“Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi was released in 1986 as the second single from their album Slippery When Wet. Written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child, the song became an anthem for the working class with its powerful lyrics about perseverance and hope. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of Bon Jovi’s signature songs, celebrated for its catchy chorus and uplifting message.

Did You Know:

• “Livin’ on a Prayer” was released in 1986 from the Slippery When Wet album.
• The song’s lyrics were inspired by the struggles of everyday life, following the story of a couple trying to make ends meet.
• It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Bon Jovi’s most iconic hits.
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🎶 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

Once upon a time 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
For love, for love

She says, “We’ve gotta 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.”

Whoa, we’re half-way there
Whoa, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand, we’ll make it. I swear
Whoa, 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 gotta 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

Whoa, we’re half-way there
Whoa, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand and we’ll make it. I swear
Whoa, livin’ on a prayer

Livin’ on a prayer

We’ve gotta hold on ready or not
You live for the fight when it’s all that you’ve got

Whoa, we’re half-way there
Whoa, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand and we’ll make it, I swear
Whoa, livin’ on a prayer

Whoa, we’re half-way there
Whoa, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand and we’ll make it, I swear
Whoa, livin’ on a prayer