Livin' on a Prayer

Bon Jovi

About Livin' on a Prayer

"Livin' on a Prayer" is Bon Jovi's second chart-topping single from their third album Slippery When Wet. Written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child, the single, released in late 1986, was well received at both rock and pop radio and its music video was given heavy rotation at MTV, giving the band their first No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and their second consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit. The song is the band's signature song, topping fan-voted lists and re-charting around the world decades after its release. The original 45-RPM single release sold 800,000 copies in the United States, and in 2013 was certified Triple Platinum for over 3 million digital downloads. The official music video has over 640 million views on YouTube as of January 2020. 


Year:
1996
4:12
275 
#3

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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 got to 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

Woah, we're half way there
Woah, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
Woah, 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 got to 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

Woah, we're half way there
Woah, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
Woah, livin' on a prayer
Livin' on a prayer

Oh, we've got to hold on, ready or not
You live for the fight when it's all that you've got
Woah, we're half way there
Woah, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
Woah, livin' on a prayer

Woah, we're half way there
Woah, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
Woah, livin' on a prayer

Woah, we're half way there
Woah, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
Woah, livin' on a prayer

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Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi is an American rock band from Sayreville, New Jersey. Formed in 1983, Bon Jovi consists of lead singer and namesake Jon Bon Jovi (John Francis Bongiovi, Jr.), guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, and bassist Alec John Such. The band's lineup has remained mostly static during their history, the exceptions being Alec John Such in 1994, and Richie Sambora in 2013. The band is credited with bridging the gap between heavy metal and pop with style and ease. more »

21 fans

Written by: Jon Bon Jovi, Desmond Child, Richard S. Sambora

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Release Information
"Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi was released on the album "Slippery When Wet" in 1986.
Chart Success
The song was their second consecutive number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, where it held the top spot for four weeks.
Songwriters
The song was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child.
Popular Culture
"Livin' on a Prayer" is arguably Bon Jovi's best-known song and has been frequently referred to in popular culture, including TV shows, movies, and even sports games.
Music Video
The music video was filmed at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles and directed by Wayne Isham.
Story Behind the Song
The song tells the fictional story of Tommy and Gina, two working-class characters struggling to make ends meet and maintain their relationship. These characters reappear in Bon Jovi's later works.
Grammy Nomination
It was nominated for a Grammy in 1987 for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Guitar TalkBox
The song features a well-known effect called the "talk box" on the guitar, played by Richie Sambora. It was used at the beginning and throughout the song.
Long-term Success
In 2013, it re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 25 due to a viral video.
Legacy
"Livin’ on a Prayer" is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time. In 2012, it was ranked number one on VH1's "100 Greatest Songs of the '80s."
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by many artists, including Alvin and the Chipmunks and Taylor Swift.
Official Certification
As of 2015, the song had sold 3.4 million digital copies in the US. It has been certified Triple Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Video Game Appearance
The song appears in the music rhythm games Rock Band and Guitar Hero.
UK Chart
Despite its success in the United States, the song only reached number four in the UK charts.
Live Performances
"Livin' on a Prayer" is a staple of Bon Jovi's live performances, and the crowd typically sings along.

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    Livin' on a Prayer

    658.6M
    2.5M     98,373

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1987

    Billboard #1


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