The Flaming Lips - "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" (2002)

Last Song Syndrome with Renzie.

Aw man, I just love The Flaming Lips. While their first ever hit was 1993's alternative hit, "She Don't Use Jelly", this hard-working band had been around since 1983, and to this day, has released some twelve studio albums already.

Other than "She Don't Use Jelly", two other personal favorites from The Flaming Lips are "Bad Days" (which was featured on the Batman Forever (1995) OST), and of course, 2002's "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots".

Check out The Flaming Lips here on a video clip of the band performing on the Top of the Pops, shared by pollutiongirl on YouTube.

Enjoy!

The Flaming Lips
"Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" (2002)

Her name is Yoshimi
She's a black belt in karate
Working for the city
She has to discipline her body

'Coz she knows that
It's demanding
To defeat those evil machines
I know she can beat them

Oh Yoshimi, they don't believe me
But you wouldn't let those robots eat me
Yoshimi, they don't believe me
But you wouldn't let those robots defeat me

Those evil-natured robots
They're programmed to destroy us
She's gotta be strong to fight them
So she's taking lots of vitamins

'Cause she knows that
It'd be tragic
If those evil robots win
I know she can beat them

Oh Yoshimi, they don't believe me
But you wouldn't let those robots defeat me
Yoshimi, they don't believe me
But you wouldn't let those robots eat me

Yoshimi

'Cause she knows that
It'd be tragic
If those evil robots win
I know she can beat them

Oh Yoshimi, they don't believe me
but you wouldn't let those robots defeat me
Yoshimi, they don't believe me
but you wouldn't let those robots defeat me

Oh Yoshimi, they don't believe me
but you wouldn't let those robots eat me
Yoshimi, they don't believe me
but you wouldn't let those robots eat me

Yoshimi

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

The Who - "Baba o'Riley" (1971)

classic rock with Renzie Baluyut.

The Who seems to have had found an appreciative set of new listeners, thanks to shows like CSI New York, which only features their classic "Baba O'Riley" each and every single episode as part of the show's opening.

The Who is one of those bands that were definitely ahead of their time, a favorite of many a true rockaholic, regardless of age.

Here's a video we found on YouTube, a clip of a live performance courtesy of gawlerpete.

Enjoy!

"Baba o'Riley" (1971)
The Who

Out here in the fields
I fight for my meals
I get my back into my living
I don't need to fight
To prove I'm right
I don't need to be forgiven

Don't cry
Don't raise your eye
It's only teenage wasteland

Sally, take my hand
And travel south 'cross land
Put out the fire
Don't look past my shoulder

The exodus is here
The happy ones are near
Let's get together
Before we get much older

Teenage wasteland
It's only teenage wasteland
Teenage wasteland
Oh, oh
Teenage wasteland
They're all wasted!

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Gettin' To Know: Tenacious D

One of my favorite bands of all time- Tenacious D. I discovered them in 2001 or so, when I stumbled upon a couple of tracks and videos on Rhapsody. I immediately set off to find myself a copy of their album- and was inspired to pick up a guitar and get into it all over again.

Here's the Tenacious D write up on the All Music Guide- bio penned by Heather Phares.

Rightfully hailed as "the greatest band on Earth," the super-sized acoustic metal/comedy duo Tenacious D was an unlikely success story. Actually, Tenacious D was probably so successful precisely because they were so unlikely: few people would imagine that two chunky guys bashing on acoustic guitars, singing songs like a tribute to the greatest song in the world (because they forgot how the greatest song in the world went after conquering the Devil with it) became one of the biggest cult bands of the late '90s and 2000s. But the sheer charisma, humor, and energy -- not to mention inspired songwriting -- of singers/guitarists/actors Jack Black and Kyle Gass (aka JB, Jables, KG, and Kage, among other aliases) took them from L.A.'s underground comedy scene to their own series on HBO and a major-label album deal.

The crazed, wide-ranging sense of humor and intensity that Black brought to Tenacious D also made him a sought-after character actor, appearing in films like Bob Roberts, The Cable Guy, and Saving Silverman; Gass' film career includes supporting roles in Jacob's Ladder, Idle Hands, and Evolution. Similarly, the D's act showcased Black's theatrical, versatile vocals and Gass' deft support on the guitar in seemingly stream-of-consciousness songs about smoking pot, the duo's musical and sexual prowess, and subjects straight out of Dungeons & Dragons, as well as in equally absurd and inventive sketches.

The duo met at an acting class and began playing together in 1994, making their live debut later that year at Al's Bar, playing just one number, the aforementioned homage to the world's greatest song, "Tribute." In the audience that night was comedian/actor David Cross, who invited Black and Gass to appear with him and other like-minded performers such as Ben Stiller and Janeane Garofalo in a series of alternative comedy shows. The D soon headlined shows at venues like Pedro's and Largo, planting the seeds of a die-hard cult following; not even their inauspicious film debut in 1996's Bio-Dome slowed their momentum. The following year, their appearances on Bob Odenkirk and Cross' brilliant HBO sketch comedy program Mr. Show With Bob and David and a 1998 performance of "Sex Supreme" -- which sang the praises of a ménage à trois with KG and JB -- on Saturday Night Live hinted at the duo's just-beneath-the surface popularity, which began to rise into the mainstream with the group's 1999 HBO series. Though it lasted just three episodes, Tenacious D included, among other adventures, the group's search for "Inspirato," the cosmic creative force; the love triangle between Black, Gass, and a heavily pierced, Satanic clog dancer who threatened to destroy the group; and the discovery of Lee, Tenacious D's biggest fan. More of the D's brilliantly dumb songs debuted on the show, and fans began trading and auctioning video and audiotapes of Tenacious D. The duo also played opening gigs for friends like Beck, Pearl Jam, and the Foo Fighters and embarked on their first full-fledged tour; Epic won a bidding war to sign the group. In 2000, Black's popularity and prominence as an actor grew with roles in films like Jesus' Son and, especially, High Fidelity, where his turn as the larger-than-life record store clerk Barry made him a bona-fide star. Meanwhile, the group worked on a self-titled debut album with the Dust Brothers, Dave Grohl, Phish's Page McConnell, Redd Kross' Steve McDonald, and other friends.

In 2001, the D's momentum hit critical mass: The group set out on their second nationwide tour, playing significantly larger venues than before and selling out many of their dates. And, despite an attempt to recall Tenacious D at the last moment because of its back cover, which depicted two babies chained to an altar, their debut entered the charts at a surprisingly strong number 33. Meanwhile, Spumco, the production company of Ren & Stimpy mastermind John K., crafted an appropriately witty and raunchy video for the single "Fuck Her Gently," and, last but not least, the duo continued work on a Tenacious D movie.

Need to know your favorite artists a little bit more? My Thoughts In Stereo brings you Gettin' To Know- featuring some of the most remembered and most iconic music acts of all time. Write-ups from the All-Music Guide.

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: Andy Taylor - "Take It Easy" (1986)

Probably one of the most underappreciated pop-rock songs of the 1980's, "Take It Easy" is arguably Andy Taylor's best work outside The Power Station and Duran Duran.

The song was featured on the OST of the 1986 movie American Anthem (which I never got to see- but still probably worth checking out), and featured Andy's preference for a more rock-oriented sound, versus the more synth-pop sound of Duran Duran at the height of their popularity- one of the reasons he left the band just after laying down some guitar tracks for the 1987 album Notorious.

In any case, he was able to take some time off his gig with The Power Station to work on this particular solo project, something he'd work on with ex-Missing Persons drummer Terry Bozzio and bassist Patrick O'Hearn, and ex-Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones.

Found this music video the other day on YouTube- definitely something worth listening to and watching after a long time.


Andy Taylor
"Take It Easy" (1986)

People say I'm crazy, just a fool
But I'm the pigeon and baby, you're the stool

I always dug the color your hair
I always loved the clothes you wear
I can't say that you turn me on
But why'd I stay all night long

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'

Rich girls, they run after me
They break my heart, you know I fall in love so easily
I always dug the color your hair
I always loved the clothes you wear
I can't say that you turn me on
But why'd I stay all night long

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'
Yeah!

Take it easy - on yourself
Take it easy - there ain't no one else
Don't give me reasons
And I won't ask for nothin'


Check out Andy Taylor's official website here, or his entry on Wikipedia, here.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Last Song Syndrome: 38 Special - "Back Where You Belong" (1983)

I have to admit- my appreciation for 38 Special came rather late. I first noticed the band in 1989, when I was in high school- and at the time, "Second Chance" was already getting massive airplay on the radio.

I remember having the hardest time getting a copy of the album- until a couple of years later when an aunt of mine sent me a copy of the album Bone Against Steel (nope, no "Second Chance" there, either).

It wasn't until a few years later when I started working for a radio station that I was able to unearth all those great 38 Special singles and albums I missed out on in the eighties. And yes, eventually I was able to get me a CD of "Second Chance", as well as other 38 Special favorites of mine, including this oldie from 1983- a cool track you might remember called "Back Where You Belong".

38 Special
"Back Where You Belong" (1983)

I heard you're askin' how I'm feelin'
I guess I'll play it day by day
I'm still around now, my heart is healin'
But some things never gonna change

'Cause now I know love ain't easy to find
I let you go, now I'm changin' my mind

Chorus:

I know that love, it don't come easy
It took so long, it's been hard to find
So love, you must believe me
Ain't gonna let it slip away- I know I was wrong
I want you back where you belong
Want you back where you belong
Back where you belong

I played around now, I've done some dealin'
I found that love should be with you
And so you're gone now, my head is reelin'
Don't wanna be with someone new

And so I go, with a feeling inside me
'Cause I know what I'm leaving behind

(Chorus)

I guess in time I stop and think it over
Everything that we've been through
This heart of mine may never find another
Who loves me just the way you do
Hey girl!

I heard you're askin' how I'm feelin'
I guess I'll play it day by day
I'm still around now, my heart is healin'
But some things never gonna change

'Cause now I know love ain't easy to find
I let you go, now I'm changin' my mind

(Chorus)

Back where you belong, hey, hey
I know that love, it don't come easy
It took so long, it's been hard to find
And so love, you must believe me
Ain't gonna let it slip away, baby


Check out 38 Special's official website here, or their entry on Wikipedia here.

Can't get that song out of your head? Then check out more of Renzie's Last Song Syndrome Project, the only blog service dedicated to getting that persistent tune out of your system- by giving you lots more of it!

Cheers, everyone!

Much More Music: Kansas - "Carry On Wayward Son" (1977)

You have to thank the CW hit series Supernatural for reviving interest in this song. According to Wikipedia,

"Carry On Wayward Son" has been used... in the opening moments of "Salvation" (Season 1, Episode 21) and "All Hell Breaks Loose, Part 2" (Season 2, Episode 22) when they summarized the story so far. Fans commonly link the show to the song now, due to its use and lyrics.

Besides the association with Supernatural, "Carry On Wayward Son" (at least an edit of it) has also been a staple on Guitar Hero 2 on the XBox 360 and the Playstation II. Recently, Amanda Overmyer performed the song on Season 7 of American Idol, as her choice on 70's night (which really wasn't a good performance- sorry, Amanda).

A number of acts have already covered "Carry On Wayward Son", including Yngwie Malmsteen, Critical Mass and The Oak Ridge Boys. The song was also featured in The Office, South Park, King of the Hill and probably in a lot of other TV shows. It was also used on "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" as the end credits were rolling.

Several videos are available on YouTube, but this one we're featuring was uploaded by BrianBoyce. The chords and tabs are by JP Leong on AZChords.com. So here we go...


Kansas "Carry On Wayward Son" (1977)

Carry on my wayward son
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more

{riff} [clean distortion (if there is such a thing) effect]  
e-|--------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|
B-|--------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|
G-|--------------|--------------|--4--7--4-----|--------------|
D-|-----------5--|-----------7--|----------7-5-|--7-----7-----|
A-|--7--5--7-----|--7--5--7-----|--------------|-----5-----4--|
E-|--------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|
{repeat once each time played}

Em     D              C         D
Once I rose above the noise and confusion
Em      D             C           D
Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion
Am    G            F        F G
I was soaring ever higher
Am    G        D
But I flew too high
Em        D                C           D
Though my eyes could see I still was a blind man
Em        D                  C           D
Though my mind could think I still was a mad man
Am         G               F           F G
I hear the voices when I'm dreaming
Am    G         D
I can hear them say

Em    G     D       C
Carry on my wayward son
Em          G          D
There'll be peace when you are done
Em       G     D       C
Lay your weary head to rest
(N.C.)
Don't you cry no more

{riff}

Em    D           C          D
Masquerading as a man with a reason
Em    D           C            D
My charade is the event of the season
Am       G             F           F G
And if I claim to be a wise man
Am        G                  D
It surely means that I don't know
Em   D             C      D
On a stormy sea of moving emotion
Em     D                C           D
Tossed about I'm like a ship on the ocean
Am    G                 F         F G
I set sail for winds of fortune
Am    G               D
But I hear the voices say

Em    G     D       C
Carry on my wayward son
Em          G          D
There'll be peace when you are done
Em       G     D       C
Lay your weary head to rest
(N.C.)
Don't you cry no more

{riff}

Em (mute)
Carry on
      D      C
You will always remember
Em (mute)
Carry on
     D          C
Nothing equals the splendor
Am       G                F
Now your life's no longer empty
Am     G                D
Surely Heaven waits for you

Em    G     D       C
Carry on my wayward son
Em          G          D
There'll be peace when you are done
Em       G     D       C
Lay your weary head to rest
(N.C.)                                       Bm7
Don't you cry {vocal echo: Don't you cry} no more

You may want to visit Kansas' official website here, or on Wikipedia, here.

Check out more of the Much More Music Project- this blog's attempt to put together my personal views on favorite songs, along with lyrics to sing by, an embedded music video
from YouTube, and even guitar chords, if you feel like playing alongwith it.

Cheers, everyone!

Much More Music - Foreigner - "Hot Blooded" (1978)

I think it was in 1989 or 1990 when I first heard Tone Loc's "Funky Cold Medina" on a countdown program. As it was rising up the charts, following the success of "Wild Thing", it was revealed that it contained a sample of another song- which as it turns out was Foreigner's "Hot Blooded".

It wasn't several years later that I actually found a copy of the album Double Vision- I just started working for a radio station (99.5RT) in late 1994. One of the other jocks had a classic rock show, and I recognized "Hot Blooded" when they played it this one particular time, and then looked it up in the music library a few days after. To this day, the song is still on heavy rotation on my personal player.

There's been a renewed interest in the song because of this season's American Idol. In season 7, contestant Robbie Carrico chose this song for his performance on 70's night (unfortunately, he got cut on Results Night that same week).

"Hot Blooded" was also featured on an episode of Aqua Teen Hunger Force, where the Mooninites were toying around with a Foreigner belt that granted the wearer super-powers based on their songs (the belt was later acquired by Carl).

The song was also featured prominently on other TV shows (on episodes of The Simpsons, Bones, Supernatural and WKRP in Cincinatti) as well as in movies ("Blades of Glory") and various commercials.

I couldn't find a video of "Hot Blooded", but there are several tribute vids on YouTube including one from ArmoredPanther, which is what we have featured on this entry.


Foreigner
"Hot Blooded" (1978)

Well, I'm hot blooded, check it and see
I got a fever of a hundred and three
Come on baby, do you do more than dance?
I'm hot blooded, I'm hot blooded

You don't have to read my mind, to know what I have in mind
Honey you ought know
Now you move so fine, let me lay it on the line
I wanna know what you're doing after the show

Now its up to you, we can make a secret rendezvous
Just me and you, Ill show you loving like you never knew

That's why, I'm hot blooded, check it and see
I got a fever of a hundred and three
Come on baby, do you do more than dance?
I'm hot blooded, hot blooded

If it feels alright, maybe you can stay all night
Shall I leave you my key?
But you've got to give me a sign, come on girl, some kind of sign
Tell me, are you hot mama? you sure look that way to me

Are you old enough? will you be ready when I call you bluff?
Is my timing right? did you save your love for me tonight?

Yeah I'm hot blooded, check it and see
Feel the fever burning inside of me
Come on baby, do you do more than dance?
I'm hot blooded, I'm hot blooded, I'm hot

Now its up to you, can we make a secret rendezvous?
Oh, before we do, you'll have to get away from you know who

Well, I'm hot blooded, check it and see
I got a fever of a hundred and three
Come on baby, do you do more than dance?
I'm hot blooded, I'm hot blooded

Hot blooded, every night
Hot blooded, you're looking so tight
Hot blooded, now you're driving me wild
Hot blooded, I'm so hot for you, child
Hot blooded, I'm a little bit high
Hot blooded, you're a little bit shy
Hot blooded, you're making me sing
Hot blooded, for your sweet sweet thing

Tabs

Here are the tab patterns to "Hot Blooded" in case you feel like rocking out to it. Cheers to Steve Throne who put this all together on Ultimate-Guitar.com!

Here's the main sections of Foreigner's "Hot Blooded"
It's not much but I'm pretty sure what's here is correct.
It's a pretty simple song but it absolutely rocks!
The main riff is just  Gsus4, G, C, Csus4

Intro and Chorus

hot blooded     check it & see
Gsus4  G            C     Csus4
E---3----3--3----------------------
B---3----3--3---------5--5----6----
G---5----5--4---------5--5----5----
D---5----5--5---------5--5----5----
A---5----5--5---------3--3----3----
E---3----3--3----------------------

I play it as barre chords, but after seeing the band in concert
(from lousy seats, mind you), I believe they play it in the open position,
which would look something like below.

E---3----3--3--------0--0----1---
B---1----1--0--------1--1----1---
G---0----0--0--------0--0----0---
D---0----0--0--------2--2----2---
A---X----X--2--------3--3----3---
E---3----3--3--------------------

The verse is a nice simple power chord progression - G,F,C
G             F        C        G
E--------------------------------------
B--------------------------5--5--------
G---------4--4----2--2-----5--5--------
D---5-----5--5----3--3-----5--5-----5--
A---5-----5--5----3--3-----3--3-----5--
E---3-----3--3----1--1--------------3--

Then, before the chorus is something like this, played a few times.
The last time it's played, there is a fast little riff which I don't have.

it's up to you    we can make a secret
rendezvous
D     C D      Em        C
E-----------------------------------
B---7-7-7-5-7------8--8------5--5---
G---7-7-7-5-7------9--9------5--5---
D---7-7-7-5-7------9--9------5--5---
A---5-5-5-3-5------7--7------3--3---
E-----------------------------------

That's all I have, although there isn't much else.  I used to see
a lot of people requesting this song so I hope someone can make use of it.
Also, I'm working from the live version of the song off the
"Records" greatest hits album, so there may be some differences.
Comments/suggestions are welcome.  Enjoy!

Check out more of Foreigner on their official website here, or on Wikipedia, here.

Check out more of the Much More Music Project- this blog's attempt to put together my personal views on favorite songs, along with lyrics to sing by, an embedded music video from YouTube, and even guitar chords, if you feel like playing along with it.

Cheers, everyone!

Much More Music: Whitesnake - "Here I Go Again" (1987)

"This is just like in the Whitesnake video!" - Ricky Bobby, "Talladega Nights", 2006.

It wasn't the first time "Here I Go Again" was referenced in a Will Ferrell movie. The first time, if you would recall, was in the 2003 comedy "Old School".

"Here I Go Again" was a massive hit for Whitesnake in 1987. It was first released in the UK in 1982- David Coverdale just left Deep Purple at the time, and decided to form the band (while he was still popular, I suppose- and it did make a lot of sense). As opposed to the original release, the 1987 US version sounded more slick- mixed with better production elements and backing vocals, giving it that more radio-friendly sound.

The video was particularly memorable because it featured a rather scantily-clad (well, for its time, at least anyway) Tawny Kitaen prancing on the hood, and inside two Jaguars (one belonged to David, and the other belonged to director Marty Callner). It was a huge hit for the MTV-viewing audience, and somehow set the trend for rock bands to use more sexy women in their videos from that point onwards.

Aside from the two Will Ferrell movies, "Here I Go Again" was also referenced in an episode of "American Dad", the "1985" music video of Bowling For Soup, alluded to in "Death Proof", and more recently, in the modern-warfare-themed PC real-time strategy game, "World In Conflict".

Here's Whitesnake with "Here I Go Again". Enjoy!

Whitesnake
"Here I Go Again" (1987)

Intro  :        G   D   C       G   D   C


G       D              C     D
I don't know where I'm going,
G       D                    C    D
but I sure know where I've been.
G                D           C                    G Am
Hanging on the promises in songs of yesterday.
                  D
And I've made up my mind.
Am                        D
I ain't wasting no more time,
         Em
here I go again.
Am            G     Em Am C D
Here I go again.

G             D                C       D
Though I keep searching for an answer,
G                  D                     C   D
I never seem to find what I'm looking for.
G           D                 C                    G Am
Oh Lord I pray you give me strength to carry on,
                     D
'cause I know what it means,
Am                                       D   C   D
to walk along the lonely streets of dreams.

                  G          C           D   C   D
CHORUS :        And here I go again on my own,
                    G              C               D   C   D
              going down the only road I've ever known.
                       G             C           D     C 
              Like a drifter I was born to walk alone.
            Am7                     D 
              And I've made up my mind,
            Am7                         D    C    D
              I ain't wasting no more time.

    G                  D                C        D
      I'm just another heart in need of rescue,
    G            D                 C      D
      waiting on love's sweet charity.
    G               D               C                  G  Am7
      And I'm gonna hold on for the rest of my days,
                              D
      'cause I know what it means,
         Am7                                D       C   D
      to walk along the lonely street of dreams.

                
                  G          C           D   C   D
CHORUS :        And here I go again on my own,
                    G              C               D   C   D
              going down the only road I've ever known.
                       G             C           D   C 
              Like a drifter I was born to walk alone.
            Am7                     D 
              And I've made up my mind,
            Am7                         D
              I ain't wasting no more time.
                  C      D   Em  Am             Em
              but here I go again,  here I go again.
           Am             Em  Am           Em   Am  C  D
              Here I go again,  here I go.


REPEAT AND FADE:
                  G          C           D   C   D
CHORUS :        And here I go again on my own,
                    G              C               D   C   D
              going down the only road I've ever known.
                       G             C           D   C 
              Like a drifter I was born to walk alone.
            Am7                     D 
              And I've made up my mind,
            Am7                         D
              I ain't wasting no more time.

I hope you liked this one. Here are a couple of factoids about Whitesnake:

Did You Know?

1. Whitesnake featured an ever-changing roster of musicians ever since they started out in 1977, but the one constant in the line-up to this day has been lead singer David Coverdale himself.

2. Tawny Kitaen appeared in at least three other Whitesnake videos, including "Is This Love" in 1987.

3. David Coverdale and Tawny Kitaen actually ended up getting married in 1989, but divorced two years later in 1991.

4. The name "Whitesnake" was actually a euphemism for male genitalia.

So there you have it. Also cool from Whitesnake: "Is This Love" (1987). Check out the band's official website here.

Cheers!

Much More Music: Jon Bon Jovi - Livin' On A Prayer (1987)

I suppose it's a guilty pleasure of sorts. I actually liked Bon Jovi probably up until somewhat after the release of the New Jersey album (which was still a good album, in my opinion).

What I didn't like was when some local concert producer brought Bon Jovi over here in the early- or mid-90's (probably even on two different occasions, not sure), and milked their commercial success for all its worth. So you heard them everywhere- not just radio stations and music video channels, but also on noontime TV. You know a song's getting dangerously over-exposed once its hit noontime TV- especially in the form of a contest, or a recurring theme or something.

In any case, "Livin' On A Prayer" remains as one of the greatest rock anthems to come out of the eighties. It was the second single released from the Slippery When Wet album- Bon Jovi's third album (if I'm not mistaken). Originally, the album cover was supposed to feature a close-up shot of a pair of -well, wet and slippery female breasts, which was apparently inspired by the group's visit to a stripclub at some point.

At least that was the idea until some government moral board found out about it, and so in the interest of sales, Slippery When Wet had since then, graced a more decent album cover than the aforementioned female mammaries- giving us the album cover we know so well these days.

So here's "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi- lyrics, music vid, and a whole lot of fun. Enjoy!

Bon Jovi
"Livin' On A Prayer" (1987) 
Em C D ...

(Once upon a time, not so long ago ....)

Em                                 Em/F# (022002)
Tommy used to work on the docks
Em
Union's been on strike, he's down on his luck
  C      D           Em
It's tough,   so tough.

Gina works the dinner all day
Working for her man, she brings home her pay
For love, for love.

                   C   D                Em
She says we've got to hold on to what we've got.
C                 D                           Em
It doesn't make a diff'rence if we make it or not.
   C        D                 Em        C
We've got each other and that's a lot, for love.
  D
We'll give it a shot.

Em  C           D           G                 D7sus4
Woooh, we're halfway there, wo-oh, livin' on a prayer.
Em       C          D
Take my hand we'll make it, I swear
G  C  D7sus4
Wo-oh, livin' on a prayer

Tommy's got his six string in hock,
now he's holding in, when he used to make it talk
So tough, it's so tough.

Gina dreams of running away
She cries in the night, Tommy whispers:
Baby it's okay, someday.

                   C   D                Em
She says we've got to hold on to what we've got.
C                 D                           Em
It doesn't make a diff'rence if we make it or not.
   C        D                 Em        C
We've got each other and that's a lot, for love.
  D
We'll give it a shot.


Em  C           D           G                 D7sus4
Woooh, we're halfway there, wo-oh, livin' on a prayer.
Em       C          D
Take my hand we'll make it, I swear
G  C  D7sus4
Wo-oh, livin' on a prayer
C
Livin' on a prayer.


Solo: Em, C, D, G, C, D ...


Em                    C   D             Em D
Oo-oh, we've got to hold on, ready or not
  C                           D
You live for the fight when it's all that you've got.


Bb   Eb        Fsus4     F
Woooooh, we're half ---- way there
Bb   Eb  F7sus4
Wo---oh, livin' on a prayer
Gm      Eb             F
Take my hand and we'll make it I swear
Bb  Eb F7sus4
Wo-oh, livin on a prayer

For more information on Bon Jovi, get to know the band more on their official website here, or read more about them on Wikipedia. Cheers!