Livin' on a Prayer
Karma Lyrics


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Once upon a time
Not so long ago

Tommy used to work on the docks
Unions been on strike
Hes down on his luck...its tough, so tough
Gina works the diner all day
Working for her man, she brings home her pay
For love - for love

She says weve got to hold on to what weve got
Cause it doesnt make a difference
If we make it or not
Weve got each other and thats a lot
For love - well give it a shot

Chorus:
Whooah, were half way there
Livin on a prayer
Take my hand and well make it - I swear
Livin on a prayer

Tommys got his six string in hock
Now hes holding in what he used
To make it talk - so tough, its tough
Gina dreams of running away
When she cries in the night
Tommy whispers baby its okay, someday

Weve got to hold on to what weve got
Cause it doesnt make a difference
If we make it or not
Weve got each other and thats a lot
For love - well give it a shot

Chorus

Weve got to hold on ready or not
You live for the fight when its all that youve got





Chorus

Overall Meaning

The song "Livin' On A Prayer" by Bon Jovi's Karma tells a story of Tommy and Gina, a working-class couple who are struggling to make ends meet. The song starts by introducing the characters and their current situation - Tommy used to work on the docks, but the union is on strike, leaving him with no job and no income. Gina works as a waitress to provide for the couple, and even though the situation is challenging, they are doing it all for their love. They believe that they will be able to make it through these tough times by holding on to what they've got - each other.


The chorus is the most memorable part of the song, with its rock-inspired "Whooah, we're halfway there, Livin' on a prayer" lines. It is an anthem that speaks to the strength of the couple's love and their determination to make it through anything. The lyrics go on to describe how they plan to make it through tough times - by relying on each other and never giving up. The song ends with the powerful statement that they will continue to fight for their love, no matter what: "You live for the fight when it's all that you've got."


Overall, "Livin' On A Prayer" is a song that celebrates the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a timeless classic that has become an anthem for anyone who is facing challenges in life.


Line by Line Meaning

Once upon a time
In the past, before the events of this story


Not so long ago
Relatively recently, but still in the past


Tommy used to work on the docks
Tommy used to work at a physically demanding job


Unions been on strike
The worker's union was protesting or refusing to work


Hes down on his luck...its tough, so tough
Tommy is experiencing difficult times and feeling unlucky


Gina works the diner all day
Gina works long hours at a restaurant


Working for her man, she brings home her pay
Gina is supporting her significant other by providing income


For love - for love
Gina is motivated by her love for her partner


She says weve got to hold on to what weve got
Gina advises to appreciate and value what they currently have


Cause it doesnt make a difference
The outcome of their struggles will not change this fact


If we make it or not
Whether they succeed or fail


Weve got each other and thats a lot
The love and support they provide each other is valuable


For love - well give it a shot
They will try their best for the sake of their love


Chorus:
Refrain of the song


Whooah, were half way there
They are halfway to their goal or destination


Livin on a prayer
They are surviving only through hope and faith


Take my hand and well make it - I swear
Tommy promises to help and support Gina


Tommys got his six string in hock
Tommy pawned or sold his guitar for money


Now hes holding in what he used
Tommy is keeping his musical talent to himself


To make it talk - so tough, its tough
It was difficult for Tommy to make his guitar "talk", or produce music


Gina dreams of running away
Gina wishes to escape her current situation


When she cries in the night
Gina expresses her emotions when she is alone and vulnerable


Tommy whispers baby its okay, someday
Tommy comforts Gina and assures her that things will improve


Weve got to hold on to what weve got
They must remain steadfast and not give up


Cause it doesnt make a difference
Their future is not yet determined


If we make it or not
Regardless of their success or failure


Weve got each other and thats a lot
Their love and support for each other is a strength


For love - well give it a shot
They will try their best for their love


Chorus
Refrain of the song


Weve got to hold on ready or not
They must persist, whether they are prepared or not


You live for the fight when its all that youve got
When life is a struggle, you must find motivation in perseverance


Chorus
Refrain of the song




Contributed by Christopher E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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