Rob Graham
Mr. Buckley
English 3
9/1/14
Livin’ on a Prayer Song Analysis
Bon Jovi’s 1986 hit “Livin’ on a Prayer” was a major success and gave the band their first Number 1 on the “Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks Chart” as well as giving the band their second consecutive #1 “Billboard Hot 100 hit”. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livin'_on_a_Prayer#Lyrical_interpretation) This song talks about a working class couple Gina and Tommy that struggle to make money while trying to keep their relationship alive, while also tying in the Union Strikes of the time.
Firstly, throughout this song one can see that Bon Jovi is referencing a working class couple when they state “Tommy used to work on the docks” and “Gina works the diner all day working for her