Released in 1986, 'Livin' On A Prayer' became one of Bon Jovi's most iconic rock anthems. Written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, the song tells the story of Tommy and Gina who face struggles but remain hopeful. Its relatable themes of resilience and love resonated widely, making it a staple at concerts and a symbol of 80s rock culture. The song's catchy chorus and narrative elements make it an excellent tool for learning English.
Lyrics
Livin' On A Prayer — Bon Jovi
English
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 got each other, and that's a lot for love
We'll give it a shot"
Oh, we're half way there
Oh-oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear
Oh-oh, 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, ooh, 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 got each other, and that's a lot for love
We'll give it a shot"
[Chorus]
Ooh, we gotta hold on, ready or not
You live for the fight when that's all that you've got
[Chorus] […]
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Grammar
What you learn from this song
Simple Past - Passado Simples
The Simple Past tense is used to describe actions that were completed in the past. It allows speakers to express events that no longer have relevance in the present. This tense is important for English learners to narrate stories and describe past experiences.
"Tommy used to work on the docks" — This line reflects Tommy's past job, showing a completed action in the past.
"Union's been on strike, he's down on his luck" — This line indicates ongoing consequences from past events affecting the present.
"Gina dreamed of running away" — 'Dreamed' is another example of a past event that has since concluded.
Simple Present - Presente Simples
The Simple Present tense is used to express habitual actions, general truths, or situations that are currently true. It is essential for English learners as it helps them describe routines and facts.
"Gina works the diner all day" — This line indicates a routine action that Gina performs regularly.
"It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not" — This statement expresses a general truth about their situation.
"We got each other, and that's a lot for love" — This line emphasizes a current state of being.
Fun facts
Did you know?
The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained there for four consecutive weeks, becoming one of the defining songs of the 1980s.
Bon Jovi co-wrote 'Livin' On A Prayer' with Desmond Child, who also collaborated with the band on several other successful tracks.
In 2000, 'Livin' On A Prayer' was certified double platinum by the RIAA, highlighting its enduring popularity and sales success.
The song has been covered by various artists, including Miley Cyrus and the cast of Glee, showcasing its cross-generational appeal.
It has often been used in media and pop culture, including films, TV shows, and sports events, reinforcing its status as a motivational anthem.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
This song is ideal for learning English due to its moderate vocabulary level and clear pronunciation, making it accessible to intermediate learners. The repetition of key phrases reinforces language retention, while the narrative structure helps students learn to connect emotions with words. Additionally, its themes of hope and determination provide context to the language, making it more relatable and engaging.
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