Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” is a hit single released in 1986. The single quickly reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. “Livin’ on a Prayer” went on to become the band’s signature song.

Fun Facts

• “Livin’ on a Prayer” is featured in Bon Jovi’s third album, Slippery When Wet.
• It was the band’s first song to hit #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart and was their second consecutive song to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 11. 
• The song was released by Mercury Record Label.
• The rock band was founded in 1983 in Sayreville, New Jersey, and still exists today. The original members were Jon Bovi Jovi, David Bryan, Tico Torres, Phil X, and Alec John Such.
• Founding bass player Alec John Such quit the band in 1994. He was significantly older than the other members and grew tired of life on the road. He was replaced by Hugh McDonald.
• As of August 2022, the music video of “Livin’ on a Prayer” has 945 million views.
• In 2013 the song had 3 million digital downloads and was declared a certified triple Platinum record.
• “Livin’ on a Prayer” was written by John Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and Desmond Child based on Bon Jovi and Child’s experience in the 1970s.  Phil X is an original member of the Bon Jovi rock band. He played the role of guitarist.
• In the song, Gina and Tommy have two children; Gina works at a diner while Tommy works on the docks. The couple is also referenced in Bon Jovi’s 2000 hit “It’s My Life.” 

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 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 halfway 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 halfway 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 halfway there

Woah, livin’ on a prayer

Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear

Woah, livin’ on a prayer

Woah, we’re halfway there

Woah, livin’ on a prayer

Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear

Woah, livin’ on a prayer

Woah, we’re halfway there

Woah, livin’ on a prayer

Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear

Woah, livin’ on a prayer