About the song
“Livin’ on a Prayer” stands as one of Bon Jovi’s most iconic and enduring anthems, cementing its place in rock history since its release in late 1986. Written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child, the song emerged as the second chart-topping single from their third album, Slippery When Wet. Its immediate success was marked by reaching No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Mainstream Rock charts, solidifying Bon Jovi’s status as global rock stars.
Musically, “Livin’ on a Prayer” is characterized by its energetic tempo in E minor, transitioning to G minor for the final chorus, and is noted for its use of a talk box, a device that modifies the guitarist’s sound by shaping the frequency content. The song’s composition evolved significantly during production; initially disliked by Jon Bon Jovi himself, it was reshaped with new instrumentation and production choices, ultimately becoming a standout track on Slippery When Wet.
Beyond its musical merits, “Livin’ on a Prayer” resonates deeply due to its narrative of perseverance through hardship, embodied by the characters Tommy and Gina. Inspired by real-life struggles faced by songwriter Desmond Child and his then-girlfriend, the song paints a poignant picture of working-class resilience. This narrative struck a chord with listeners, catapulting the song to cultural significance that has endured for decades.
The song’s impact extends far beyond its initial release. It has been featured prominently in various media, including video games like Guitar Hero World Tour and Rock Band 2, underscoring its lasting popularity. Additionally, its music video, directed by Wayne Isham and filmed at the Grand Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, became iconic in its own right, capturing the band’s electrifying stage presence and contributing to their visual legacy.
“Livin’ on a Prayer” continues to be celebrated and revisited, topping fan-voted lists and re-entering charts worldwide years after its debut. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its universal themes of resilience, hope, and the power of love, making it not just a hit song, but a cultural touchstone that resonates across generations. As it approaches its fifth decade since release, “Livin’ on a Prayer” remains a timeless anthem that defines an era of rock music and embodies the spirit of enduring optimism in the face of adversity.
Video
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, mmm, 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 oh, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand, we’ll make it, I swear
Whoa oh, livin’ on a prayer
Tommy’s got his six string in hock, now he’s holding in
When he used to make it talk so tough, ooh, 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 oh, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear
Whoa oh, livin’ on a prayer
Livin’ on a prayer
Oh, we’ve gotta hold on, ready or not
You live for the fight when that’s all that you’ve got
Whoa, we’re half way there
Whoa oh, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand and we’ll make it, I swear
Whoa oh, livin’ on a prayer
Whoa, we’re half way there
Whoa oh, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand and we’ll make it, I swear
Whoa oh, livin’ on a prayer
Whoa, we’re half way there
Whoa oh, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand and we’ll make it, I swear
Whoa oh