Livin' On a Prayer Lyrics - Bon Jovi

The song story is based on a hard-working couple, Tommy and Gina, who struggle to make ends meet and stay together despite their economic troubles. It speaks to the idea of the “American Dream” and how hard people are willing to work to achieve it.

{Verse No. 1}
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
Workin' for her man, she brings home her pay
For love
Mm, for love

In the first verse, Tommy used to work on the docks, which means he was employed at a dockyard, likely doing manual labour. Unfortunately, the Union has been on strike, meaning Tommy is out of a job and is having a tough time getting by. Gina works at a diner all day, presumably serving customers and likely cleaning up after them as well. She works hard to bring home her pay, which she does out of love for her partner, who may not have a job of his own. It's a difficult situation but one that many people find themselves in.

{Chorus}
Woah, we're halfway there
Woah-oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear
Woah-oh, livin' on a prayer

In the chorus lyrics the phrase "Woah, we're halfway there" is a metaphor for overcoming adversity and being halfway to achieving a goal. The phrase "livin' on a prayer" is about believing in yourself and having faith that things will work out, even when it seems like there is no hope. The singer is telling the other person to take his hand and believe that together they can make it through their challenges. This song is about perseverance and never giving up hope!

{Verse No. 2}
Tommy's got his six-string in hock
Now he's holdin' in, when he used to make it talk
So tough
Ooh, it's tough
Gina dreams of runnin' away
When she cries in the night, Tommy whispers
"Baby, it's okay
Someday"

The 2^nd verse's lyrics are talking about Tommy and Gina, who are both struggling with their current situation. Tommy has had to pawn his guitar, a source of joy and comfort for him, so he's feeling down and can't express his emotions as freely as he used to. Gina, on the other hand, is feeling so overwhelmed with her life that she wants to just run away - and Tommy is there to comfort her, reminding her that things will get better someday. It's a tough situation for them both, but they find strength and hope in each other.

The Complete Lyrics
[Intro]
Once upon a time, not so long ago

{Verse No. 1}
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
Workin' for her man, she brings home her pay
For love
Mm, for love
{Pre-Chorus}
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"

{Chorus}
Woah, we're halfway there
Woah-oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear
Woah-oh, livin' on a prayer

{Verse No. 2}
Tommy's got his six-string in hock
Now he's holdin' in, when he used to make it talk
So tough
Ooh, it's tough
Gina dreams of runnin' away
When she cries in the night, Tommy whispers
"Baby, it's okay
Someday"

{Pre-Chorus}
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

{Chorus}
Woah, we're halfway there
Woah-oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
Woah-oh, livin' on a prayer, livin' on a prayer

[Guitar Solo]

{Bridge}
Ooh, we gotta hold on, ready or not
You live for the fight when that's all that you've got

{Chorus}
Woah, we're halfway there
Woah-oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear
Woah-oh, livin' on a prayer
Woah, we're halfway there
Woah-oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear
Woah-oh, livin' on a prayer
Woah, we're halfway there
Woah-oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear
Woah-oh, livin' on a prayer