Bon Jovi VS U2 PT2: both songs are about spiritual longing, but which is better?

I went with LOAP. ISHFWILF is one of the weaker songs on TJT, IMHO. Although I do enjoy the version with the gospel singers on R&H

The U2 track is 360 times better.

The U2 track is 360 times better.

 

I don't really think Living on a Prayer has anything got to do with spiritual longing, I've always interpreted as a track about a working class couple trying to make ends meet.

I don't really think Living on a Prayer has anything got to do with spiritual longing, I've always interpreted as a track about a working class couple trying to make ends meet.

I disagree.

The term ‘living on a prayer’ refers to faith. In this case, faith that love will keep the central protagonists together, no matter what. They are, by definition, searching for something. Similarly, the U2 song is about a search. In their case, they haven’t found it yet, whereas the characters in the Bon Jovi song have. And now they pray they can hold onto it:

"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"

I view it as a working man's anthem,  redolent of the Spinal Tap stomper "Working on a sex farm".

I agree it has class elements, but the overarching narrative is one of faith.

Working On A Sex Farm is not about spiritual longing.

As I opened this thread, I’m hearing the gllee version of Livin on a Prayer from my 14 year old daughter’s room. Why are the odds?

I Still Haven’t Found for the win. One of the best songs of the decade.

As I opened this thread, I’m hearing the gllee version of Livin on a Prayer from my 14 year old daughter’s room. Why are the odds?

I Still Haven’t Found for the win. One of the best songs of the decade.

Clearly a young lady with style and taste.

I'll chime in that IMO LOAP is not a song about faith.

I'll chime in that IMO LOAP is not a song about faith.

"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"

That lyric, right there, is about faith. They protagonists don’t know they’ll make it for sure, but they’re willing to ‘give it a shot’ and have faith love will concur all.

Quote from: Shank on April 22, 2025, 11:14:31 AM

I'll chime in that IMO LOAP is not a song about faith.

"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"

That lyric, right there, is about faith. They protagonists don’t know they’ll make it for sure, but they’re willing to ‘give it a shot’ and have faith love will concur all.

I think Walktothewater's interpretation makes more sense.  Those lyrics aren't about faith for me.

The narrator of ISHFWILF, on the other hand has faith, but every time they reach out to grasp what their heart yearns for, the elusive is denied them.

Quote from: Larry's Lovebucket on April 22, 2025, 11:23:26 AM

Quote from: Shank on April 22, 2025, 11:14:31 AM

I'll chime in that IMO LOAP is not a song about faith.

"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"

That lyric, right there, is about faith. They protagonists don’t know they’ll make it for sure, but they’re willing to ‘give it a shot’ and have faith love will concur all.

I think Walktothewater's interpretation makes more sense.  Those lyrics aren't about faith for me.

 

100% agree with this.

In other news, WTTW has given Lawrence a perfect opening to complain about the 360 Tour.  And yet, he has not taken the opportunity.  Such restraint.... I am genuinely surprised.