Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ (Official Audio)
Inspiration Behind Don’t Stop Believin’:
When the timing is right, sound advice can serve as a launching pad. The advice given by Jonathan Cain’s father when his son was struggling as a musician led to the formation of Journey’s most iconic hit. The actual words spoken to Jonathan were Don’t Stop Believing or you’re done. Self-belief is what can keep artists going during times of disappointment, failure and setbacks. Without this mentality, Don’t Stop Believin’ wouldn’t be a song and no one would have ever heard of the group Journey.
Biblical Application:
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,” John 20:26-29.
Exegesis of Don’t Stop Believin’:
Just a small-town girl, livin’ in a lonely world
She took the midnight train going anywhere
Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train going anywhere
Starting off with a girl who was lost and lonely. A life void of vision. Transitions to a city boy who took the same train, not sure where he was going in life.
A singer in a smokey room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile, they can share the night
It goes on, and on, and on, and on
Perhaps referring to Jonathon’s early years as a struggling musician living in Los Angeles. This is where this boy and girl meet.
Strangers waitin’ up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searchin’ in the night
Streetlights, people, livin’ just to find emotion
Hidin’ somewhere in the night
Signs of people living in this world without much hope or promise.
Workin’ hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin’ anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Working hard to find a better future. Searching for excitement. This involves taking chances, maybe even gambling.
Some’ll win, some will lose
Some are born to sing the blues
More people lose than win. This leads many to live in poverty throughout their lives.
Whoa, the movie never ends
It goes on, and on, and on, and on
Some trials in life never seem to end.
Strangers waitin’ up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searchin’ in the night
Streetlights, people livin’ just to find emotion
Hidin’ somewhere in the night
A sad reality of people that don’t experience much success in life. Left to live in obscurity.
Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to that feelin’
Streetlights, people
When belief disappears, your career is finished.
Don’t stop believin’
Hold on
Streetlights, people
Stay optimistic.
Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to that feelin’
Streetlights, people
Keep your head up and don’t lose hope.
Final Thoughts:
I was in Junior High when Don’t Stop Believin’ was released. I battled depression for 4 years, struggling to find my place in life. This song would be played every hour on the local radio station, sometimes at the exact same time each hour. Since I didn’t really get into music until 8th grade, my emotional state was like riding on a roller coaster. However, now that I know the inspiration behind Don’t Stop Believin’, I have a better appreciation for this song. Belief gives individuals a reason to get up each day. Yet when belief fades, so do aspiration, dreams and vision for a prosperous life. Therefore, don’t stop believing.
by Jay Mankus
