Livin' on a Prayer
Bon Jovi Feat. Olivia d'Abo Lyrics

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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, 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

Overall Meaning

The song "Livin’ On A Prayer" by Bon Jovi feat. Olivia d'Abo is about a couple named Tommy and Gina who are struggling to make ends meet. Tommy used to work on the docks, but the union has been on strike, leaving him without a job and down on his luck. Gina is working at a diner all day, barely earning enough to support themselves. Despite their struggles, they are determined to hold on to what they have, which is each other. They take comfort in the fact that they have someone to rely on, even if everything else in their lives is uncertain. The song's refrain, "Woah, livin' on a prayer," serves as a reminder that they are holding on to hope and to each other, even when things seem impossible.

Tommy's six-string is a symbol of his past music career, and the fact that it is in hock means that he is struggling to make ends meet financially. Gina's dreams of running away show that she feels trapped in her current situation and longs for something better. However, Tommy is there to comfort her and tell her that someday things will be okay. The song is ultimately about the power of love and the determination to hold on to hope even when everything else seems lost.

Overall, "Livin’ On A Prayer" is an anthem about perseverance in difficult times and the importance of having someone to lean on during those times.

Line by Line Meaning

Once upon a time not so long ago
In the past, not too far back in time

Tommy used to work on the docks, union's been on strike
Tommy was a dock worker whose union was protesting

He's down on his luck, it's tough, so tough
His fortunes are down and he's struggling

Gina works the diner all day working for her man
Gina is employed at a restaurant, where she works tirelessly

She brings home her pay, for love, for love
She does it all for love, to support her partner

She says, we've got to hold on to what we've got
She reminds Tommy that they should focus on what they have

It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not
Success or failure doesn't matter, as long as they have each other

We've got each other and that's a lot for love
Their love for each other is worth a lot, despite their circumstances

We'll give it a shot
They'll try their best to make things work out

Woah, we're half way there
They're halfway to their goal

Woah, livin' on a prayer
They're living on faith and hope

Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
Tommy promises Gina that they'll succeed together

Tommy's got his six-string in hock
Tommy has pawned his guitar to make money

Now he's holding in what he used to make it talk
He's keeping his feelings to himself, instead of expressing them through music

So tough, it's tough
Their situation is exceedingly difficult

Gina dreams of running away
Gina desires to escape her difficult life

When she cries in the night, Tommy whispers
Tommy comforts and supports Gina when she's in distress

Baby, it's okay, someday
Tommy encourages Gina to keep going, because things will get better eventually

Oh, we've got to hold on, ready or not
They need to keep persevering, whether they're prepared or not

You live for the fight when it's all that you've got
Their challenges motivate them to keep pushing

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

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