Livin on a Prayer tells the story of Tommy and Gina, a couple struggling to make ends meet amid economic challenges. The song highlights the importance of holding onto hope and the strength of love in tough times. It was inspired by the real-life experiences of the band members and people in their community, reflecting the struggles faced by the working class in the United States during the 1980s.
Key: E min
Introduction:
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(Once upon a time, not so long ago)
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Tommy used to work on the docks
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Union's been on strike. He's down on his luck
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It's tough, so tough.
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Gina works the diner all day
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Working for her man. She brings home her pay
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For love, for love.
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She says we've got to hold on to what we've got.
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It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not.
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We've got each other and that's a lot, for love.
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We'll give it a shot.
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Oh, we're halfway there, woah oh, livin' on a prayer.
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Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
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Woah oh, livin' on a prayer.
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Tommy's got his six string in hock.
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Now he's holding in, what he used to make it talk
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So tough, it's tough.
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Gina dreams of running away
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When she cries in the night, Tommy whispers:
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Baby it's O.K., some day.
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We've got to hold on to what we've got.
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It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not.
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We've got each other and that's a lot, for love.
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We'll give it a shot.
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Oh, we're halfway there, woah oh, livin' on a prayer.
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Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
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Woah oh, livin' on a prayer.
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Livin' on a prayer.
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Oooooooooh, we've got to hold on, ready or not.
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You live for the fight when that's all that you've got.