Livin' on a Prayer
Bon Jovi; Jon Bon Jovi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
We 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
What 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 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
Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" tells the story of a married couple, Tommy and Gina, who are struggling in their respective jobs. Tommy was a dockworker, but the union is on strike, causing him to be out of work. Gina is a waitress, working long hours to support their relationship. The couple relies on their love for each other to keep them afloat through tough times, with the lyrics emphasizing the importance of perseverance and togetherness in the face of adversity.
The song's title is also a nod to this theme of survival, as living on a prayer can be interpreted as the idea of relying on faith to sustain oneself through difficult times. The repetitive use of the phrase "Whoa, we're halfway there," in the chorus highlights the idea that even though they may be struggling, they are still making progress towards their goals as a couple.
The song's popularity has endured over the years, becoming a staple at sporting events and parties. The uplifting message and catchy chorus have made it a beloved classic rock anthem.
Line by Line Meaning
Once upon a time, not so long ago
In the recent past, a story unfolded.
Tommy used to work on the docks, union's been on strike
Tommy worked with the dockworkers, who had ceased working as a form of protest.
He's down on his luck, it's tough, so tough
Tommy is having a difficult time.
Gina works the diner all day, working for her man
Gina works long hours at the diner to support her partner.
She brings home her pay, for love, mmm, for love
Gina works for love, putting the money she earns to good use for her family.
She says, "We've gotta hold on to what we've got
Gina reminds Tommy of the importance of their love, and the necessity of keeping what they have.
It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not
It doesn't matter whether they succeed or fail, so long as they have each other.
We got each other and that's a lot for love
Their love is powerful, and all they need to get by.
We'll give it a shot"
They will try their best, despite the odds.
Whoa, we're half way there
They have journeyed through half of their struggle.
Whoa oh, livin' on a prayer
They are relying on hope and faith to get them through their struggle.
Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
Tommy assures Gina that as long as they are together, they will succeed.
Tommy's got his six string in hock, now he's holding in
Tommy has pawned his guitar, attempting to solve their financial problems.
What he used to make it talk so tough, ooh, it's tough
His guitar used to show off his toughness, but now Tommy is struggling.
Gina dreams of running away
Gina dreams of escaping from their troubles.
When she cries in the night, Tommy whispers
Tommy comforts Gina when she cries.
"Baby, it's okay, someday"
Tommy promises her that they will get through this struggle.
Oh, we've gotta hold on, ready or not
They must hang on and persevere, regardless of the challenges they face.
You live for the fight when that's all that you've got
They have no other choice but to persevere through their struggles.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jon Bon Jovi, Desmond Child, Richard S. Sambora
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@refferson4470
Once upon a time
Not so long ago
Tommy used to work on the docks
Union's been on strike
Hes 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"
whoa, we're half way there
whoa-oh, living on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear
whoa-oh, living 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"
Oh, we're half way there
whoa-oh, living on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear
whoa-oh, living on a prayer
Living on a prayer
We've got to hold on, ready or not
You live for the fight when that's all that you've got
Oh, we're half way there
whoa-oh, living on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear
whoa-oh living on a prayer
whoa, half way there
whoa-oh, living on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear
whoa-oh, living on a prayer
whoah, we're half way there
Whoah, living on a prayer
@vanilsonfelix4543
LETRA:
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
We're half way there
Livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear
Livin' on a prayer
Tommy got his six string in hock
Now he's holding in
When 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
We're half way there
Livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear
Livin' on a prayer
Livin' on a prayer
We've got to hold on ready or not
You live for the fight when that's all that you've got
We're half way there
Livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear
Livin' on a prayer
We're half way there
Livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear
Livin' on a prayer
@derdoctor99
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
@alexthegrape1000
Woah, we're halfway there!
Woah, lemon on a pear!
Woah, we're halfway there!
Woah, Lincoln on a bear!
Woah, we're halfway there!
Woah, the fresh prince of Bel Air
Woah, we're halfway there!
Woah, kitten on a stair!
Woah, we're halfway there!
Woah, wizard at a fair!
@fractaldimension4886
[[[02:46 02:55]]]
00:03 [00:14 00:18 00:20] 00:21 [00:31]
[00:38 00:43]
[02:40 02:44 02:46] 02:48 02:52 [[02:55 02:59]] 03:04
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 got each other, and that's a lot for love
We'll give-it-a shot"
Whoa, we're half way there
Oh-oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear
Oh-oh, 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, 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 got each other, and that's a lot for love
We'll give it a shot"
Oh, we're half way there
Oh-oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear
Woah-oh, livin' on a prayer
Livin' on a prayer
Ooh, we 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
@ZuzuMajewska
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
@user-xy7vy7ny6n
(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
Whoa, we're halfway there
Oh-oh, living on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear
Oh-oh, living 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
Whoa, we're halfway there
Oh-oh, living on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear
Oh-oh, living on a prayer
Living on a prayer
Ooh, we've got to hold on, ready or not
You live for the fight when that's all that you've got
Whoa, we're halfway there
Oh-oh, living on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear
Oh-oh, living on a prayer
Whoa, we're halfway there
Oh-oh, living on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear
Oh-oh, living on a prayer
Whoa, we're halfway there
Oh-oh, living on a prayer
Take my hand
@anneashley739
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 dinner 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 night 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
@melmiller6074
Bon Jovi - Livin' On A Prayer Lyrics:
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
Wooah
We're half way there
Woah-oh
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
Wooah
We're half way there
Woah-oh
Livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear
Woah-oh
Livin' on a prayer
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
Wooah
We're half way there
Woah-oh
Livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear
Woah-oh
Livin' on a prayer
Wooah
We're half way there
Woah-oh
Livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear
Woah-oh
Livin' on a prayer
Wooah
We're half way there
Written by: Jon Bon Jovi, Desmond Child, Richard Sambora
Album: This Left Feels Right
Released: 2003
Lyrics provided by Musixmatch
@TCelyneDian
Let's sing along
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
@dilminha9649
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
Oh, we're halfway there
Oh, oh, living on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear
Oh, oh, living 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
'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
Oh, we're halfway there
Oh, oh, living on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear
Oh, oh, living on a prayer
Living on a prayer
We've got to hold on, ready or not
You live for the fight when that's all that you've got
Oh, we're halfway there
Oh, oh, living on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear
Oh, oh, living on a prayer
Oh, halfway there
Oh, oh, living on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear
Oh, oh, living on a prayer
Oh, we're halfway there
Woah, living on a prayer
@lababypink863
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
💕💕💕
@classicrockplaylist888
Who’s here in 2024?
@inisaya3665
☝️
@ilkku239
Me
@ondrejgaluska8735
Me
@linanovaya
Me
@tesl-iw6hu
Me
@caseyco21707
If you're not born in this era but love this kind of music, welcome to the club.
@joxgi1877
This music has a complete different vibe
@mrmusic2291
Thanks😂
@heidygalan5704
Best music ever!!!