Richie Sambora, the former guitarist of Bon Jovi, recently opened up about the inspiration behind one of the band’s most enduring anthems, “Livin’ on a Prayer,” during an episode of the Howie Mandel Does Stuff podcast aired on November 12. The song, released in late 1986, has become a quintessential singalong track, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Reflecting on the song’s creation, Sambora, now 65, emphasized that “a good song is a good song.” While the band felt confident about “Livin’ on a Prayer” from the moment they recorded it, its phenomenal success—topping charts in the U.S., U.K., Canada, New Zealand, and Norway—confirmed their instincts. This track marked Bon Jovi’s second consecutive No. 1 hit, following “You Give Love a Bad Name.”
During his conversation with Mandel, Sambora revealed that “Livin’ on a Prayer” was notable for its use of character-driven lyrics. The song tells the story of Tommy, a dock worker grappling with financial hardships, and Gina, his partner who works as a waitress in a diner. Sambora disclosed that Tommy was inspired by his Uncle Sal, who faced unemployment after being laid off from his job at the docks during difficult economic times. “Tommy was actually my Uncle Sal, who got laid off and worked on the docks,” he explained. “And my dad was laid off at the same time in New Jersey. So it kind of morphed into a story about the economic times.”
Sambora noted that while the initial inspiration stemmed from their own experiences as members of the “lower middle class,” he believes the song ultimately reflects a universal struggle. “I think it’s a lot of people’s story,” he said, highlighting how many listeners can relate to facing adversity alongside their loved ones.
Mandel pointed out that “Livin’ on a Prayer” remains a beloved karaoke staple, to which Sambora responded affirmatively: “It’s everybody’s song.” He elaborated that many people find themselves at crossroads in life where various challenges converge. “An amalgamation of life’s little tragedies might happen at the same time… Too many things are not going well and you got each other and your partner,” he shared.
Sambora’s tenure with Bon Jovi lasted from 1983 until 2013 when he departed mid-tour. In the upcoming documentary Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Stor, he expressed regret over how he left but not about leaving itself. “I don’t regret leaving the situation, but I regret how I did it,” he stated. He offered an apology to fans and his bandmates for his abrupt exit: “My feet and my spirit were just not letting me walk out the door.”
In a recent Q&A regarding the documentary, Jon Bon Jovi clarified that there was no animosity surrounding Sambora’s departure. He acknowledged that Sambora faced personal challenges during that time, including substance abuse and anxiety. “There was never a fight,” Bon Jovi said. He explained that Sambora simply needed to prioritize being home over being on tour.
As Bon Jovi approaches its 40th anniversary as a band, Sambora feels rejuvenated and excited about potential future projects. “I feel younger than ever. I’m having a ball,” he said enthusiastically.
Read more: