you choose
Cause if I can
If I can
So can you
Whatever it takes
I know I can make it through
Life is a place we don’t always get
You gotta take a risk and you gotta make a bet
And it seems sometimes that things are kinda messed
But hang on and don’t let yourself get stressed
Just breathe
Cause it’s up to you what you need
Whether you follow whether you lead
Believe in your dreams and you’ll get where you’re going
See what you need guarantee you’ll be flowing
People come and go it’s a part of the game
But your true friends always gonna stay the same
No matter what’ll happen you will know what is true
And guess what i know that i know that
I know I can make it
C’mon yeah
I know I can make it
I know I can make it
Whatever it takes
I know I can make it
I know I can make it through
Behind the Music: Meaning & Story
The Degrassi theme song, “Whatever It Takes,” is an anthem of resilience and teenage determination. Originally performed by Lisa Dalbello and composed by Jim McGrath and Jody Colero, the song underwent several transformations throughout the show’s 14-season run, reflecting the changing musical tastes of each new generation of students at Degrassi Community School.
Created by Linda Schuyler and Yan Moore, the series (specifically Degrassi: The Next Generation) continued the legacy of the original 1980s show by tackling difficult social issues with unfiltered realism. The lyrics “Whatever it takes, I know I can make it through” became a mantra for the characters as they navigated topics ranging from mental health and identity to relationships and academic pressure. The rap verses found in the extended version of the song emphasize the social dynamics of school life—the “back of the class” jokes and the importance of “true friends.”
The theme song is so iconic that it was even parodied and celebrated by famous alumni, most notably Drake (formerly known as Aubrey Graham), who played Jimmy Brooks on the series. Over its 385 episodes, the track served as a bridge between the various networks—from its beginnings on CTV in Canada to its global success on TeenNick and MTV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the theme song change so many times?
To keep the show feeling “current,” the producers updated the musical arrangement and the singers every few seasons. The intro visuals also evolved from a tour of the school to quick-cut character montages.
Is Degrassi Community School a real school?
No, Degrassi is fictional. The name comes from De Grassi Street in Toronto, where the original creators lived and where the first series, The Kids of Degrassi Street, was filmed.
How many “Degrassi” series are there?
There are five main series in the franchise: The Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High, Degrassi: The Next Generation, and Degrassi: Next Class.
