About the song
“Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey stands as a timeless anthem of resilience and hope in the landscape of rock music. Released in October 1981 as part of their album “Escape,” the song quickly became a defining piece of the band’s legacy. Written by Steve Perry, Neal Schon, and Jonathan Cain, it features a distinctive opening piano riff that immediately captivates listeners.
During the early 1980s, Journey was solidifying its place as one of the era’s most successful rock acts. The addition of Jonathan Cain on keyboards brought a new dimension to the band’s sound as they embarked on recording “Escape.” The song’s title and central hook, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” were inspired by Cain’s father, who encouraged him during his struggling musician days on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. This motivational phrase became the song’s cornerstone, reflecting the band’s determination to persevere and succeed.
Structurally unique, “Don’t Stop Believin'” unfolds with two pre-choruses and three verses before climaxing with its powerful chorus, a format that builds anticipation and emotional intensity throughout the song. Recorded in one live take at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, the track challenged the band with its tempo changes and intricate sections. Despite initial difficulties, including Steve Perry battling a cold during recording, the band’s perseverance paid off, resulting in a seamless integration of musical elements that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Upon its release, “Don’t Stop Believin'” soared to become a global hit, securing its place as Journey’s signature song. Its enduring popularity has been reaffirmed over the decades, making it the best-selling digital track from the twentieth century with over seven million downloads. Recognized for its anthemic qualities, the song was honored by Rolling Stone in its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and was selected for preservation in the United States National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress.
The song’s lyrical theme of hope and determination, embodied in the characters’ journey on a “midnight train going anywhere,” struck a chord with listeners. It encapsulated the universal experience of chasing dreams and leaving behind the familiar for the promise of something greater. Steve Perry’s emotive vocals and Neal Schon’s inventive guitar work, complemented by Jonathan Cain’s melodic keyboards and the solid rhythm section, created a musical synergy that continues to inspire generations.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” remains a testament to Journey’s artistic vision and resilience, encapsulating the spirit of perseverance and optimism that defines enduring rock classics. Its legacy as a cultural touchstone underscores its significance in the annals of rock history, a beacon of hope for listeners navigating their own journeys through life’s challenges and aspirations.
Video
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