Don't Stop Believin'
Mickey Thomas And Starship Lyrics
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She took the midnight train goin' anywhere
Just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere
A singer in a smokey room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlights people, living just to find emotion
Hiding, somewhere in the night
Working hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin' anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on
Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlights people, living just to find emotion
Hiding, somewhere in the night
Don't stop believin'
Hold on to the feelin'
Streetlights people
Don't stop believin'
Hold on
Streetlight people
Don't stop believin'
Hold on to the feelin'
Streetlights people
The lyrics to Mickey Thomas and Starship's song "Don't Stop Believin'" tell the story of two people from different backgrounds who have taken the midnight train to escape from their lonely lives and find a better future. The first verse introduces the characters of the song - a small-town girl and a city boy from Detroit. The second verse describes the setting - a smokey room with the pungent aroma of cheap perfume and wine, where people go to escape the mundane routine of their lives. The chorus encourages listeners to hold on to their dreams and feelings, even in the face of adversity.
The bridge of the song, where the singer describes his own struggles, adds another layer of meaning to the lyrics. He talks about working hard to get ahead and the allure of taking risks for a shot at success. He acknowledges that not everyone will come out on top, but that perseverance is key. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the message of hope and determination.
The final verse returns to the imagery of the first two, with strangers wandering the boulevard searching for meaning and emotion. The "streetlight people" are both the people on the street and the band (formerly known as Jefferson Airplane) that's performing in the bar. The repeating chorus is a call to not give up hope, to hold onto the feeling of possibility that's driving the characters' journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world
A girl from a small town, leading a lonely life
She took the midnight train goin' anywhere
She boarded a train at midnight without knowing the destination
Just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit
A boy from South Detroit, who grew up in the city
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere
He also boarded a train at midnight, unsure of where it would take him
A singer in a smokey room
A musician performing in a dimly lit venue
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
There's a strong aroma of cheap scent and wine
For a smile they can share the night
To enjoy the night, all they need is a smile
It goes on and on and on and on
The night feels endless and never-ending
Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard
Unknown people waiting around on the street
Their shadows searching in the night
Their shadows are wandering around in the dark looking for something
Streetlights people, living just to find emotion
People under the streetlight, searching for an emotional connection
Hiding, somewhere in the night
Their emotions are somewhere concealed in the darkness
Working hard to get my fill
Trying hard to satisfy myself
Everybody wants a thrill
Everyone desires some excitement
Payin' anything to roll the dice
Ready to gamble everything for some fun
Just one more time
Wishing for another chance
Some will win, some will lose
Some will be successful, some won't
Some were born to sing the blues
Some individuals are naturally inclined to sorrowful situations
Oh, the movie never ends
Life is like an everlasting movie
It goes on and on and on and on
Life moves on endlessly
Don't stop believin'
Don't give up on hope
Hold on to the feelin'
Keep that optimistic feeling alive
Streetlights people
Individuals gathered under street lights
Don't stop believin'
Remain optimistic
Hold on
Keep holding on to hope
Streetlight people
People under the streetlight
Don't stop believin'
Never lose faith
Hold on to the feelin'
Hold on to hope and optimism
Streetlights people
People finding hope together under the streetlights
Lyrics Ā© Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jonathan Cain, Stephen Ray Perry, Neal Joseph Schon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@CiscoDuck
This is really Mickey Thomas! Here's the info from AllMusic with their review of the album:
Various Artists An '80s Metal Tribute to Journey
Tribute albums are a tricky business. On one hand, if an artist interprets a familiar song in a fresh way he or she can be accused of ruining a classic. On the other, if an artist re-creates the familiar song note for note he or she can be accused of having no imagination. It's a no-win situation. Released in 2006, An '80s Metal Tribute to Journey features new recordings of 13 beloved songs from the peak of Journey's gigantic mainstream success with vocalist Steve Perry. The stars here are vocalists, but many of them are more in the '70s arena rock and AOR vein than '80s metal. However, this fact just proves how the lines separating genres can be blurred. The biggest names among the featured vocalists are Mickey Thomas (Jefferson Starship, Starship), Bobby Kimball (Toto), Kip Winger (Winger), Tommy Shaw (Styx, Damn Yankees), Jack Russell (Great White), Robin McAuley (MSG), Kelly Hansen (Hurricane, Foreigner), and John Corabi (Mƶtley CrĆ¼e, Ratt). Musically speaking, the arrangements of virtually all of the songs are so close to the originals that it's scary. (There are crunchy, '80s-style rhythm guitar extras here and there.) Half of An '80s Metal Tribute to Journey was produced and performed -- with the exception of drums -- by former Yes member Billy Sherwood. He has previously produced AC/DC, Queen, and Pink Floyd tribute albums, among others. Ultimately, An '80s Metal Tribute to Journey lives or dies by the vocalists. Given Perry's distinctive style, the special guests had their work cut out for them. Sometimes a few of them strain to reach Perry's range, but they usually sound like themselves. Kimball tackles "Who's Crying Now," Winger handles "Send Her My Love" quite well, Shaw treats "Open Arms" respectfully, Russell cuts loose on "Any Way You Want It," and Hansen adds extra muscle to "Wheel in the Sky" and "Separate Ways." As for the less famous participants, Mark Knight of Worry Beads takes a slightly subdued yet interesting approach to "Only the Young," while Stevie Rachelle of Tuff offers a straightforward version of "Lights." Considering that Rachelle eventually came forward as the creator of the infamous, metal-mocking website Metal Sludge, shouldn't he rip himself for simply being a part of this album? An '80s Metal Tribute to Journey, despite the partially inaccurate title, should appeal to fans of Journey and the guest vocalists.
Track Listing
Title/ComposerPerformerTime
Don't Stop Believin' Mickey Thomas 4:15
Who's Crying Now Bobby Kimball 5:07
Send Her My Love Kip Winger 3:46
Open Arms Jonathan Cain / Steve Perry Tommy Shaw 3:20
Any Way You Want It Jack Russell 3:08
Faithfully Robin McAuley 4:29
Wheel in the Sky Kelly Hansen 4:18
Girl Can't Help It John Corabi 3:50
Only the Young Jonathan Cain / Neal Schon Mark Knight 4:12
Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' Chaz West 3:51
Be Good to Yourself Ralph Saenz 4:02
Lights Stevie Rachelle 3:14
Separate Ways Kelly Hansen 4:54
@daveyatsko3990
Mickey is probably the MOST UNDERATED singer, he doesn't get the respect that others in his generation get even though he still out there! And actually sounding great still!!
@jaSmith-fh8pi
Mickey Thomas and Steve Perry, two of the greatest voices I've ever heard.
@MrFreevo
Yeeeaaaaahhhh!!
@TheLeylander
šÆWell said .
@zamgoods
I didn't know how powerful and moving his voice was until today. I slept on this one. Regretably.
@DAVEBLISS2007
One of the greatest voices in Rock.
@Wilke_1
What a great voice, thanks Mickey God bless you.
@marjunmusic
Mickey is one the best vocal range.
@jimflys2
And the cool thing, Micky is still doing it and still has the range in 2022. A very nice vocal timbre in his voice.
@palmbeachasmr
And Iām sure Mickey will still have that wide vocal range this year and many more years to come.