What a year it has been for us all mentally, emotionally, and physically. This week’s song, Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi, reminds us as listeners that we will make it through no matter the situation we are in. Most importantly, hold onto hope and stay optimistic through all the challenges that life is going to throw at you.
“Don’t waste your time away thinkin’ ’bout yesterday’s blues.” – Bon Jovi
A Song About Hope and Perseverance
About the Song
I think we’ve all heard Livin’ on a Prayer at least one time in our life, and if you haven’t make sure to have a listen. When this song was released in late 1986, it became an instant hit and an anthem for working class individuals who could relate to the fictional couple Gina and Tommy. The most interesting part about this chart smashing song? John Francis Bongiovi, Jr, known as Bon Jovi, didn’t like the song when it was first recorded. In fact, lead guitarist Richie Sambora had to convince him the song was great.
The song went on to be on the top charts for weeks on end, be nominated for the 1988 American Music Awards favorite pop/rock single, and win best stage performance in a video at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards. If you’ve ever played Guitar Hero, you’ve definitely had your fair share of jamming out to this song. Livin’ on a Prayer was also performed at a benefit concert on September 21th, 2001 as a tribute to the heroes and those lost on September 11th giving this song an extra special significance.
Today, this song still holds meaning. Times are tough with all of the uncertainty of an unprecedented future. However, hard times will pass and it is important to stay hopeful and perservere. Don’t lose site of your goals and don’t let hardships be what defines you. Above all, stay true to yourself and hold on close to the people and things that are most important to you.
Livin’ on a Prayer Lyrics
Once upon a time not so long ago
Tommy used to work on the docks
Union’s been on strike
He’s down on his luck
It’s tough, so tough
Gina works the diner all day
Working for her man
She brings home her pay
For love, for love
She says, “We’ve gotta hold on to what we’ve got
It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not
We’ve got each other and that’s a lot
For love we’ll give it a shot.”
Whoa, we’re half-way there
Whoa, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand, we’ll make it. I swear
Whoa, livin’ on a prayer
Tommy’s got his six string in hock
Now he’s holding in
What he used to make it talk
So tough, it’s tough
Gina dreams of running away
When she cries in the night
Tommy whispers
“Baby, it’s okay, someday
We’ve gotta hold on to what we’ve got
It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not
We’ve got each other and that’s a lot
For love we’ll give it a shot
Whoa, we’re half-way there
Whoa, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand and we’ll make it. I swear
Whoa, livin’ on a prayer
Livin’ on a prayer
We’ve gotta hold on ready or not
You live for the fight when it’s all that you’ve got
Whoa, we’re half-way there
Whoa, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand and we’ll make it, I swear
Whoa, livin’ on a prayer
Whoa, we’re half-way there
Whoa, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand and we’ll make it, I swear
Whoa, livin’ on a prayer
