Livin’ On A Prayer – English Lyrics

• By: Bon Jovi

Lyrics & Translation

If you want to delve into English through a song that embodies resilience and unity, "Livin' On A Prayer" is a perfect choice. This Bon Jovi classic tells a powerful story of love and perseverance, making its lyrics relatable and memorable. You can learn common phrases for struggle and hope, and its anthemic chorus offers a fantastic opportunity to practice English pronunciation and rhythm with a truly iconic rock song that has touched generations worldwide.

[English]

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

Mmm, 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"

Oh, we're half way there

Oh-oh, livin' on a prayer

Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear

Whoa-oh, livin' on a prayer

(instrumental)

Ooh, we gotta hold on, ready or not

You live for the fight when that's all that you've got

Whoa, we're half way there

Whoa-oh, livin' on a prayer

Take my hand, and we'll make it, I swear

Whoa-oh, livin' on a prayer

Whoa, we're half way there

Whoa-oh, livin' on a prayer

Take my hand, and we'll make it, I swear

Whoa-oh, livin' on a prayer

Whoa, we're half way there

Whoa-oh, livin' on a prayer

Take my hand, and we'll make it, I swear

Whoa-ah

(instrumental)

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
work /wɜːrk/ A1	verb - to be employed noun - activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result.
tough /tʌf/ B1	adjective - difficult; requiring a lot of effort or determination
day /deɪ/ A1	noun - a period of 24 hours
man /mæn/ A1	noun - an adult male human being
love /lʌv/ A1	noun - an intense feeling of deep affection. verb - feel deep affection for (someone)
hold /həʊld/ A2	verb - grasp, have, or keep (something) in one's hands; keep possession of.
got /ɡɒt/ A1	verb - past tense of get
difference /ˈdɪfərəns/ B1	noun - a point or respect in which people or things are not the same.
shot /ʃɒt/ B1	noun - an attempt to do something
half /hɑːf/ A2	adjective - amounting to a half noun - one of two equal parts
prayer /preər/ A2	noun - a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or an object of worship.
hand /hænd/ A1	noun - the end part of a person's arm beyond the wrist, including the fingers and thumb
swear /sweər/ B1	verb - utter (a word or words) as an oath; promise
dreams /driːmz/ A2	noun - a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal
away /əˈweɪ/ A1	adverb - to or at a distance from a particular place, person, or thing
night /naɪt/ A1	noun - the period of darkness in each 24 hours; the time from sunset to sunrise.
fight /faɪt/ A2	noun - a physical or verbal conflict. verb - take part in a struggle.