Livin' on a Prayer
Jordan James Lyrics
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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'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
In Jordan James's "Livin' On A Prayer," the lyrics depict a story of a man named Tommy who used to work on the docks but is currently facing challenging times after the union's strike. On the other hand, Tommy's girlfriend, Gina, works as a diner waitress, struggling to support her man financially. However, despite the tough times, they both have the love they share and the determination to hold on to each other to survive.
The chorus implies that they are halfway through their struggle and are still "livin' on a prayer." The second verse reveals that Tommy had to pawn his guitar which he used to make a living, while Gina dreams of escaping their situation. However, they both encourage each other and promise to hold on to each other through the struggle.
In essence, the song encourages holding on to love and hope despite difficult times. It teaches that one can survive anything as long as they have love and the determination to push through the struggle. The song's upbeat tune and catchy chorus add to its effectiveness as an anthem of hope and perseverance.
Line by Line Meaning
Once upon a time not so long ago
This story happened just a short while back
Tommy used to work on the docks, union's been on strike
Tommy was a dock-hand and was affected by the ongoing labor dispute
He's down on his luck, it's tough, so tough
Tommy is in a bad situation, and things are really difficult
Gina works the diner all day working for her man
Gina is employed as a waitress, and her man likely works elsewhere
She brings home her pay, for love, for love
She works hard to provide for her and her man, as a result of their love for each other
She says, we've got to hold on to what we've got
Gina knows that they need to cling to what they have in order to survive
It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not
Surviving or prospering might not be possible, but they'll still try their best
We've got each other and that's a lot for love
They may not have much, but their love for each other is a valuable thing
We'll give it a shot
They'll try their hardest and see what happens
Woah, we're half way there
They've already come a long way in their struggles
Woah, livin' on a prayer
Their future is uncertain, and they're relying on their faith and prayers to make it through
Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
Tommy reassures Gina that they'll find a way to make it through together
Tommy's got his six-string in hock
Tommy pawned his guitar to make ends meet
Now he's holding in what he used to make it talk
Tommy is keeping his thoughts and emotions to himself, instead of expressing them through music
So tough, it's tough
Their situation is incredibly hard and stressful
Gina dreams of running away
Gina imagines escaping from their difficult life
When she cries in the night, Tommy whispers
Tommy comforts Gina when she's upset and crying at night
Baby, it's okay, someday
Tommy reassures Gina that things will get better in the future
Oh, we've got to hold on, ready or not
No matter what happens, they have to persevere and keep fighting
You live for the fight when it's all that you've got
When your back is against the wall, you have to fight as hard as you can to stay alive
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RICHARD SAMBORA, DESMOND CHILD, JON BON JOVI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind