Bon Jovi: Living on a Prayer Meaning

Living on a Prayer 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...

1. 1TOP RATED

   #1 top rated interpretation:
   closer

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   Aug 30th 2008 !⃝

   My personal opinion is that this song is about life love and hope. Tommy and Gina are just characters who symbolizes the general public, the song is about holding on to hope and understanding that emotions such as love can pull people through many situations.

2. 2TOP RATED

   #2 top rated interpretation:
   username

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   Aug 1st 2005 !⃝

   This is kind of like a blue-collar anthem. It's about a couple who is struggling financially. "Gina works a diner all day..." "union been on strike....hes down on his luck" They mention the couple in their 2000 single "It's My Life"

3. 3TOP RATED

   #3 top rated interpretation:
   abz

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   Apr 21st 2006 !⃝

   I think there's more to this song than the story of just one couples struggle. It's a message out to us all, that there are other people out there with problems but they pull through. The song is telling us to stick at your problems and you'll get what you want eventually!
4. anonymous

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   Jul 18th 2017 !⃝

   This song is about Desmound Child's early life. His real name is Johny and was changed to Tommy as Jon did not want to sing his name in the song.
5. anonymous

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   Aug 10th 2013 !⃝

   Just about hope, love, and holding onto a prayer.
6. anonymous

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   Nov 24th 2011 !⃝

   the song may be representing the control the government have on people and how we react to it. The song could also so be showing the division in social class and how the lives of people around the world are. Funny how the song has still influence on modern day society than it did all those years ago. Sorta makes us seem that we haven't evolved much in politics...
7. anonymous

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   Oct 14th 2011 !⃝

   i think it is about to African slaves trying to get through life together.

   This interpretation has been marked as poor. view anyway
8. anonymous

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   May 22nd 2011 !⃝

   Basically he is sort of symbolizing hope through this scenerio of the couple Gina and Tom. Like when times get tough never give up, and make the best of it. This is demonstrated in the chorus "ohhhh, we're halfway there, woahh liven on a prayer". tommy is reassuring Gina that their going to make it somehow; as long as their together. which connects to many people out there in life; the more you strive through situtaions "on a goal-oriented note" note. the faster you might be able to reach what you aim for. Just dont lose hope. =D (hopes this helps)
9. anonymous

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   Sep 9th 2010 !⃝

   I think the meaning is that the couple don't care what happens as long as they are together.
10. Surfer_Coyote

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    Oct 11th 2007 !⃝

    It's about a couple with mullets, from New Jersey, who drive a beat up Camaro and don't have enough money to pay the rent on their roach infested trailer.
11. anonymous

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    Oct 1st 2007 !⃝

    If any of you saw the 1989 VMAs, then you would have heard an explanation...apparently Jon's brother had a scholarship for baseball and that was his chance to get out of where they were living, but turns out Jon's brother's girlfriend was pregnant, and that was the inspiration for Jon to write this song. Apparently that is why he doesn't like this song and didn't want to include it....but I'm sure there are other reasons why he doesn't enjoy this song as much. Men of BON JOVI rock my world!
12. abab

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    Apr 24th 2007 !⃝

    I feel that these kids have grown up with parents who did not notice or feel what hey felt these two kids were ignored and abused mentally. These young kids gave prayers to the lord everyday and wished for a new life. When there prayers came true they screamed we're livin on a prayer. I am a writer and I have met Jovi. He has giving us his personal and critical meaning of the song.
13. anonymous

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    Apr 24th 2007 !⃝

    I think this song is about two kids growing up with sad times in their mines. I feel that his song shows what there parents did to them. I feel Thta these kids are screaming what they want. There prayers finally came true and tey were set free. I researched and met Jovi and we had a conversation about his song. This has really impacted the way young minds feel at a critical age.

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