Don't Stop Believin'
Mary J. Blige & Julianne Hough Lyrics

Just a small town girl
There was a girl who lived in a small town

Livin' in a lonely world
She was feeling isolated and unsupported

She took the midnight train goin' anywhere
She decided to take a risk and leave her home without a specific destination

Just a city boy
There was a boy who grew up in a city

Born and raised in south Detroit
He grew up in a specific neighborhood in Detroit

He took the midnight train goin' anywhere
He also decided to take a risk and leave his home without a specific destination

A singer in a smoky room
There was a person singing in a crowded and probably unpleasant space

A smell of wine and cheap perfume
The atmosphere was not very classy, and it smelled of alcohol and low-quality scents

For a smile they can share the night
The singer may be performing just for one smile, trying to connect with someone who's feeling the same isolation as they are

It goes on and on, and on, and on
This could be happening indefinitely without a clear end in sight

Strangers waiting
There were people waiting who did not know each other

Up and down the boulevard
They were waiting on a busy street

Their shadows searching in the night
They were pacing back and forth, restless

Streetlights, people
The people were represented by the streetlights, shining small beacons of hope in the darkness

Living just to find emotion
People may be looking for anything to feel a sense of connection or purpose in their lives

Hiding somewhere in the night
This emotion may be elusive and not easy to find, hiding in the shadows

Working hard to get my fill
People are pursuing something that they believe can fulfill them, whether that's money, success, or love

Everybody wants a thrill
There's a universal human desire for excitement and joy

Payin' anything to roll the dice
People might be taking risks and making sacrifices without even knowing what they'll get in return

Just one more time
They might be addicted to the thrill and chasing it over and over

Some will win, some will lose
This is a game of chance, and not everyone will come out on top

Some were born to sing the blues
Some people may be destined to experience disappointment and sadness, no matter how hard they try to escape it

Oh, the movie never ends
This cycle of trying and failing is endless, and can feel like a never-ending story

Don't stop believin'
Despite all of this, it's important to keep hope alive and never give up

Hold on to the feelin'
Hold on to the idea that things can change for the better, and don't let go of that hope

Streetlights, people
Focus on the small things, like the people in your life and the moments of joy that can be found in the darkness

Don't stop believin'
Keep pushing forward and don't give up on your dreams, no matter how impossible they seem

Hold on
Don't let go of your grip on hope and perseverance

Streetlights, people
In the midst of the darkness and uncertainty, remember that there are still people shining their light and hope can still exist