Bon Jovi has always been one of my favorite bands. I know that a lot of people consider them a commercial, soft band, but for me, they represent positive thinking, and their music and lyrics give me strength when times get hard.
When I feel down or when I’ve listened to some other darker bands, I have to listen to a couple of Bon Jovi’s songs to cheer me up again.
I’ve seen them playing live 3 times, all of them in Santiago, Chile (2010, 2013, and 2017). The first two, with Richie Sambora, and the last one, with Phil X, their current guitarist. Phil X is a great musician, but seeing Bon Jovi with Richie Sambora is just something special, like watching other rock magic couples such as Lennon – McCartney, Jagger – Richards, etc.
There has been a rumor, for a long time, but now it seems to get real, that maybe Richie is going to return to the band and Phil X would also stay, so the band could have two guitar players. That would be so awesome. I hope that happens soon.
It’s My Life
This is one of their most popular songs, at least since the 2000s. It was released as part of the album Crush, in June 2000.
The Lyrics
The song inspires you to continue, and never give up, even when things get tough, and celebrates people with this spirit, that carries on, no matter what.
It speaks about Tommy and Gina, referring to that couple on Livin’ On A Prayer (another iconic band song). They are fictional but were inspired by Desmond Child, American songwriter, and producer, who was a taxi driver (before working in the music industry) and his girlfriend Maria Vidal, who worked as a waitress. Tommy and Gina also represents the struggling man and woman that keeps on going in the hope of a brighter future. They reappear on It’s My Life as a strong pair, as the song says “For Tommy and Gina, who never backed down”. Besides, on the music video, the leading couple is them too.
The chorus express the determination to live as you want to, because our time is limited. And it even quotes Frank Sinatra, “Like Frankie said, I did it my way”.
In conclusion, for me, it’s a great song to lift your spirit when you’re feeling discouraged, super catchy, and with an inspiring message.
Lyrics:
This ain’t a song for the broken-hearted
No silent prayer for faith-departed
I ain’t gonna be just a face in the crowd
You’re gonna hear my voice when I shout it out loud
It’s my life
It’s now or never
I ain’t gonna live forever
I just wanna live while I’m alive
(It’s my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said, I did it my way
I just wanna live while I’m alive
It’s my life
Yeah, this is for ones who stood their ground
For Tommy and Gina who never backed down
Tomorrow’s gettin’ harder, make no mistake
Luck ain’t even luck, you gotta make your own breaks
It’s my life
And it’s now or never
I ain’t gonna live forever
I just wanna live while I’m alive
(It’s my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said, I did it my way
I just wanna live while I’m alive
‘Cause it’s my life
Better stand tall when they’re calling you out
Don’t bend, don’t break, baby, don’t back down
It’s my life
And it’s now or never
‘Cause I ain’t gonna live forever
I just wanna live while I’m alive
(It’s my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said, I did it my way
I just wanna live while I’m alive
(It’s my life)
And it’s now or never
I ain’t gonna live forever
I just wanna live while I’m alive
(It’s my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said, I did it my way
I just wanna live while I’m alive
‘Cause it’s my life