Livin' On a Prayer
Bon Jovi
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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 'Cause 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" We're half way there Livin' on a prayer Take my hand and we'll make it I swear Livin' on a prayer Tommy 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 'Cause 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 We're half way there Livin' on a prayer Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear Livin' on a prayer We've got to hold on ready or not You live for the fight when it's all that you've got We're half way there Livin' on a prayer Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear Livin' on a prayer
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
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.
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Chart SuccessThe song was their second consecutive number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, where it held the top spot for four weeks.
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SongwritersThe song was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child.
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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.
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Music VideoThe music video was filmed at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles and directed by Wayne Isham.
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Story Behind the SongThe 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.
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Grammy NominationIt was nominated for a Grammy in 1987 for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
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Guitar TalkBoxThe 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.
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Long-term SuccessIn 2013, it re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 25 due to a viral video.
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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."
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by many artists, including Alvin and the Chipmunks and Taylor Swift.
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Official CertificationAs 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).
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Video Game AppearanceThe song appears in the music rhythm games Rock Band and Guitar Hero.
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UK ChartDespite its success in the United States, the song only reached number four in the UK charts.
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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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Citation
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"Livin' On a Prayer Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 1 Dec. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30206790/Bon+Jovi/Livin%27+On+a+Prayer>.
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