“Livin’ on a Prayer” is a song by American rock band Bon Jovi, released on October 31, 1986 with “Wild in the Streets” on the B-side, as the second single from their third studio album, “Slippery When Wet.” The song is one of Bon Jovi’s most iconic tracks and a defining anthem of 1980s rock music, known for its infectious melody, powerful vocals, and relatable narrative.
“Livin’ on a Prayer” was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child. The song was produced by Bruce Fairbairn and recorded at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, Canada. Initially, Jon Bon Jovi was not enthusiastic about including the song on the album, but Richie Sambora and the band’s management convinced him otherwise. The track ultimately became one of their biggest hits.
“Livin’ on a Prayer” achieved massive commercial success worldwide. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, where it stayed for four weeks. The song also topped the charts in several other countries, including Canada and New Zealand, and reached the top ten in numerous others. Its success significantly contributed to the “Slippery When Wet” album selling over 12 million copies in the United States alone.