Raise Your Hands
Bon Jovi Lyrics


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You, you got a nasty reputation
We're in a sticky situation, it's down to me and you
So tell me, is it true, they say there ain't nobody better
Well now that we're together
Show me what you can do
You're under the gun out on the run
Gonna set the night on fire
You're out on the run under the gun
And playin' to win

(Raise your hands) when you want to let it go
(Raise your hands) when you want to let a feeling show
(Raise your hands) from New York to Chicago
(Raise your hands) from New Jersey to Tokyo
Oh oh raise your hands

I, I've been out on the front line
Where you'll go down if you waste time
They'll walk all over you
But I, I ain't here looking for surrender
I'll raise the flag if you'll defend her
It's up to you
You're under the gun out on the run
Gonna set the night on fire
You're out on the run Under the gun
Playin' to win

You got to (raise your hands) when you want to let it go
(Raise your hands) when you want to let a feeling show
(Raise your hands) from New York to Chicago
(Raise your hands) from New Jersey to Tokyo
Oh oh raise your hands
Oh oh raise your hands
Oh alright let's go

Raise your hands
Raise your hands
(Raise your hands) when you want to let it go
(Raise your hands) when you want to let a feeling show
(Raise your hands) from New York to Chicago
(Raise your hands) from New Jersey to Tokyo
Oh oh raise your hands

(Raise your hands) New York
(Raise your hands) Detroit
(Raise your hands) Vancouver
(Raise your hands) hey London
(Raise your hands) Sayreville, New Jersey




(Raise your hands) Phoenix
(Raise your hands)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bon Jovi's song Raise Your Hands speak to living life to the fullest and taking control of your destiny. The song begins by acknowledging a negative reputation, and a difficult situation, but then urges the listener to overcome this and show their potential. The lyrics emphasise that life can be tough and often seems like a battle, but to succeed you have to put yourself out there and take risks. The chorus is a call to action to raise your hands and embrace life and experiences.


The lyrics are also noteworthy for the way they connect people from all over the world, from New York to Chicago, New Jersey to Tokyo. The song encourages us to join together in our passion for living, regardless of location.


Musically, Raise Your Hands is a high-energy rock song with a driving beat and catchy guitar riffs. The song's upbeat tempo and anthemic chorus make it a popular concert closer and a fan favourite. The song's audience participation parts with the "raise your hands" chorus make it an interactive number that fans can get involved with.


Line by Line Meaning

You, you got a nasty reputation
You have a notorious reputation that can cause problems.


We're in a sticky situation, it's down to me and you
We're in a tough spot, and it's just the two of us against the world.


So tell me, is it true, they say there ain't nobody better
I've heard that you're the best, is that really true?


Well now that we're together
Now that we're working together to overcome our problems,


Show me what you can do
Show me how skilled you truly are.


You're under the gun out on the run
You're under pressure, and you have to keep moving.


Gonna set the night on fire
We're going to light up the night and create excitement.


And playin' to win
We're focused on winning and will do whatever it takes.


(Raise your hands) when you want to let it go
Express yourself by raising your hands, letting go of your inhibitions.


(Raise your hands) when you want to let a feeling show
Show how you feel by raising your hands, owning your emotions.


(Raise your hands) from New York to Chicago
Raise your hands whether you're in New York or Chicago, anywhere in between.


(Raise your hands) from New Jersey to Tokyo
Raise your hands regardless of your location, whether it's New Jersey or Tokyo.


I, I've been out on the front line
I've been fighting on the front lines, risking everything to overcome adversity.


Where you'll go down if you waste time
You can't afford to waste time if you want to succeed, every moment counts.


They'll walk all over you
Others will take advantage of you if you're not proactive in your life.


But I, I ain't here looking for surrender
I refuse to give up or surrender, no matter what obstacles come my way.


I'll raise the flag if you'll defend her
I'll take charge if you'll support me in my efforts to overcome the challenges.


It's up to you
You have to make a choice, whether you'll support me or not.


Oh oh raise your hands
Raise your hands and celebrate our mutual commitment and success.


Raise your hands
Reinforcing the importance of being proactive and demonstrating commitment to success.


(Raise your hands) New York
Keep raising your hands, and it doesn't matter whether you're in New York or not.


(Raise your hands) Detroit
Regardless of your current location, raise your hands in celebration of our commitment.


(Raise your hands) Vancouver
Celebrating our success and commitment, whether you're in Vancouver or not.


(Raise your hands) hey London
Everyone, no matter where they're located, should celebrate with us by raising their hands.


(Raise your hands) Sayreville, New Jersey
Even if you're in a small town like Sayreville, New Jersey, celebrate our success by raising your hands.


(Raise your hands) Phoenix
No matter where you're at, raise your hands in celebration of our goal accomplishments.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RICHARD SAMBORA, JON BON JOVI

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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