Livin' On A Prayer
James Jordan Lyrics
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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
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
Whooah, we're half way there
Livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear
Livin' on a prayer
Tommy's got his six string in hock
Now he's holding in what he used
To make it talk, o 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
Whooah, 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
Whooah, we're half way there
Livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear
Livin' on a prayer
The lyrics of James Jordan's song "Livin' On A Prayer" tell the story of two people, Tommy and Gina, who are facing financial struggles but are determined to hold on to what they have and make it work. Tommy used to work on the docks but is currently out of work due to a union strike, and Gina works all day at a diner to support the both of them. Despite their hardships, they remind each other that they have each other and that's enough to give it a shot. They believe that even if they don't make it, they still have each other and that's all that matters.
The lyrics convey a message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. They emphasize the importance of love and having someone to lean on during difficult times. The chorus "We're half way there, livin' on a prayer" is a metaphor for their situation, as they are not quite where they want to be, but they are holding on to hope and faith that things will work out. The line "You live for the fight when it's all that you've got" highlights their determination to keep going even when things get tough.
Overall, the lyrics of "Livin' On A Prayer" encourage listeners to not give up in hard times and to hold on to what's important, whether it's love, family, faith, or hope.
Line by Line Meaning
Once upon a time
There was a time in the past
Not so long ago
Not too far back in time
Tommy used to work on the docks
Tommy worked at the dockyard in the past
Union's been on strike
The labor union has been on strike
He's down on his luck, it's tough, so tough
Tommy has suffered a string of bad luck that has been difficult for him
Gina works the diner all day
Gina is employed at the diner and works there throughout the day
Working for her man, she brings home her pay
She works to take care of her man and brings home her earnings
For love, for love
She works for the love she has for her partner
She says we've got to hold on to what we've got
Gina urges Tommy to hold on to what they have
'Cause it doesn't make a difference
If we make it or not
It doesn't matter if they are successful or not
We've got each other and that's a lot
For love, we'll give it a shot
Despite everything, they have each other and are willing to keep trying for love
Whooah, we're half way there
Livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear
Livin' on a prayer
They have made it halfway and need to rely on hope and faith to survive
Tommy's got his six string in hock
Now he's holding in what he used
To make it talk, o tough, it's tough
Tommy has pawned his guitar and misses what it used to do for him
Gina dreams of running away
When she cries in the night
Tommy whispers baby it's okay, someday
Gina wishes to escape from their situation, but Tommy assures her things will get better
We've got to hold on to what we've got
'Cause it doesn't make a difference
If we make it or not
They still need to hold on and keep going despite the odds against them
We've got each other and that's a lot
For love, we'll give it a shot
Their love is worth fighting for - they are ready to give it their best shot
Whooah, we're half way there
Livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear
Livin' on a prayer
They need to rely on faith and hold on to each other to make it
We've got to hold on ready or not
You live for the fight when it's all that you've got
Even if they are unprepared, they must hold on and fight for what they believe is important
Whooah, we're half way there
Livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear
Livin' on a prayer
With hope and faith, they will make it 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