About the song
“Don’t Stop Believin'” is a timeless anthem by the American rock band Journey, released as a single to promote their 1981 album, Escape. Upon its debut, the song peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite this initial success, it did not break into the top 40 in the UK. However, its fortunes changed dramatically when it was re-released in 2009, soaring to number 6 on the charts and becoming a cultural phenomenon through television airplay.
Described by Mike DeGagne of Allmusic as a “perfect rock song,” and lauded for its “epic keyboard opening” that defines classic rock, “Don’t Stop Believin'” has become an iconic track in music history. It holds the distinction of being one of the best-selling digital downloads of all time, with over 6 million downloads. This record stood until January 2014, when Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive” surpassed it.
The song gained renewed popularity when it was covered by the cast of the TV show Glee, featuring prominently in their first episode and subsequently in other episodes and soundtracks. Aly Semigan from Entertainment Weekly praised Glee for rejuvenating the song, stating that “even if you’re not a member of the glee club… you’d have a hard time not being moved by this damn thing.” She compared the rendition to the original, noting that it “sounds like Freaks and Geeks meets High School Musical, but in a good way.”
Beyond its commercial success, “Don’t Stop Believin'” has embedded itself in popular culture, often played at significant events and gatherings worldwide. Its lyrics resonate with themes of perseverance and hope, making it an enduring anthem for generations. Whether in its original form by Journey or through its reinterpretation on Glee, the song continues to inspire and captivate listeners, solidifying its place as one of the most beloved rock anthems of all time.
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Lyrics
Just a small town girl
Livin’ in a lonely world
She took the midnight train going anywhere
Just a city boy
Born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train going anywhere
A singer in a smokey room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on
Strangers waitin’
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searchin’ in the night
Streetlights, people
Livin’ just to find emotion
Hidin’, somewhere in the night
Workin’ hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin’ anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Some’ll win, some will lose
Some are born to sing the blues
Whoa, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on
Strangers waitin’
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searchin’ in the night
Streetlights, people
Livin’ just to find emotion
Hidin’, somewhere in the night
Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to that feelin’
Streetlights, people
Don’t stop believin’
Hold on
Streetlights, people
Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to that feelin’
Streetlights, people