“It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi

• Genre: Pop Rock/Arena Rock
• Single Release Date: May 2000
• Album: “Crush”

Described as a relaunch of Bon Jovi this is the best known song by the band after their major success in the 1980s. It hit Number 1 on multiple charts and reintroduced the band to a much younger audience.

To me it harks back to the original hits of the 80s but with a more mature and positive vibe. There’s a very obvious reference to “Livin’ On a Prayer” but I also find more subtle references to other hits and albums that I really liked as well as a totally out of place homage to Frank Sinatra!

Lyrics

This ain’t a song for the broken-hearted
No silent prayer for faith-departed

And 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
But I ain’t gonna live forever
I just want to 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 want to live while I’m alive
It’s my life

Yeah, this is for the ones who stood their ground
For Tommy and Gina, who never backed down

Tomorrow’s getting harder, make no mistake
Luck ain’t even lucky, got to make your own breaks

It’s my life
And it’s now or never
I ain’t gonna live forever
I just want to 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 want to 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 want to 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 want to live while I’m alive

And it’s now or never
I ain’t gonna live forever
I just want to 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 want to live while I’m alive
‘Cause it’s my life

Header image from 8Tracks.com