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Don't Stop Believin' by Journey: Song meaning, lyrics, covers and more facts revealed

12 June 2024, 12:28

Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin''

By Tom Eames

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“Just a small-town girl, living in a lonely world…”

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Released in 1981 as part of their album Escape , 'Don’t Stop Believin'' quickly soared up the charts and became an anthem in the US. However, in the UK it would take several decades before it was finally the well-known anthem it deserved to be.

Its infectious melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Steve Perry’s soulful vocals struck a chord with listeners worldwide.

Whether you’re belting it out at a karaoke bar or hearing it during a pivotal movie scene, 'Don’t Stop Believin'' remains a timeless reminder that, no matter the odds, hope persists.

Who wrote 'Don't Stop Believin''?

Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, Neal Schon, Ross Valory, and Steve Smith

By the dawn of the 1980s, Journey had begun its ascent to become one of the defining rock bands of the time.

Shifting away from their progressive rock origins, the band welcomed Steve Perry as their lead vocalist, heralding a smoother sound. With hits like 'Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'' and 'Any Way You Want It', they climbed the American charts.

  • The 100 greatest songs of the 1980s, ranked

In 1980, Gregg Rolie, the original keyboardist and a veteran since the band's early days, parted ways on good terms, leaving the group without one of its foundational sounds.

He suggested Jonathan Cain from the British band The Babys as his successor. Cain accepted the offer and came on board as the band geared up to produce their album Escape in 1981.

In anticipation of their upcoming project, Journey set up shop in an Oakland warehouse, dedicating their days to refining arrangements and brainstorming fresh concepts.

It was Cain who proposed the title and chorus for the song, inspired by his father's encouraging words during his tough times as a struggling artist on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles.

Whenever Cain considered quitting, his father would remind him, 'Don't stop believing or you're done, dude'.

Neil Schon, the guitarist, crafted the song's memorable bass line, while Perry prompted Cain to create a compelling synthesizer sequence to match it.

Drummer Steve Smith laid down a solid rock rhythm, and directed Schon to layer 16th note arpeggios over the mix, propelling the song forward like a "train" on its course.

What is the song about?

journey song about a girl

Journey - Don't Stop Believin' (Official Audio)

The theme also inspired the song's lyrics. Cain and Perry envisioned a narrative of two people leaving their pasts behind in their hometowns and catching a midnight train to anywhere else.

Perry liked the idea of the characters being a girl from a small town and a boy raised in the city.

"We felt that every young person has a dream and sometimes where you grow up isn't where you're destined to be," Cain said.

Though the lyrics mention being "born and raised in south Detroit," there is no area in Detroit, Michigan commonly called "South Detroit." The city primarily lies on the north bank of the Detroit River, with the Canadian city of Windsor, Ontario, directly south of downtown.

Steve Perry later said: "I tried north Detroit, I tried east and west and it didn't sing, but south Detroit sounded so beautiful. I loved the way it sounded, only to find out later it's actually Canada."

The line "streetlight people living just to find emotion" was inspired by Perry watching people walking in the streets of Detroit at night after a show.

What films and TV shows has it been used in?

journey song about a girl

The Sopranos - Final Scene [Complete] [HD]

The song has been used in many TV shows and movies over the years, as well as being adopted by sports teams.

The song gained significant press coverage and a surge in popularity due to its association with the Chicago White Sox's 2005 World Series championship.

It was also used in the famous final scene of HBO's The Sopranos series finale 'Made in America' in 2007.

For years, the song has been commonly played at Detroit Red Wings home games. During the last minutes of playoff victories, the volume is lowered during the "born and raised in south Detroit" line, allowing home fans to sing it.

journey song about a girl

GLEE - Don't Stop Believin' (S01 E01 "Pilot")

During every San Francisco Giants home game, the song is played in the 8th inning. Steve Perry, a Giants season ticket holder, famously led the crowd in singing it during a 2014 World Series game.

It was also used in the musical Rock of Ages , including the movie version starring Tom Cruise .

The song saw a resurgence in popularity in 2009 after being prominently featured in the pilot episode of Glee . It was performed a total of seven times on the show, as well as live on tour. The Glee version was a hit in the US and UK at the same time as Journey's original, reaching number two in the latter.

How did it perform in the charts?

journey song about a girl

Journey - Don't Stop Believin' (Live 1981: Escape Tour - 2022 HD Remaster)

The song reached number eight on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart and number nine on the Billboard Hot 100.

It sold over a million vinyl copies and is the number one paid digital download song originally released in the 20th century.

Remarkably, it was the 72nd most downloaded song of 2008 and the 84th in 2009, over 27 years after its release.

In August 2009, the song surpassed 3 million paid downloads, making it the best-selling digital song from the pre-digital era. It held the title of the best-selling rock song in digital history until Imagine Dragons' 'Radioactive' overtook it in January 2014.

By 2017, it had sold over 7 million digital units in the US and was certified eighteen-times Platinum by the RIAA.

Released in the UK in December 1981, the song initially only peaked at number 62. Despite not being re-released as a physical single, it maintained a cult following, re-entering the UK Singles Chart in February 2009 at number 94 due to digital downloads.

Following a performance on The X Factor on November 1, 2009, it re-entered at number 52 and climbed to number 19 a week later, staying in the top 40 for three weeks.

On December 20, 2009, after another X Factor performance, it re-entered at number nine and remained in the top 10 for seven more weeks, peaking at number six. It was the 65th best-selling single of 2009, nearly three decades after its release.

'Don't Stop Believin'' spent 21 non-consecutive weeks in the top 40 from November 2009 to April 2010 and was the 25th best-selling track of 2010, with over 435,000 copies sold. It re-entered the charts in 2011, 2012, and 2013, and has spent 95 weeks in the top 100 to date.

In September 2014, the Official Charts Company reported that the song had sold a million copies in the UK.

Who has covered it?

journey song about a girl

Teddy Swims performs 'Don't Stop Believing' and 'Lose Control' live on Australian TV

There have been various cover versions of 'Don't Stop Believin'' over the years.

The most promiment one in the UK was LadBaby's parody 'Don't Stop Me Eatin'', which became the UK Christmas number one single in 2020.

Other versions include:

  • Joe McElderry
  • Steel Panther
  • Scouting for Girls
  • Martina McBride
  • Badly Drawn Boy
  • Teddy Swims

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SongMeanings

  • Artists add

Cover art for Don't Stop Believin' lyrics by Journey

Don't Stop Believin'

Don't stop believin' lyrics.

Album art

What a bunch of simpletons (not all of you, there are some insightful posts on here)!

Yes there are lyrics that loosely allude to a hooker. It's called an allegory people (look it up if you need to).

The song is about the common search for love and the fear of loneliness. The lyrics you are focusing in on are a metaphor for all of the things we use to fill the void in out lives so we don't feel the pain of emptiness and loneliness. The chorus provides an optimistic counterpoint to this - "Don't stop belivin'" Yes, it's a lonely world, and finding someone is hard, but hope makes it all bearable (believing that there is someone there for you).

It also addresses escaping from your past, whatever it may be, and looking toward a better tomorrow.

For those who have to have it spelled out line by line (or at least stanza by stanza):

Small town girl..city boy...midnight train: A commonality between us all, regardless of our backgrounds, the loneliness of adolescence, escaping from your past.

Smokey room...for a smile...on and on: Metaphoric for the places/circumstances we seek love and companionship (the stereotype being a bar). We are so desperate to not be lonely that we'll form a relationship simply on the basis of a smile (again metaphorical, though often literal). "On and On," again referring to our common condition, this scene is repeatedly played out day in and out - we're all searching for love and companionship.

"Strangers waiting": We are all strangers to each other, no one has experienced exactly what you have, and there is a certain inherent isolation in that. "Up and down the boulevard": Everywhere, every town, every person, through all life experience. "Their shadows searching in the night": The night represents isolation and separation from others. Shadows are our own inner darkness (or demons, our deepest secrets). We are haunted by our personal ghosts, and are seeking someone who will understand and relate to us despite who we are. The shadows aren't really seeking (since shadows aren't actually anything, but the absence of light), but us seeking someone with whom we can share who we really are. "Streetlight, people": What we project ourselves to be to the world - how we want people to see us. "Living just to find emotion": Again, we are isolated and seeking meaningful relationships, but willing to settle for something to make us feel less empty, so we will fill that void with any sort of connection. "Hiding, somewhere in the night": See above, any sort of superficial emotional connection seems to be preferable to being alone in the darkness.

"Working hard to get my fill, everybody wants a thrill":Putting forth a great deal of effort to make those connections, the fact that we often substitute cheap thrills (sex?) for true meaning and connection in relationships. "Payin' anything...": We will sacrifice a great deal to avoid being loney, even if the reward is fleeting. "Some will win...": Some will find a true, meaningful relationship, some won't, some never will. "the movie...": This cycle goes on and on with, just the players change over time.

"Don't stop believin', Hold on to that feelin'": Don't give up hope, keep searching for that meaningful relationship regardless of how difficult and trying the search is. "Streetlight people": Again, see above - everyone has their "public face" which we present. Despite our inherent shallowness, keep seeking the deeper, more meaningful connection.

I know it's popular to bash Journey and this song simply because of how popular they were in the 80's and that they to some extent defined popular music for that era - move beyond that. I'm a huge Rush fan, I love the work that Neil Peart puts into crafting his lyrics and the meaning behind them. That said, I defy you to find another song that in 19 lines more accurately sums up the human condition when it comes to seeking out someone to connect with and the loneliness everyone feels. I guarantee you a good portion of the popularity of this song is that so many people can relate to it, even if they can't exactly define why. This is a masterfully written (and performed piece of art), and deserves recognition as such.

@Tristar I completely appreciate every word you took the time to break this down so well, seems like You wrote the song!

@Tristar LMAO... are you a dumbass. Calling people names, when you are 100% off the writer of the song, comes right out and proclaims its about his walk to jesus. Before you start throwing rocks, best make sure your in a kevlar building...https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iamsecond.com%2Ffilm%2Fjonathan-cain%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR08mVjNKpmiYkDeN4iIiv8XvOmFgUtKgpZDzAc0AG5BEj-9TjpQVJGG8Ck&h=AT0uwblU9MRqsUyLUm52qqSRJsWMiGnZSWar03FBDDu9uUuF7TDwll8Ftyaiz0RUz0jOJ_sW8nI3QywjGq6mW37GkqCebe-169a2_RhS7nHRxO2z0JGfmvqLJP5pQ4cmL2xeDDwUwzhvnOzV2cujqHY&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2cxduPXuVvU5kPcYQN4gCs4BXghfDh1xQdLJznG8CEUVgwWy0xYyuk6bSUBDYuR0f99ehP_shsLw4p1oNU_uxc0e_JV_Bmcwy4dEtI4-pkyqsXNFQXOYJk5ighVNAMNSXZ2hQIT_LUKl7z2q4sWwB70X20DYBZlO-q9OdQO55Ggj63bk0AOg...

@Tristar LMAO... are you a dumbass. Calling people names, when you are 100% off the writer of the song, comes right out and proclaims its about his walk to jesus. Before you start throwing rocks, best make sure your in a kevlar building... https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iamsecond.com%2Ffilm%2Fjonathan-cain%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR08mVjNKpmiYkDeN4iIiv8XvOmFgUtKgpZDzAc0AG5BEj-9TjpQVJGG8Ck&h=AT0uwblU9MRqsUyLUm52qqSRJsWMiGnZSWar03FBDDu9uUuF7TDwll8Ftyaiz0RUz0jOJ_sW8nI3QywjGq6mW37GkqCebe-169a2_RhS7nHRxO2z0JGfmvqLJP5pQ4cmL2xeDDwUwzhvnOzV2cujqHY&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2cxduPXuVvU5kPcYQN4gCs4BXghfDh1xQdLJznG8CEUVgwWy0xYyuk6bSUBDYuR0f99ehP_shsLw4p1oNU_uxc0e_JV_Bmcwy4dEtI4-pkyqsXNFQXOYJk5ighVNAMNSXZ2hQIT_LUKl7z2q4sWwB70X20DYBZlO-q9OdQO55Ggj63bk0AOg

That one line..."some will win, some will lose.." That line couldnt be more true. this one time i won, and then this other time, i lost. steve perry really tells it like it is.

This song is about never giving up on love. Everyone feels lonely sometimes. This song makes me think that every time I am sad or lonely there is someone else out there who might be lonely too and that someday we will meet. It sounds dumb I guess, maybe naive or hopelessly romantic but I think its true. I "hold on to that feeling" of hope all the time.

This song is extremely special to me. My father died when I was young and always used to tell me "Keep the faith, Kris. Keep the faith." This song has never let me down and I think it's exactly that; keep the faith and don't stop believing no matter what happens. There is always something great out there as long as you believe it exists. I've experienced some rough things in my life and whenever I asked God to help me, this song would play on the radio or wherever I was.

I was supposed to graduate from college in May 2011, and I couldn't because I had to repeat my 90 hours for teaching. I knew God had a plan for me for some reason although I didn't know what. I ended up student teaching at the school attached to my Church. I could not have asked for a better experience. I honestly could not or would not have asked for a better sign from God that I have a bright future in this field.

Never give up on yourself or your dreams, keep going and NEVER stop believing.

i love this song. best journey song hands down.

I think this song is defintely about fate, hope, love, and of course, believing. We all want love/thrill/emotion.. and we try to find it, often through lust. we end up not getting it. it's saying just don't stop believing. it will happen someday.

this song is about fate. How two lonley people from two different areas are lookingand waiting for love. Everybody wants emotion(love) but not all of us are that lucky. And for those who arn't that lucky well "Dont stop believin".

Just a small town girl, living in a lonely world She took the midnight train going anywhere

just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit He took the midnight train going anywhere

( Ok so listen up because this is where you have to really start thinking... I solely hope to concey both clearly and simply to you why this song is in my mind, about prostitutes. Yes, hookers, harlots, and whores... To many times people for lack of better words " Judge a book by it's cover". I know that the first couple of lines have confused...

( Ok so listen up because this is where you have to really start thinking... I solely hope to concey both clearly and simply to you why this song is in my mind, about prostitutes. Yes, hookers, harlots, and whores... To many times people for lack of better words " Judge a book by it's cover". I know that the first couple of lines have confused many people, but what the writer really tries to get you to do is create in your mind a character for you to get to understand, and hopefully also sympathies with by the end of the narrative. People will confuse themselves often, as they create the story in their minds with two protagonists for the song, because well they want to think it is about themselves. Though while it is an effective literary technique to put the reader in the story, I believe that this story is ment to be looked at from afar to picture a story of people we will probably never get to know. Now that I have your attention please feel free to re-read the lyrics, I have even provided my own comments on the lines for those who chose to read them ) . . . . . .

A singer in a smoky room The smell of wine and cheap perfume

( when writers tell a story they know that one element of that tale is the setting, the where, the when, and sometimes the why. In the case of these lines the author, as i will call the writer or writers, the author is developing the where, by enlightening multiple of our senses to the setting. The singer gives us something to picture hearing, and maybe even watching as she is providing entertainment. The smoky room gives us something to picture smelling, and again maybe is gives us a visual of smoke in hanging in the air as it often does in a bar. The last line I will leave you to interpret, but i would ask if you try to let your imagination wander.)

For a smile they can share the night It goes on and on and on and on

( Now that the author has developed a setting for us he reintroduces the protagonist [ Prostitute ], and the other character [ male Client ]. And then for whatever reason, destiny or randomness, these two people, which few people on here tend to agree on what method is the right one. Yes the male smiles and yes the pair share the night in whatever ways your imagination can take you. )

Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard Their shadows searching in the night

( Now the author ask us to picture a different setting, note that the protagonist is not necessarily present. The author shows us people on a boulevard probably one that looks much like one you've seen as it is your own creation to imagine. There shadows most typically an ominous symbol in literature describe the setting quite differently than the up beat tempo of the music. This darkness is actually quite a prevalent theme throughout. " Midnight Train", "Shadows searching in the night". )

Hiding somewhere in the night

( These lines tell us about the people in this new scene. The streetlight's depict how they can be found on street corners, where the look for emotion, whether it is happiness because of that they feel nought, or also find sadness, because there possibly self-destructive habits lead them to repeatably find themselves in terrible situations, "On and on and on and on.".

Working hard to get my fill, everybody wants a thrill Paying anything to roll the dice just one more time

( The use of the word my should suggest to the reader that the author is now speaking in first person through the protagonist. She is work hard at prostitution just to get a fill, not a T.V. or Car, like many of us including myself, look forward to saving for. But after all as we have been told many times, prostitution is the oldest profession and, "Everybody wants a thrill". There is a reason why there is a general consensus, that, "Streetlight People" as I like to call them are some of the lowest people. This is because they have said au revoir to there morals and paid the highest price and made the greatest sacrifice in selling the one thing they truly own... their bodies.)

Some will win, some will lose, some were born to sing the blues Oh the movie never ends, it goes on and on and on and on

( Yes some people will win, they will be rich maybe be famous, others will lose as we all have once or twice, and, "Some were born to sing the blue's". And what better music for the author to use to describe the life of a prostitute than the most soulful, most passionate, and often the saddest ever produced. And yes this movie you have imagined for yourself, "Goes on and on and on and on".

Hold on to that feeling Streetlight people

( And the story ends with touching sentiments and a kind high pitched final farewell, to all those Streetlight people that obviously everyone seems to like so much. )

* This is my take of the song, I hope you enjoyed how I tried to connect most every line if not word, but if you still have any questions or if you want to try to rebut me feel free to email me at [email protected] my name is Stephen Graham Hajosy and would love to hear other peoples input to a song that I personally love to sing at the top of my lungs at every home Oregon Ducks football game**

it's just basically telling us that there is that special someone out there for each of us. except i think i would be the one who "sings the blues" as steve perry put it.

Love what Glee did with this. The cover is amazing, and I think it captures all the energy of the original. Wow. This was (and still is) such a FANTASTIC song!

I have always interpreted this song as to the randomness of two souls finding each other. Out of nowhere, completely unexpected, not even looking, but their hearts are open to the possibility. The conclusion of these lyrics is actually the first verse of the song.

The rest is filled with methaphors of the arduous journey, and seemingly hopeless search. It may seem like a lost cause at times, but like the title of the song says, "Don't stop believin'".

Little Corner of A Music Lover – Music Songs and Instruments

17 Best Popular Journey Love Songs of All Time, Ranked, Youtube Lyrics

Best Popular Journey Love Songs of All Time, Ranked, Youtube Lyrics

Are you a fan of Journey band and can’t help but swoon over their romantic ballads? Here is the top Best Popular Journey Love Songs of All Time.

From heart-wrenching lyrics to soul-stirring melodies, these love songs have stood the test of time and continue to make our hearts skip a beat.

So get ready to journey through the best love songs by one of the greatest bands ever. Let’s dive in!

1. I’ll Be Alright Without You

“I’ll Be Alright Without You” by Journey is a timeless classic that showcases the band’s ability to combine powerful vocals with heart-wrenching lyrics.

As one of the best love songs by Journey, it captures the raw, emotional journey of moving on from a past relationship and finding strength in being alone.

The song beautifully conveys that even though love may have ended, life continues, and you can still thrive without your significant other.

2. With Your Love

“With Your Love” is a heartfelt and passionate love song by the American rock band Journey.

From their album “Captured,” this beautiful ballad showcases the band’s exceptional musical talents with powerful vocals, captivating guitar riffs, and moving lyrics.

The song speaks of an intense love that can conquer all fears and doubts.

It tells the story of two people who have found solace in each other’s arms, with lyrics like “When I’m lost in love, I find myself in you.”

3. When You Love a Woman

“When You Love a Woman” by Journey is undoubtedly one of the best love songs this iconic band has created. Released in 1996, it quickly became a couple’s favorite.

The song eloquently captures the essence of romantic love – the gentle yet powerful emotions, the vulnerability, and the sheer joy of being in love .

Steve Perry’s soulful vocals and Jonathan Cain’s heartfelt lyrics beautifully convey the depth of feelings experienced when you’re genuinely in love.

4. Send Her My Love

“Send Her My Love” by Journey is a classic love ballad that continues to captivate listeners with its heartfelt lyrics and powerful melodies.

Released in 1983, the song is a timeless reminder of the power and depth of true love.

The band’s signature blend of rock , pop, and soul can be heard throughout the song, making it a unique representation of their sound.

Lead singer Steve Perry’s smooth and expressive vocals perfectly convey the longing and yearning expressed in each verse.

5. Don’t Stop Believin’

“Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of millions since its release in 1981.

This upbeat and powerful love song has become an anthem for holding on to hope and never giving up on love.

The catchy chorus, “Don’t stop believin’, hold on to that feeling,” encourages listeners to believe in love even when times are tough.

The lyrics tell the story of two young people from different worlds who share a chance encounter and decide to leap faith into the unknown world of love.

6. Any Way You Want It

“Any Way You Want It” by Journey is a timeless classic that continues to capture the hearts of music lovers worldwide.

Released in 1980, this upbeat and catchy anthem has become one of the most beloved love songs by the iconic rock band.

With its infectious melodies, soaring vocals, and heartfelt lyrics, it’s no wonder “Any Way You Want It” remains a fan favorite even after four decades.

The song tells a simple yet powerful message about unconditional love and accepting someone for who they are – flaws and all.

7. Wheel in the Sky

“Wheel in the Sky” by Journey is a perfect blend of powerful vocals, soul-stirring music, and heartfelt lyrics that will take you on an emotional journey.

This classic rock ballad has captured the hearts of listeners since its release in 1978 and continues to be one of the most beloved songs by the band.

The soaring vocals of Steve Perry, combined with intricate guitar riffs and melodic piano, create a mesmerizing sound that is hard to resist.

The words chronicle the longing for love while on a never-ending journey, creating a bittersweet nostalgia for listeners.

8. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’

“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’ ” by Journey is a legendary love song that has captured hearts and fueled countless romances since its release in 1979.

With its catchy chorus and soulful melodies, this ballad tells the story of a tumultuous relationship filled with passion and pain.

The lyrics are raw and emotional, painting a vivid picture of a couple struggling to hold on to their love amidst the chaos of their disagreements.

Journey’s lead singer, Steve Perry, delivers an unforgettable vocal performance that perfectly captures the depth of emotion in the song.

“Lights” by Journey is a classic love song that has stood the test of time. It captures the feeling of being in love and how it can light up your world.

The iconic guitar intro and Steve Perry’s soulful vocals make this song instantly recognizable and loved by fans worldwide.

The lyrics paint a picture of two people falling deeply in love and losing themselves in each other’s light.

As the chorus goes, “When the lights go down in the city, And the sun shines on the bay, I want to be there in my city,” it evokes a sense of longing and a desire to be with one’s significant other no matter where they are.

10. Who’s Crying Now

“Who’s Crying Now” by Journey is a timeless love song that has captured the hearts of listeners for decades.

Its soulful lyrics and powerful vocals make it a must-listen for any true music lover.

The song tells the story of a relationship on the brink of falling apart, with both partners unsure of where they stand.

But amidst the uncertainty, there is still hope as they wonder who will be the first to shed tears and ultimately give in to their feelings.

The soaring guitar riffs and intense drum beats add more emotion to this heart-wrenching ballad.

11. Girl Can’t Help It

“Girl Can’t Help It” is a popular love song by the iconic American rock band Journey.

Released in 1986, it quickly became a fan favorite and remains a classic.

The upbeat tempo and smooth vocals lure listeners in, while the heartfelt lyrics tell the story of a woman who can’t resist falling in love.

The song perfectly represents Journey’s signature sound, with catchy guitar riffs and powerful vocals that make you want to dance along.

12. Open Arms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aajjfFPjEok

“Open Arms” by Journey is a timeless love song that has captured the hearts of listeners worldwide.

From its beautiful melody to its heartfelt lyrics, it perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being deeply in love and wanting to embrace someone with open arms.

The soaring vocals of lead singer Steve Perry, paired with the soft guitar riffs and gentle piano accompaniment, create an ethereal and romantic atmosphere that makes this song unforgettable.

It’s no wonder that “Open Arms” has become one of Journey’s most famous songs, beloved by fans for over four decades.

13. Faithfully

“Faithfully” by Journey is one of the most iconic love songs ever. Released in 1983, it became a fan favorite and remains popular for weddings and romantic events.

The song tells the story of a musician constantly on the road, touring and performing for his fans.

Despite the distance and constant travel, he remains faithful to his loved one back home.

The lyrics beautifully capture the sacrifices and struggles that come with being in a long-distance relationship but also highlight the unwavering devotion and love between two people.

14. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” by the iconic rock band Journey is a timeless love song that has captured hearts and stood the test of time.

With its upbeat tempo, soulful vocals, and heartfelt lyrics, this song perfectly encapsulates the pain and longing of two people going their separate ways in a relationship.

The powerful chorus of “We could last forever, but now we’re worlds apart” resonates with anyone who has experienced a heartbreaking breakup or distance in a once-loving relationship.

Each verse paints a vivid picture of the struggles and sacrifices one makes for love while showcasing the hope that remains amidst the pain.

15. Suzanne

“Suzanne” by Journey is a beautiful and timeless love song that captures the essence of true love.

The heartfelt lyrics speak of a deep and enduring love for someone special, making it the perfect soundtrack for any romantic occasion.

The way lead singer Steve Perry pours his heart out in every line will give you goosebumps, while the musical music takes you through the highs and lows of love.

Whether you’re in the early stages of a relationship or have been with your significant other for years, “Suzanne” will resonate with you.

16. Stone In Love

“Stone In Love” by Journey is a timeless love song that captures the essence of falling head over heels in love.

The beautifully written lyrics convey the intense emotions one experiences when smitten with someone special.

The band’s lead vocalist, Steve Perry, sings about how love can feel like a never-ending story, with each verse painting a vivid picture of longing and desire.

This classic rock ballad is a must-listen for anyone who has ever been deeply in love.

17. Only the Young

“Only the Young” by Journey is an incredible love song that captivates the hearts of listeners with its soulful lyrics and beautiful melody.

The band’s signature sound and lead singer Steve Perry’s powerful vocals create perfect emotional and uplifting harmony.

The song speaks about young love and the strength it brings to overcome any obstacle. It encourages the listener to hold on to hope even when things seem uncertain because love knows no bounds.

About Journey (band)

Journey is an American rock band that originated in San Francisco in 1973.

Composed of members Neal Schon, Ross Valory, Gregg Rolie, Aynsley Dunbar, and George Tickner, the band quickly gained popularity with their unique blend of progressive rock and pop music.

However, it was not until the addition of lead singer Steve Perry in 1977 that Journey rose to fame.

With Perry’s powerful vocals and the band’s catchy hooks and ballads, they became one of the top-selling artists of the 1980s.

Hits such as “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” and “Any Way You Want It” cemented their place in music history.

Despite several lineup changes, Journey has continued to tour and release new music, garnering a dedicated fanbase worldwide.

How many top 10 hits does Journey have?

You may wonder how many top 10 hits this legendary Journey band has.

Well, let me tell you that Journey has a total of nine top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

These include classics such as “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” and “Who’s Crying Now.”

Additionally, their album “Escape” became their first and only number-one album on the Billboard charts.

What is Journey’s signature song?

Journey’s signature song is undoubtedly their chart-topping hit, “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Released in 1981 on their album Escape, this iconic rock anthem has become a staple in popular culture and a favorite among fans.

Its catchy chorus and uplifting lyrics continue to be a go-to song for road trips, karaoke nights, and wedding playlists.

The song tells the story of a small-town girl and city boy who longs for something more, encouraging listeners to never give up on their dreams.

What is Journey’s best-selling song?

With numerous hit songs under their belt, it may be hard to determine which stands above the rest as their best-selling song.

However, according to Billboard charts and sales data, “Don’t Stop Believin’” is undoubtedly Journey’s best-selling track.

Released in 1981, this timeless anthem gained immense popularity through its appearance in popular TV shows and movies such as Glee and The Sopranos.

What is Journey’s biggest-selling album?

Journey’s biggest-selling album is the 1981 release, “Escape.”

This was their seventh studio album and included some of their most iconic songs, such as “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which has become a timeless anthem for generations.

The album also featured hits like “Open Arms” and “Who’s Crying Now,” both highly successful singles.

“Escape” reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart and stayed there for six weeks, making it their most successful album.

It has sold over 12 million copies worldwide and continues to be a fan favorite, with its blend of arena rock and power ballads that showcase Journey’s signature sound.

Is Journey a 70s or 80s band?

Journey, one of the most iconic rock bands in history, has been a topic of debate among fans regarding which decade they genuinely belong to – the 70s or the 80s.

Formed in San Francisco in 1973, Journey rose to fame with their distinctive blend of melodic rock and progressive elements.

Their early albums, such as “Infinity” and “Evolution,” were released in the late 70s and showcased their signature sound that would become their trademark.

However, it was not until the early 80s that Journey reached the pinnacle of success with hit singles like “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).”

With Steve Perry’s powerful vocals and Neal Schon’s electrifying guitar solos, Journey dominated the airwaves throughout the 80s, cementing their place as one of the greatest bands ever.

So is Journey a ’70s or ’80s band?

The answer lies somewhere between both decades, as they have left an indelible mark on both eras with their timeless music that continues to inspire generations even today.

Whether you prefer their earlier hits or their chart-topping anthems from the 80s, there’s no denying that Journey is a band that transcends time and will forever remain a beloved part of rock history.

Journey is a band that has touched the hearts of millions with their heartfelt and timeless love songs.

From “Open Arms” to “Faithfully,” these songs resonate with listeners of all ages, making them some of the best love songs in music history.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic ballad or an upbeat anthem, Journey has it all.

So go ahead and add these songs to your playlist, and let the magic of Journey’s music fill your heart with love and happiness.

Thank you for reading our list of the best love songs by Journey! Keep on singing along and spreading the love with their beautiful music.

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Journey - Small Town Girl Lyrics

Artist: Journey

Album: Miscellaneous

Genre: Rock

journey song about a girl

She's just a small town girl, living in a lonely world She took the midnight train going anywhere He's just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit He took the midnight train going anywhere I seen her in a smoky room The smell of wine and cheap perfume For a smile they can share the night It goes on and on and on and on Strangers waiting, walking down the boulevard Their shadows searching in the night Street lights, people living just to find emotion Hiding somewhere in the night Working hard to get my fill, everybody wants a thrill Betting anything to roll the dice just one more time Some will win, some will lose, some are born to sing the blues And the movie never ends, it goes on and on and on and on Strangers waiting, walking down the boulevard Their shadows searching in the night Street lights, people, living just to find emotion Hiding somewhere in the night Don't stop believing, hold on to that feeling Street lights, people Don't stop believing, hold on Street lights, people Don't stop believing hold on to that feeling Street lights, people, ohh

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71 Songs About Journeys (Pop, Rap & More)

30 Aug 2022 — Filed Under: Music

I. Latest Songs About Journeys

Ii. pop songs about journeys, iii. country songs about journeys, iv. r&b songs about journeys, v. rock songs about journeys, vi. christian songs about journeys, 1. with christ by journey worship co..

Artist: Journey Worship Co. Album: Volume One (Live) Year: 2021

The song is a worship song about how we are never alone with Christ by our side. No matter what we are going through in life, He is always with us and will never leave us. The song talks about how Christ is our hope and our strength, and how we can always trust Him.

journey song about a girl

2. Sovereign God (Green Room Session) by Journey Worship Co.

The song Sovereign God is a worship song about the power and majesty of God. The lyrics declare that God is sovereign over all things and that His love is everlasting. The song is a reminder that we are never alone, and that God is always with us.

1. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey

Artist: Journey Album: Escape Year: 1981

The song is about a man who is down on his luck and is trying to make his way in the world. He is told by someone that he should never give up on his dreams and to never stop believing in himself.

2. I’ve Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash

Artist: Johnny Cash Album: Unchained Year: 1996

The song is a list of places the narrator has been, with the refrain “I’ve been everywhere, man.” The narrator claims to have been to all of the places mentioned in the song, which span several continents.

3. Born to Be Wild by Steppenwolf

Artist: Steppenwolf Album: Steppenwolf Year: 1968

1. “The Road” by C.W. McCall 2. “I’ve Been Everywhere” by Hank Snow 3. “The Wanderer” by Dion 4. “City of New Orleans” by Arlo Guthrie 5. “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson 6. “Ramblin’ Man” by The Allman Brothers Band 7. “The Times They Are A-Changin'” by Bob Dylan 8. “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot 9. “The Passenger” by Iggy Pop 10. “Ride the Lightning” by Metallica

4. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers

Artist: The Proclaimers Album: Hollywood Soundtracks Year: 1987

The song is about a man who is willing to walk 500 miles to be with the woman he loves. He is determined to make the journey, no matter what the obstacles, and he is sure that he will be happy when he finally arrives at her side.

5. Fly Away by Lenny Kravitz

Artist: Lenny Kravitz Album: 5 Year: 1998

The song is about leaving everything behind and starting anew. It talks about how sometimes we need to let go of our past in order to move forward. The chorus repeats the phrase “fly away” which could symbolize letting go of what’s holding us back.

6. You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

Artist: Josh Groban Album: Closer Year: 2003

“You Raise Me Up” is a song originally composed by Irish-Norwegian duo Secret Garden. The music was written by Secret Garden’s Rolf Løvland and the lyrics by Brendan Graham. After the song was performed early in 2002 by the Secret Garden and their invited lead singer, Brian Kennedy, the song only became a minor hit. In 2003, the song was recorded by the Irish singer Josh Groban, whose version became a global hit. Groban’s recording was produced by David Foster and Humberto Gatica and released on his album Closer. His single achieved considerable adult contemporary and easy listening radio airplay and peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 2004. In the United Kingdom, Groban’s version of “You Raise Me Up” peaked at number one in January 2005, becoming his first number-one single there.

7. Kokomo by The Beach Boys

Artist: The Beach Boys Album: Kokomo Year: 1988

“Kokomo” is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1988 album Still Cruisin’. The song was written by Mike Love, Terry Melcher, and John Phillips, and produced by the Beach Boys and Bruce Johnston. It was released as a single on July 18, 1988, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 the following month. In the UK, the song peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart.

8. The Wanderer by Dion DiMucci

Artist: Dion DiMucci Album: Runaround Sue Year: 1961

The song is about a man who is a wanderer and has no home. He has been everywhere and seen everything. He is tired of moving around and wants to find a place to settle down.

9. In the Arms of an Angel by Sarah McLachlan

Artist: Sarah McLachlan Album: Surfacing Year: 1997

The song is about a person who is struggling and feels alone, but is comforted by an angel. The lyrics talk about how the person is going through a tough time and how the angel is there to help them through it.

10. Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers

Artist: The Righteous Brothers Album: Just Once in My Life Year: 1965

The song is about a man who is longing for his lost love. He is hoping that she will return to him and they can be together again.

11. Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver

Artist: John Denver Album: Poems, Prayers & Promises Year: 1971

The song is about the beauty of West Virginia and the desire to be home. The singer longs for the simplicity of the country life and the peace that comes with it. The song has a nostalgic and wistful tone, and speaks to the longing for a simpler time and place.

12. Around the World by Daft Punk

Artist: Daft Punk Album: Homework Year: 1997

The song is about a journey around the world, starting in France and ending in Japan. Along the way, the traveler experiences a variety of different cultures and sounds.

13. Paris by The Chainsmokers

Artist: The Chainsmokers Album: Memories…Do Not Open Year: 2017

The Chainsmokers are an American electronic music duo consisting of Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall. The song is about a young couple in love in the city of Paris. They are in awe of the city and all it has to offer. They are excited to be in each other’s arms and to experience everything the city has to offer together.

14. The Road to Hell by Chris Rea

Artist: Chris Rea Album: – Year: –

The song is about a man who is headed down a road to self-destruction. He is aware of the danger he is in, but he seems to be powerless to stop himself. The song is a warning to others about the dangers of this road, and the singer pleads with them to turn back before it’s too late.

15. Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright

Artist: Rufus Wainwright Album: Shrek Year: 2001

The song Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright is a religious song that talks about praising God. The song is upbeat and has a lot of energy.

16. The Road to Hell (Part II) by Chris Rea

Artist: Chris Rea Album: The Road to Hell (Deluxe Edition) Year: 1989

The song is about a man who is driving down a road to hell, and he is reflecting on his life and how he got there. He talks about how he made some bad choices that led him down this road, and how he regrets them. He also talks about how he is trying to find his way back to the living, and how he is hoping that someone will help him.

1. On the Road Again by Willie Nelson

Artist: Willie Nelson Album: – Year: 1980

The song is about a man who is on the road again and is looking forward to the journey. He is excited to see the different places and people he will encounter along the way.

2. Amazing Grace by LeAnn Rimes

Artist: LeAnn Rimes Album: You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs Year: 1997

The song is a cover of the traditional hymn “Amazing Grace.” Rimes’ version is a slower, more emotive take on the song, with her powerful voice conveying the message of the lyrics. The song speaks to the power of God’s grace in saving us from our sins, and how it is something that we can always rely on.

3. Ramblin’ Man by The Allman Brothers Band

Artist: The Allman Brothers Band Album: Brothers and Sisters Year: 1973

The song is about a man who is always on the move and can’t stay in one place for very long. He is always looking for something new and exciting to do.

4. Take It Easy by Eagles

Artist: Eagles Album: Eagles Year: –

The song is about taking it easy and enjoying life despite the challenges that come up. The singer encourages the listener to relax and not worry too much.

5. The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan

Artist: Bob Dylan Album: The Times They Are a-Changin’ Year: 1964

The song is about how the world is constantly changing and how people need to change with it. Dylan sings about how the old ways of doing things are no longer effective and how people need to adapt to the new ways. He also talks about how the future is always unknown and how people need to be prepared for it.

6. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey

7. city of new orleans by arlo guthrie.

Artist: Arlo Guthrie Album: Hobo’s Lullaby Year: 1972

The song is a ballad about a train, the City of New Orleans, traveling from Chicago to New Orleans. The singer reflects on the various people and places the train passes through and how they all contribute to the journey. In the end, the singer arrives in New Orleans, where he is “welcomed like a long lost friend.”

8. John Michael Montgomery by Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)

Artist: Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident) Album: – Year: –

This song is about a man who goes to a Grundy County auction and ends up buying a date with a woman named John Michael Montgomery.

9. Rascal Flatts by Rascal Flatts

Artist: Rascal Flatts Album: Me and My Gang Year: 2006

This song is about a young man who is in love with a girl who is in love with someone else. The young man is trying to figure out what to do and how to tell the girl that he loves her.

10. Lynyrd Skynyrd by Sweet Home Alabama

Artist: Sweet Home Alabama Album: – Year: –

“Sweet Home Alabama” is a song by Lynyrd Skynyrd that was released in 1974. The song is about the state of Alabama and how the band members feel about it. They talk about how much they love the state and how it is a great place to live.

11. Willie Nelson by Willie Nelson

The song is about the life of country music singer Willie Nelson. It talks about his humble beginnings, his struggles with addiction, and his eventual success.

12. Travis Tritt by Travis Tritt

Artist: Travis Tritt Album: Down the Road I Go Year: 2000

The song is about the country singer Travis Tritt and how he became successful. It talks about his humble beginnings and how he worked hard to get where he is today.

13. Country Roads – John Denver by John Denver

The song is about the beauty of nature and how it can make people feel. It talks about how country roads can take people away from their troubles and make them feel at peace.

1. Good as Hell by Lizzo

Artist: Lizzo Album: Barbershop: The Next Cut (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Year: 2016

The song is about how good Lizzo feels, and how she knows she looks good. She sings about how she doesn’t need a man to make her feel good, because she already does. The song is empowering and uplifting, and makes the listener feel good as well.

2. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell

Artist: Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell Album: United Year: 1967

The song is about how no matter how high a mountain is, it cannot stop two people in love from being together.

3. 7 Years by Lukas Graham

Artist: Lukas Graham Album: Lukas Graham (Blue Album) Year: 2015

The song is about a man looking back on his life and reflecting on all that he has accomplished in the span of 7 years. He talks about how time has flown by and how he has grown and changed as a person in that time. He reflects on some of the biggest moments in his life, both good and bad, and how they have all led him to where he is today. In the end, he is grateful for all that he has experienced and learned in those 7 years and looks forward to what the next 7 will bring.

4. I Can See Clearly Now by Jimmy Cliff

Artist: Jimmy Cliff Album: Cool Runnings Year: 1993

I Can See Clearly Now by Jimmy Cliff is a song about how the singer has finally been able to see clearly after going through a tough time. He talks about how he can see the good in life and how he is grateful for what he has.

5. Respect by Aretha Franklin

Artist: Aretha Franklin Album: I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You Year: 1967

The song Respect by Aretha Franklin is about a woman demanding respect from her man. She is tired of being treated like a doormat and wants him to show her some respect. She sings about how she has given him everything and how she deserves to be treated better. The song is a powerful anthem for women everywhere who feel like they are not being respected.

6. Not Afraid by Eminem

Artist: Eminem Album: Hits June 10 Year: 2010

The song is about overcoming fears and being strong in the face of adversity. It is a motivational song that encourages people to face their fears and to be confident in themselves.

7. Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay by Otis Redding

Artist: Otis Redding Album: The Dock of the Bay Year: –

The song is about a man who is sitting on the dock of a bay, watching the tide roll away. He is thinking about all the things he has done in his life and how he is now at peace with himself.

9. The Weight by The Band

Artist: The Band Album: – Year: –

The Weight is a song written by Robbie Robertson and originally performed by The Band in 1968. The song is about a traveler who arrives in a small town and is asked to stay with a family there. The traveler is then asked to do various tasks for the family, including carrying their groceries and picking up their laundry. As the traveler does these things, he thinks about the people he has left behind and the things he has left undone. The song is about the choices we make in life and how they can weigh us down.

10. Up Around the Bend by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival Album: Cosmo’s Factory Year: 1970

The song is about a man who is on the road and looking for adventure. He is tired of his everyday life and is looking for something new. He is willing to take risks and is open to new experiences.

11. Soldier of Love by Sade

Artist: Sade Album: Soldier of Love Year: 2010

The song is about a soldier of love who is willing to fight for love even though they know they may not win. The song is about being willing to risk everything for love.

12. Going Back to Cali by LL Cool J

Artist: LL Cool J Album: Less Than Zero Year: 1987

The song is about a man who is returning to Los Angeles, California after living in New York City. He talks about how he misses the weather and the women in California.

13. Just Fine by Mary J. Blige

Artist: Mary J. Blige Album: Growing Pains Year: 2007

The song is about a woman who is going through a tough time but is determined to remain positive. Despite her challenges, she is doing just fine.

14. Keep On Pushing by The Impressions

Artist: The Impressions Album: – Year: –

The Impressions’ “Keep On Pushing” is an anthem of hope and perseverance. Despite the challenges faced by the singer and those around him, he remains determined to push forward and make a better life for himself and his community. The song features a positive and upbeat message that is sure to inspire listeners to keep fighting for their dreams.

2. The Long and Winding Road by The Beatles

Artist: The Beatles Album: Let It Be Year: 1970

The song is about a relationship that has ended and the singer is looking back on all the happy times they shared together. He is sad and regrets all the things he didn’t do to make the relationship work.

3. Ramble On by Led Zeppelin

Artist: Led Zeppelin Album: Led Zeppelin II Year: 1969

Ramble On is a song by Led Zeppelin from their 1969 album Led Zeppelin II. The song was written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, and is one of the band’s most popular songs. The song is about a young man’s journey through life, and his encounters with love, death, and the devil. The song has a very catchy riff, and is one of Led Zeppelin’s most well-known songs.

4. Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac

Artist: Fleetwood Mac Album: Rumours Year: 1977

The song is about a relationship that has ended and the person is telling their former partner that they need to go their own way.

5. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

Artist: Bruce Springsteen Album: Born to Run Year: 1975

The song is about a young man’s escape from his hometown. He is in love with a girl named Mary and he wants to take her away to a better life. The song is an anthem for anyone who has ever felt trapped by their circumstances and longed for something better.

6. Take the Long Way Home by Supertramp

Artist: Supertramp Album: Breakfast in America Year: 1979

The song is about a man who is tired of his life and decides to take the long way home. He is tired of the city and the people in it. He wants to find a place where he can be alone and find peace.

7. Running on Empty by Jackson Browne

Artist: Jackson Browne Album: Running on Empty Year: 1977

The song is about a person who is “running on empty” and needs a break. The person is tired of the rat race and just wants to relax and take it easy for a while.

8. Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles

Artist: The Beatles Album: Abbey Road Year: 1969

The song is about the hope that comes with the arrival of springtime.

9. Where the Streets Have No Name by U2

Artist: U2 Album: The Joshua Tree Year: 1987

The song is about poverty and longing for a better life. The lyrics describe the frustration of living in a slum where there is no escape from the grinding poverty and despair. The singer longs for a place where the streets have no name and where there is hope for a better future.

10. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey

Artist: Journey Album: Frontiers Year: 1983

The song is about a couple who have grown apart and are now living separate lives. The singer is reminiscing about the good times they had together and how they are now living in different worlds.

11. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey

12. send her my love by journey.

The song is about a man who is thinking about a past love. He is wondering how she is doing and if she is happy. He still loves her and thinks about her often.

13. Lights by Infinity

Artist: Infinity Album: – Year: –

The song is about a person who is in a relationship with someone who is not good for them. They are trying to get away from this person, but they keep coming back. The person is warning them that they need to get away from this person before they get hurt.

14. Wheel in the Sky by Journey

Artist: Journey Album: Infinity Year: 1978

The song is about a person who is searching for meaning in their life. They feel lost and alone, but they continue to search for answers.

15. Open Arms by Journey

Artist: Journey Album: Escape Year: –

The song is about a couple who are going through a tough time and are struggling to communicate with each other. The song is about the idea of trying to find comfort in each other’s arms and being there for each other no matter what.

16. Faithfully by Journey

The song is about a man who is struggling to keep his relationship alive despite the fact that he is always on the road. He is faithful to his love, but he knows that it is taking a toll on their relationship.

17. Any Way You Want It by Journey

Artist: Journey Album: Departure Year: 1980

The song is about a person who is willing to do anything for love. They are willing to go to any length and do whatever it takes to make the relationship work.

1. I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe

Artist: MercyMe Album: The Worship Project Year: 1999

The song is about a person imagining what it will be like to be in heaven. The person imagines being in a beautiful place with no more pain or suffering. They imagine being reunited with loved ones who have died and being able to worship God freely. The song is a reminder that even though we don’t know what heaven will be like, we can trust that it will be better than anything we can imagine.

2. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers

3. what a wonderful world by louis armstrong.

Artist: Louis Armstrong Album: – Year: –

The song What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong is a feel-good song about how great the world is. Armstrong’s vocals are smooth and comforting, making the listener feel at ease. The lyrics talk about all the wonderful things in the world, from the beauty of nature to the happiness of children. It’s a simple song, but it’s one that always makes people feel good.

4. With Christ by Journey Worship Co.

5. through life’s journey by drew greenway.

Artist: Drew Greenway Album: Through Life’s Journey Year: 2015

The song is about a man’s journey through life and how he has been changed by it. He reflects on the people and experiences that have shaped him and how they have helped him to grow and become the person he is today. He is thankful for the journey, even though it has been difficult at times, and he knows that it has made him a better person.

6. The Journey by ICF Worship

Artist: ICF Worship Album: Valleys and Wonders Year: 2016

The Journey is a song about the ups and downs of life and how God is always with us through it all. The song talks about how we all have a journey to take and how we need to trust God to lead us through it. The song is a reminder that no matter what happens in life, God is always with us and will never leave us alone.

7. Jesus on My Journey by Kids On The Move

Artist: Kids On The Move Album: Greater Is He Year: 2011

The song is about a young child’s journey with Jesus. The child starts off by asking Jesus to come with them on their journey, and then talks about all the different places they go and the things they see. The child eventually gets tired and wants to go home, but Jesus tells them to keep going. The child then talks about how they finally make it to the end of their journey and how happy they are to be there with Jesus.

8. My Christian Journey by Pilgrim Jubilees

Artist: Pilgrim Jubilees Album: Trouble In The Street Year: 1997

The song ‘My Christian Journey by Pilgrim Jubilees’ is a song about a person’s journey through life and how their faith has helped them along the way. The lyrics talk about how the person has faced many challenges and obstacles, but their faith has always been there to help them overcome them. The song is a reminder that no matter what life throws at us, our faith will always be there to help us through it.

9. Through All of It by Colton Dixon

Artist: Colton Dixon Album: Anchor Year: 2014

The song is about continuing to push forward even when life gets tough. It talks about how God is always there for us, even when we feel alone. It is a song of hope and encouragement.

10. Sovereign God (Green Room Session) by Journey Worship Co.

11. the prayer by marcelito pomoy.

Artist: Marcelito Pomoy Album: Split Year: 2013

The song ‘The Prayer by Marcelito Pomoy’ is a beautiful ballad that tells the story of a man who is asking for God’s guidance and strength. The lyrics are full of emotion and the music is very moving. This song is sure to touch the hearts of those who hear it.

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Don't Stop Believin' by Journey

journey song about a girl

Songfacts®:

  • Journey's most enduring song, this track has a unique structure, which helps it stick in your mind. Where most songs have a chorus that's repeated several times, "Don't Stop Believin'" brings in its chorus (and title) only at the end - about 3:20 into the song. The structure goes: instrumental, first verse, instrumental, second verse, first pre-chorus, instrumental, third verse, second pre-chorus, instrumental, and then finally the chorus until fade-out. It was not their biggest chart hit (that would be " Open Arms "), but is by far Journey's most famous song, thanks to a resurgence in the '00s.
  • The line, "Strangers waiting, up and down the Boulevard" is a reference to Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, where dreams are made. Keyboard player Jonathan Cain got the idea for the song when he went there to pursue his career. In his Songfacts interview , Cain said: "The song began with the chorus. My father had coached me. I was in Hollywood, struggling with my career, kind of lost. I was asking him, 'Should I come back to Chicago and just give up on this dream?' And he said, 'No, son. Stay the course. We have a vision. It's gonna happen. Don't stop believin'.'" Cain's dream came true when he joined a group called The Babys with John Waite. In 1980, he joined Journey in San Francisco, and this song took shape. He told Steve Perry about his idea for placing the song in Sunset Boulevard, and Perry had him describe it. "I described the menagerie of people who would show up on a Friday night," Cain said. "All the dreamers that had dreams to become actors. Producers, artists, lawyers, anything... they were all there on a Friday night."
  • Journey lead singer Steve Perry, keyboard player Jonathan Cain and guitarist Neal Schon are the credited songwriters on this one, but the entire band contributed. In the Time3 compilation, the genesis of this song is explained: "At the band's Oakland warehouse, this song bubbled out of a rehearsal. Schon developed the bass riff, the chugging guitar line and the sweeping chords on the chorus. Steve Smith built the song around a pattern featuring a lot of tom-toms, anchoring the number to a rich drum figure. Perry and Cain drew from their experiences with the Sunset Strip street scene for the lyrics, 'streetlight people.'"
  • Speaking with New York Magazine , Perry explained that the song originated during a series of gigs in Detroit when he found himself in a hotel room unable to sleep, staring out of the window: Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard Their shadows searching in the night Streetlight people, living just to find emotion Hiding, somewhere in the night "I was digging the idea of how the lights were facing down, so that you couldn't see anything," he recalled. "All of a sudden I'd see people walking out of the dark, and into the light. And the term 'streetlight people' came to me. So Detroit was very much in my consciousness when we started writing."
  • The popular resurgence of this song can be traced to its use in the 2003 movie Monster , which was based on the true story of the female serial killer Aileen Wuornos. The film was not widely seen but drew critical raves and a Best Actress Oscar for Charlize Theron, who portrayed Wuornos. In the movie, the song comes on when Wuornos and Selby Wall (played by Christina Ricci) are skating to it in a roller rink. They mention how they love the song, and as it builds, so does their passion, and they end up kissing outside the rink. The use of "Don't Stop Believin'" in this critically adored scene got the attention of the Hollywood community, who saw the emotion the song could bring out and no longer thought of it as a nostalgia track. Requests started pouring in to use the song in a variety of movies and TV shows, and soon another generation was familiar with the song. So how did it get in Monster in the first place? The film's director Patty Jenkins used it when they shot the scene and knew it fit perfectly. She sent the band members viewing copies of the film and asked permission to use it on a short budget. Perry called her back and not only gave approval, but helped her select music for the rest of the film; he's credited as a music consultant.
  • The song was written to give the audience a connection with the band, a goal it achieved. Jonathan Cain told Songfacts: "It was the first attempt to bring an audience into the band's world. We're singing for you. We're singing about your world now. So, it was a departure from what they had been doing before. What I wanted to do was get a little Bruce Springsteen going on. Bruce was the master of that, bringing his audience into his songs. I was a huge fan of Bruce's."
  • Speaking with the British radio station Planet Rock in 2010, Steve Perry said of this song: "Personally, it's something that means a lot to me. Everybody has emotional issues and problems, and the song has helped me personally to not give up, and I'm finding a lot of people feel that."
  • This is the first track on Journey's seventh album, Escape . It was chosen to lead the album because, according to Cain, "With that piano line, it just sounds like a book opening up."
  • The song got a boost when it was used as the closing number in Rock of Ages , a jukebox musical featuring hits of the '80s. The show ran on Broadway from 2009-2015, and in 2012 was made into a movie starring Tom Cruise. It's an appropriate choice, as Rock of Ages takes place on Sunset Boulevard, which is also the primary setting for the song.
  • In the last ever episode of the TV show The Sopranos , which aired June 10, 2007, Tony Soprano plays this song on a jukebox during the final scene. The episode abruptly ends with the lyrics "Don't Stop" as the scene cuts to black. Steve Perry said in People magazine June 13, 2007: "I needed to know how this song was going to be used. I didn't want the song to be part of a blood-bath, if that was going to be the closing moment. In order for me to feel good about approving the song use, they had to tell me what happened. And they made me swear that I would not tell anybody."
  • This was featured in an episode of the TV show Scrubs called "My Journey." Other television series and films to use "Don't Stop Believin'" include South Park , The Wedding Singer , Shrek the Halls , Bedtime Stories , Yes Dear , King of the Hill , The Comebacks , View from the Top , Cold Case , CSI: Crime Scene Investigation , My Name Is Earl , Just Shoot Me and Laguna Beach .
  • In November 2008 it was announced that this track had become the first song available in the pre-digital era to sell more than 2 million downloads through iTunes. The track's popularity increased significantly after its appearance in the final episode of The Sopranos . It also became one of the most popular karaoke songs in America in the late '00s.
  • In May 2009 a remake by the cast of the Fox TV musical comedy Glee debuted at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, five places higher than Journey's version ever reached. It was performed in the season pilot and became part of the soundtrack album Glee: The Music, Volume 1 . By the end of 2009, the digital download had earned 500,000 digital sales. Journey guitarist and songwriter Neal Schon was afraid the use of the song in Glee would reflect negatively on the band. "I was terrified by that because I thought it was a teenybopper show, not so cool for us," Schon admitted to The Guardian . "Little did I know that it would open up a younger generation to our music. I'm a rocker and a blues guy, and we always joke that if I think something is too schmaltzy, it's usually gonna be big!" The Glee version was performed on Sesame Street with monsters portraying the cast and the lyrics adapted to "Don't stop G-ing," a tribute to the letter G.
  • Believing in yourself and following your passion are ideals Steve Perry holds dear. When Randy Jackson, who used to play bass with Journey, was a judge on the singing competition American Idol , he asked Perry to come on as a guest judge. Perry turned him down, saying, "I don't feel good about sitting in judgment of anyone's honest passion to perform or their talent. If someone has a passion to perform, they should do it no matter what anyone says." Perry added: "I was passed on in the music business many, many times before Herbie [Journey manager Walter Herbert] heard my demo and believed in me. That was the moment that changed my life and I'm still forever grateful to him for believing in me. The hardest part is to keep believing in what you love when others tell you that you are not good at it."
  • MTV went on the air shortly before this song was released. The band made a Spartan performance video for it in an empty arena, apparently at a soundcheck. They made a better one with footage from a Houston stop on their Escape tour, which became the official video that shows up on their VEVO account. Neither video got much love on MTV, which preferred concept videos.
  • In the UK, this song peaked at #62 when it was first released. In November 2009, it was rereleased after Joe McEldry sang it on the TV show X-Factor , and this time, it climbed to #19. Joe McElderry won the competition, and franchise boss Simon Cowell wanted to release his version of the song as the single in the aftermath of the teenage singer's victory. However, Journey declined and Cowell instead arranged for McElderry to cover Miley Cyrus' track " The Climb ." Guitarist Neal Schon explained to The Sun : "We knew about Joe's version because Simon had contacted our management. He wanted to re-do the song with a different arrangement. We listened to it. We declined. There was nothing wrong with the original version - if it's not busted, let's not fix it." Schon added that Journey were aware they were possibly passing up a UK #1 hit. "Randy Jackson, who was on American Idol with Simon, was stressing that we should let him do it because it would probably go to #1. But we stuck to our decision."
  • In the UK, the Glee Cast version debuted at #5 on the UK singles chart dated January 17, 2010, one place above Journey's original recording. It was the first instance of two versions of the same song sitting at back to back positions on the chart since December 2008 when Alexandra Burke's take on " Hallelujah " was at #1 with Jeff Buckley's version one place behind.
  • The song starts with Perry singing about a young couple from two different backgrounds: Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world She took the midnight train goin' anywhere Just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit He took the midnight train goin' anywhere But hang on a sec, any good Motor City citizen will tell you, there is no location called South Detroit; Detroit, Michigan, distinguishes only between an East Side and a West Side. If you go south in Detroit ("down-river"), you end up in Canada. Perry admitted to New York Magazine that he wasn't overly concerned with being geographically accurate. "I ran the phonetics of east, west, and north, but nothing sounded as good or emotionally true to me as South Detroit," he said. "The syntax just sounded right. I fell in love with the line. It's only been in the last few years that I've learned that there is no South Detroit. But it doesn't matter."
  • This was used in the 1982 Atari video game Journey Escape . The song played in the background while you controlled various band members, helping them find the space ship while avoiding groupies and evil promoters. Computer graphics were pretty bad back then, so the groupies were represented as hearts with legs, and the promoters were floating heads. In fact, the very game was created to be based on the band Journey and the album Escape .
  • This was one of the first Journey songs on which keyboard player Jonathan Cain played. He replaced Gregg Rolle for the Escape album.
  • Lady Gaga, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Blondie and Shirley Bassey performed this at the finale of a Rainforest Fund benefit at Carnegie Hall in May 2010.
  • This song was used in a 2005 episode of animated TV series Family Guy where Peter, Joe, Cleveland, and Quagmire did a drunken karaoke rendition of the song. ITunes was catching on at this point, and after this episode aired there was a spike in download sales of the song. >> Suggestion credit : Bert - Pueblo, NM
  • Journey toured to support this album, but they interrupted their tour to open for The Rolling Stones in Philadelphia on September 25, 1981. It was The Stones first show on their North American tour.
  • This became the anthem of the Chicago White Sox during their 2005 season in which they won the World Series. Steve Perry attended the last game of the Series and sang the song at their victory parade. Perry's allegiance though, is to his hometown team the San Francisco Giants. He was often seen supporting the team when they won World Series titles in 2010, 2012 and 2014. Perry would sometimes lead the crowd in singing along to "Don't Stop Believin'" when it was played between innings at games.
  • Steve Perry severed ties with Journey in 1998 when he needed hip replacement surgery and couldn't give his bandmates a return date. Anxious to tour, they replaced him with the similar sounding Steve Augeri, and later with Arnel Pineda. For Journey fans, a dream scenario finds Perry reuniting with the band, triumphantly taking the helm on "Don't Stop Believin'" in an affirmation of unity and faith. But every year, they scenario seems less likely. In 2017 when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Perry attended but didn't perform with the band, which did three songs (including this one) with Pineda. When Perry emerged with a solo album, Traces , in 2018, he offered some insight into his split with the band and his absence. "My love for music had suddenly left me," he said. "If music was ever to return to my heart, then and only then I would figure out what to do. If not... so be it, for I had already lived the dream of dreams." Journey first fractured in 1987 after touring for their Raised On Radio album. This was Perry's doing, as he was burned out and worried about keeping his voice healthy. But it was Perry who initiated their return, calling Cain in 1995 to talk about getting back together. This resulted in the 1996 album Trial by Fire ; Perry's hip condition emerged after it was finished.
  • "Don't Stop Believin'" powered Journey's 1988 Greatest Hits album to a whopping 15 million in US sales ( Escape sold 9 million), making it one of the best-selling compilation albums in history. In 2001, they released another compilation, The Essential Journey , which sold another 2 million.
  • During the 2020 pandemic, some hospitals used the song as a rallying call for patients recovering from COVID-19 and those treating them. The New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital, for instance, played "Don't Stop Believin'" throughout the building each time they discharged a coronavirus patient.
  • In 2020, Ladbaby, a UK duo comprising YouTuber Mark Hoyle and his wife Roxanne, released a playful twist on this song titled " Don't Stop Me Eatin' ." Recorded to raise money for foodbank charity The Trussell Trust, Ladbaby's single was the UK's Official Christmas #1 that year.
  • "Don't Stop Believin'" was honored by the Library of Congress, which added it to the National Recording Registry in 2022. Steve Perry said: "That song, over the years, has become something that has a life of its own. It's about the people who've embraced it and found the lyrics to be something they can relate to and hold onto and sing."
  • On January 26, 2024, the RIAA certified "Don't Stop Believin'" at 18x Platinum, a jump from 5x Platinum in 2013. The new certification reflects streaming, and signals that the song is immensely popular across generations. Other songs to reach that milestone are all far more recent, like " Sunflower " by Post Malone. Based on these figures, it's safe to say that "Don't Stop Believin'" is the most widely popular song of all-time in America. You can play it to anyone and they'll certainly recognize the song and probably like it. The next-closest song from the pre-streaming era is Mariah Carey's " All I Want For Christmas Is You ," with a 14x Platinum certification in 2024.
  • More songs from Journey
  • More songs about perseverance
  • More songs used in TV shows
  • More songs used in movies
  • More popular Karaoke songs
  • More songs that were hits for more than one artist
  • More songs covered by the Glee cast
  • More songs that are discussed in movies
  • More songs popular during the coronavirus pandemic
  • More motivational songs
  • More songs from 1981
  • Lyrics to Don't Stop Believin'
  • Journey Artistfacts

Comments: 119

  • Chad Eicher from Apple Creek, Ohio This song has got to be one of the greatest hit songs that I knew the words to. The cast of the Fox television show "Glee" did their version of that hit song. It just blew me away.
  • Rw Cain, at a songwriters festival in 2014, explained some parts of the song. The girl and guy story is like a version of Jack And Diane; they may not be real people. The trains moving at midnight is inspired by the song Midnight Train To Georgia. Live versions of the song, depending on the main vocalist, may change South Detroit to whatever city the band is playing in at that moment.
  • Soulsoldseparately from Buffalo, Ny Does "city boy born and raised in South Detroit" refer to an actual person?
  • Seventh Mist from 7th Heaven My daughter's favorite song. She often used it as inspiration once she was on her own and (seemingly) facing a new challenge every day. She never stopped believing.
  • Susan from Illinois Question-asker from A Train Going Anywhere, I think the lyric means ourselves. The movie is our lives. I believe our lives on this planet will end, but our souls will live on and on in another place.
  • Ronsha from New Jersey OMG. This song is so dang famous! People everywhere know this song. I swear to God it's even growing on the younger generations, including me. I used to hate it and think it's overrated, but deep down I always thought, oh darn, this song's catchy, who am I kidding? I'm 13 now and Don't Stop Believin' is one of the most uplifting songs I've ever heard. Not only the sound, but also the lyrics are beautiful. Good song to make you feel strong, nostalgic... it could make you cry too.
  • Brett from Mason Whether we choose to hear Streetlight People for street lights, people Steve Perry came right out and said after a concert in Detroit he is looking out from his hotel room down on the street and there we're people just wandering around the street. Not necessarily prostitutes or any other specific type of people. More or less aimlessly wandering around Under The Lights doing nothing. Mendez for the South Detroit I don't think he was intending to give a geography lesson. He was making a song sound the best it could possibly be
  • Mckinzie from United States This is my all time favorite song, I say that this is my song because I could relate to this song so much.
  • Nick from Ohio This is the most played classic hit of all time. Who would have thought that a song that peaked at #9 would become the undisputed biggest song in history.
  • Badintense from Erie Pa This song has crossed all generations and ethnicities as a beloved song. Last summer (2019) in my neighborhood a group of young black teens were hauling their giant boom box down the street blaring this song and singing the words perfectly as if they were in an adult karaoke bar. It actually brought a tear to my eye since I was a teen when this song first came out in 1981. Journey's music has really brought people together into a common bond no matter what the media tries to push on people.
  • Question-asker from A Train Going Anywhere what does the lyric "Oh, the movie never ends It goes on and on, and on, and on" mean in this song?
  • Seventhmist from 7th Heaven I recently took a long trip and played a Journey collection in my car, downloaded from a phone app. It contained a live version of this song, performed in Houston, that I hadn’t heard before. When Perry reached line about the boy, he sang, “Just a city boy, born and raised right here in Houston!” That definitely caught me by surprise.
  • Jodie from Xx I'm pretty sure he's saying "streetlights, people". Not "streetlight people".
  • Steve from Albany, Ny And the nonsense about Windsor being "considered" south Detroit continues to stick to the Wiki page like doodoo. LOL It's been said by many that you should never rely on Wiki as a source of reliable / accurate information. Very true.
  • Charles from Charlotte The stuff about lowlife killer Eileen Wuernos kissing her female lover just sullies the discussion of a great American pop song. Wish Perry & Co, had said NO!! to that.
  • Leonardo from Connecticut I would argue that the Sopranos season finale repopularized the song, not Monster...
  • Tony from San Diego Steve Smith plays an amazing drum pattern during the choruses.
  • Steve from Albany, Ny The info on the Wikipedia page for this song is inaccurate. And some moderator is allowing it to be there. I guess the following from John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band's song C-I-T-Y was actually referring to Windsor too: "On the South side of Detroit city I'm working all night on the line" Yep, definitely referring to Windsor, Ontario because everyone knows Windsor, Ontario is "considered" south Detroit. Right. LOL
  • Steve from Albany, Ny Regarding "south Detroit", I'm simply going to paste in what I just got done explaining to a mod at Wiki who is apparently bent on leaving misinformation on the Wiki page for this song. Sorry but this is pretty simple stuff and anyone who doesn't get it is an imbecile. ........................ I'm guessing / just realizing that you're a type of moderator here. If you in fact have control over what info is on the page in question, it would be a HUGE wrong to leave in the very misleading entry you've re-submitted. Windsor, Ontario is south _OF_ Detroit, Michigan. Detroit, Michigan is the city that NUMEROUS bands would make reference to in their songs. Especially rock bands and especially during the 70s into the 80s. Not Windsor and not any other suburbs of Detroit that also lie south of Detroit (or "downriver"). The song simply makes reference to the south SIDE of Detroit. The quote by Perry makes it clear that the word south was only added because... well, try singing it without south and just a long INNNN in it's place. As the quote makes clear, the song would not have sounded right without south (or something) before the word Detroit. Not that it's is needed for most to understand that the song is referencing Detroit and only Detroit but there is also a quote by Perry in which he stated that Detroit was very much in their (the writers) minds as they wrote the song. Windsor is not a part of Detroit. The song makes reference to the south side of Detroit. If the entry about Windsor is left on the page, so be it, but it is completely misleading and wrong.
  • John from Chino, Ca This song is played during the final minutes of Detroit Red Wings home games where it seems evident that the team will win. Played over the PA system, the song is muted so the crowd can sing the verse, "Born and raised in South Detroit."
  • Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On December 13th 1981 "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey peaked at #9 (for 3 weeks) on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; it had entered the chart on October 25th and spent 9 weeks on the Top 100... It reached #2 in Canada and #6 in the U.K. Was one of four tracks from the group's 1981 album 'Escape' to make the Top 100 (the others were "Who's Crying Now" (4), "Still They Ride" (#19) and "Open Arms" (#2)... And on September 12th, 1981 the album peaked at #1 (for 1 week) on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart.
  • Steve from Albany, Ny Some of the comments here regarding this song and it's mentioning of south Detroit are ridiculous. Saying there is no south Detroit is funny enough (there is a south side of any city and I was born and raised in SW Detroit myself) but I especially get a kick out of the people who say the song is referring to Windsor. If the following Steve Perry quote is accurate, "All of a sudden I'd see people walking out of the dark, and into the light. And the term 'streetlight people' came to me. So Detroit was very much in my consciousness when we started writing.", then the ONLY city being referenced in the song is Detroit. If by chance the lyrics were written as "South Detroit" as opposed to "south Detroit", I suppose that could indicate that Perry/ the writers were thinking of some area of Detroit or evena separate town with that name but it's not likely and that capital S is the only error here. There's nothing complicated here, the song simply refers to the south side of Detroit.
  • Jay from Centereach, Long Island, Ny I am surprised that the "South Detroit" line is so controversial. As a New Yorker, and not wholly familiar with the local geography or the neighborhood names of Detroit, I always thought South Detroit simply meant the southern part of Detroit, much like the South Bronx is the southern part of the Bronx. But who cares? This is a great song; no one should be concerned about a geographic error.
  • Deethewriter from Saint Petersburg, Russia Federation Neal Schon told RAW RAWK RU NEWS 2011-10-24 that the recent resurgence of "Don't Stop Believin'" after appearing on The Sopranos and Glee -- as well as becoming the first iTunes song to reach two million downloads -- is beyond his comprehension: "When the record came out, there were other songs that were actually bigger than that off it on radio. Y'know, to have it this many years later just come out and be bombastic (laughs) like never before, just like all over the place and just keep on . . . It just keeps on going. Y'know, it's just pretty amazing."
  • Terry from Grafon, Wi This song should be the national anthem of the United States.
  • Willie from Scottsdale, Az Bwaaahahaha! Now Michelle "White House Crasher" Salahi is shacking up with Neal Schon. Priceless.
  • Ken from San Mateo, Ca Since last year's World Series victory, I will always associate this song to the Giants and the Bay Area. Absolutely one of the best songs!!!!
  • Hannah from Gustavus, Oh I'm graduating this coming Sunday (May 29, 2011) and I couldn't be more thrilled that this was voted in as our class song. When they announced it at school you could hear people cheering. I think the reason it's such an enduring song for graduation is that unlike most of the class themes that get picked ("Good Riddance," "Here's to the Night," etc.) it's not about looking back and being sad it's over, but rather looking forward and realizing there is indeed life afterward. It's about living life to the fullest (the first verse) and how even though life is difficult ("some are born to sing the blues"), the important thing is to at least take chances and try ("roll the dice just one more time") - and of course, to not give up no matter what may happen, because everything will turn out just fine in the end.
  • Michael from Cincinnati, Oh Journey's 1982 album "Eascape was made into a video game titled "Escape".It was produced by Atari for the 2600 model.It was made by Data Age in San Jose,Cal.The Object of the game was to help the band members "Escape" the fans chasing them around.Pretty cool game at the time.
  • Steppy from Detroit, Mi *South Detroit Debate* I'm from metro Detroit (as well as a giant Journey fan) and had always wondered about the reference to South Detroit. I heard and interview a year or so ago with Steve Perry, where he addressed the issue. I listened to it online, maybe Youtube?, so the interview may have been old. At any rate, he said that after a concert in Detroit, he was sitting in his hotel room, very late, working on this song. The room was on a high floor and he was watching the people standing under the lights and pondering their lives ("streetlight people"). While he realized that South Detroit didn't really exist, he used a bit of artistic license, because it flowed better than East Detroit.
  • Megan from Stevenson, Al Tell me why this is AMAZING?! lol This song is on a totally different level. Awesome.
  • Jim from Long Beach, Ca Great song. South Detroit=Winsor,Ontario,Canada.....
  • Jay from St Paul, Mn I listened to a few interviews Steve has given. He said he used South Detroit because it sounded better than North, East or West. He said he didn't realize there was no South Detroit. He jokingly said he found out South Detroit was actually Windsor. As far as streetlight people, he said it's something that he noticed when he looked out of a hotel window. If you Youtube it, you can find the interviews. Very worth while.
  • Ken from San Mateo, Ca What a song...Like the Chisox, this also became a tribute song for the 2010 World Champion San Francisco Giants! And Journey is from this area, so it makes better sense.
  • Bobby from Belleville, Nj While Journey's version is a classic, back in 2008 before it was used in Sopranos, freestyle artist George LaMond remade the song into a pop/dance version. And a very good one, I might add.
  • Barry from Sauquoit, Ny Five years before Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" Olivia Newton-John had a completely different record with the same title, it peaked at No. 33...
  • Bd from Vienna, Va Probably worth noting in the brouhaha about Journey turning down a cover of this song is that Randy Jackson was in the band for a while in the mid-80s before their first breakup.
  • Rob from Fredericton, Nb One of the many anthems most prominiately found in the 80s hall of great music. For every song played on the radio, this one song sticks out the most when I use to go to a carnival in my hometown. With the smell of fries, hotdogs and other foods lingering in the air, you could always hear a Journey tune blaring in the background while everyone enjoyed riding the many rides at this carnival. So when you take an experience, like a carnival, and feature all of it's pleasantries you soon inaugurate any song from the 80s, namely a Journey tune, and the picture is complete. Such a great band and such a great song.
  • Sara from Detroit, Mi And for those of you that want to split hairs, Look on the map of Detroit. Melvindale, Ecorse, Lincoln Park, Ecorse, Delray, Allen Park, Southgate, Taylor, River Rouge, Wyandotte. These are all blue collar or very poor areas, and most people worked for the Big 3 auto companies. This area is called "Downriver" as it is south of Detroit. Detroit itself is a pretty small city. What most people think is Detroit is any one of the suburbs that lies within or outside of Detroit's city limits. Oak Park, Hazel Park, Highland Park, and Hamtramck, are all INSIDE the City Limits. Where as Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Southfield, Eastpointe, are OUTSIDE of Detroit's City Limits...yet most people consider it part of the greater metro area. When the word METRO is used by itself all over the country it means DETROIT METRO. We were the first place to use the term "Metro" as a colloquial term for a specific large area, as Detroit was the first city in the country to spread out that fast with that large of a population. The city of Detroit itself, is small.
  • Sara from Detroit, Mi You are all VERY WRONG about the South Detroit explanation. To those of us who are FROM Detroit and GREW UP THERE....SOUTH DETROIT IS ANYTHING SOUTH OF I-96...a.k.a "Downriver" ....There has NEVER been a place CALLED South Detroit. It's like being in any big city, the term is more loosely used, than say "South Philly", "South-Central L.A." "Southside Of Chicago". Yes Eastpointe was East Detroit but that has absolutely NOTHING to do with this, you don't see a "West Detroit" on the map do you? As for the lyrics it IS in fact "Streetlights, People". It's amazing how many Americans struggle with their own native language!
  • Carrie from Roanoke, Va Petra Haden does a cover version of this song.
  • Karen from Manchester, Nh I have loved this song for years...until I heard that it was the closing song on the piece of filth that is titled "The Sopranos".
  • Jose from Brisbane, Australia Please tour Australia! I know it's hard because for some reason, Australia never really got into Journey... sad lot we are.
  • Nikki from Yamba, Australia greta song... love that it has on family guy.. scrubs... the sapranos... the wedding singer and love when LC and stephen sing it on the second series of laguna beach!
  • Ellen from Chicago, Il A great song. See Wikipedia's article (search the song title) for additional details as to what exactly is meant by "South Detroit" - in the section called "Sports".
  • Rahul from Chennai, India absolutely beautiful song....
  • Stu from Philly, Pa They've been quoted as saying "it's streetlight people, we're talking about prostitutes." At any rate, check the lyrics book that came with the album. One of the greatest songs of all time, it was a real treat to see the cast of Glee perform it on that new TV show. One of the best non-Journey renditions of it. My band Raised On Radio usually starts our sets with this song.
  • Mike from Brighton, Ma To answer the age old question, "South Detroit" actually refers Southfield, Michigan. (Southfield, ironcally is north of Detroit.) In the 1980s, Journey played many charity soft ball games with WRIF-FM (The Riff).
  • Brendan from Cape Town, South Africa The line after "streetlights, people" sounds like "heaven just a fun emotion" Any other suggestions?
  • Allen from Knoxville, Tn On the University Of Tennessee campus, somebody has spray painted on the stop signs "dont STOP believin'" Great song, even 27 years after it was released!
  • Katie from St. Paul, Mn The lyrics say "Streetlights, people...", not "Streetlight people".
  • Josh from Indianapolis, In Journey Rocks Big Time!!!!!!!!!!!!! thers not a song by them i dont like> Rock on!
  • Bob from Dumbsville, Belarus Wow this song is beautiful! Everytime I'm down, I listen to it and it gets me back on my feet again. This song just defines 80s music. Journey will just never be the same without Steve Perry leading their crusade.
  • Morten from Sydney, Australia I'm an 80's music tragic but suprisingly had never heard of this song! Thanks to Family Guy for introducing me to this gem! -Morten, Sydney, Australia
  • Dean from Windsor, On I would just like to inform all those people who say this song isn't about Windsor. When "South Detroit" is mentioned the city of Windsor is what they are talking about. Windsor is actually SOUTH of Detroit. If your ever around my town and stand at the river your compass will point north. Enjoy!
  • Julie from Taylor, Tx When this song comes on...me and best friend victoria go crazy! it's their best song. Classic 80's!
  • Melanie from Seattle, Wa Scott from Boston - what a cool story! Haha I want to go write that on a stop sign now! :D This song is sooo good. Journey's best IMO. Steve's voice is amazing.
  • Neil from Ottawa, Canada This song was sung by the football team in the 2007 film "The Comebacks". One of the players starts singing it in the change-room, and it turns in to a full-stage concert. It mocks the sports movie cliche of teams turning it around with an uplifting theme song, and also references the Chicago White Sox World Series.
  • Liquid Len from Ottawa, Canada What a great song! The only song Journey did in the 80s that wasn't horrid!
  • Fredrik from Stockholm, Sweden This song was also featured in the South Park episode "tsst" when Cartman is plugging in his X-Box. He sings the lines "Don't stop believing, hold on to your feelings"
  • Krista from Elyria, Oh I love Journey! And I love it when ametuers sing the lyrics! But I HATE baseball cards...
  • Scott from Boston, Ma During cross country last year there was a stop sign we always ran by during practice and it said "don't" above it and "believing" below it. It became our team's song and we often sang it very out of tune during runs. Also, that Family Guy episode is awesome (as most are). "Oh my god, that is Journey!"
  • Michael from San Diego, Ca One of the most beautiful songs of all time...if this song doesn't get to you, then you may need to check your pulse!
  • Richie from Sedalia, Mo Edgar, Kings Park, NY Better luck next time!!
  • Edgar from Kings Park, Ny This song reminds me of my failed suicide attempt. Well... there's always next time.
  • Brian from Portage, Mi Yes, Detroit is an East/West city, but no matter where an area is, there is still four cardinal directions.
  • Brian from Detroit, Mi Anyone from Detroit will know what i am saying, but "south detroit" refers tothe area south of Outer Drive, Detroiters refer to the area as "downriver." i Just want to clear the confusion. It ISINT canada, it ISINT eastpointe, NOR groose pointe.
  • Eamon from Motherwell, Scotland THis inspirational song was played every night in a juke by me when I was teaching summer camp in up state New York back in 1980. Being from Scotland, I loved the American rock scene and this classic just typifyies it. 27 years later, I play the Journey live DVD while I work out every other night and never tire of hearing it, it is in my blood. I had the pleasure of seeing Journey in Glasgow earlier this year and it was a real highlight. One question - I have heard different lyrics for this some say "Heaven is a funky mouse?" Any comments guys and girls? Eamon.Motherwell. Scotland.
  • Sergio from Miami, Fl I have been listening to this song for a long time now. I grew up listening to it and I admit, its my all time favorite. It is so cool now to see a new generation fall in love with it thanks to Family Guy, Scrubs and Sopranos. I dont think it matters if South Detroit is correct or not cause whenever they performed it live with Steve Perry he always replaced Detroit with the city they were in at the moment. I always thought that was a nice touch and he always got a cheap pop for it. I know I will always love this song and just dont get sick or hearing it. Journey was a fantastic band with some great musicians.
  • Mary from Canyon, Tx This song was my junior class song way back when in ancient times, not too long after it was first released. EVen I know Windsor, ON is south of Detroit! (Southeast to be exact.)
  • Mark from Glassboro, Nj This song was used in the very end of The Soprano's Final Episode. The song is cut short and the screen goes to blank.
  • Missy from Ann Arbor, Mi You may not belive this but 'Don't stop Belivin' was my senior class song...I love it and so did my class...we were a pretty small class and we were all ubsessed with soft and classic rock...the good stuff...Whenever I hear those first few piano keys play, I will alway go back to my high school gym, on a hot june day, walking to the stage to graduate...Good Times, Great Memories and GREAT SONG!!!
  • Mike from Hueytown , Al I love the 80's on VH1 ripped this song apart.
  • Mark from Des Moines, Ia I can't help but think of the CHICAGO WHITE SOX and their magical run to the World Series title in 2005. What a great season!!! What a great song!!!
  • Maria from Houston , Tx I agree with most, his voice is awesome!!!!
  • Kara from Cadillac, Mi Artists magic is what happens when you take a group of extraordinarily talented people and put them together, allowing them each to do what they do best. Journey is what happens when it all fits together and creates something wonderful. They're not just a band- they're an era. Neal Schon is with out a doubt one of the most gifted guitarists ever. His knowledge and presentation of his craft are nothing short of brilliant. Steve Perry's vocals are masterful. They, along with Schon's guitar work, gave Journey a distintive sound. Jonathan Cain - a perfect fit, though I admit I've always liked Greg Rolle too. I have a Journey album that was made prior to Steve Perry's joining and listening to that makes me know that Journey would have been great no matter what because they had the talent to be great. I know there were changes in the lineup, but Ross Valory's bass playing was also part of what made Journey what it is to me. I loved Steve Smith on the drums, but as with Rolle, I was sad to see Aynsley Dunbar go. Journey was a concept, a feeling, a part of life, an important accent to memories in my life and continues to contribute to important events in the lives of my kids. Two of my sons play guitar and are greatly influenced by Neal Schon. One of them is currently overseas serving in the millitary- he will marry his high school sweetheart when he returns and their wedding song will be "Open Arms". The two sons that I have at home have recently been getting into Journey - "Generations" and I have found that I love their music now as much as I ever did. It never mattered to me that Steve Perry said "South Detroit" - I lived in Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti for many years and I never could keep the suburbs or other offspring areas of Detroit straight anyway. I lived in San Francisco too and always knew that "Lights" was about that city - even if it was written in (or partially in) L.A. - Who cares? Does anybody ever question why "Still They Ride" has traffic lights in it? No. Why? Because it's a truly amazing song about times changing before people are ready for them to with an outstanding guitar lead and excellent vocals. Get over the details. This is legendary music by exceptional musicians. Just enjoy it.
  • J from Boston, Ma and I mean (in the last comment) in the chorus part at the end.
  • J from Boston, Ma About the streetlight line, I think the first time the line is done, it sort of sounds like streetlight with a little extra sound on it. However, the second time the line is sung, he definetly says streetlights. As the song fades out, I think he says streetlight.
  • Jack from London, England Coming from England I had never heard this song on the radio before I heard it on Family Guy. I then heard the song during an episode of Scrubs Season 3 called "My Journey" and decided I had to download it. JOURNEY KICK ASS
  • Nathan from From The Country Of, Canada I always heard this song on the radio, but it wasn't until its appearance on Family Guy's kareokee episode that i realized how good the song actually is.
  • Peter from Detroit, Mi No matter what, at least once a month I hear this song at the bar. My friends and I are from Dearborn Heights, MI and I like to replace south detroit with "dearborn heights" while belting the lyrics to the annoyance of my girlfriend...she thinks I'm cute so it's cool. Rock on Journey!
  • Tom from Vashon, Wa This is an amazing song. It is so sweet. I love it. I think that it has a great message that we can all relate to. Wether we are living on the streets or we are just having problems with our closest friend. You can never stop believing.
  • Dave from Beamsville, Canada If you listen closely, you will hear a rendition of this song during the first wedding ceremony on 'The Wedding Singer' when Adam Sandler gets stood up at the alter.
  • Allan from Calgary, Canada At The Den (the on-campus bar at the University of Calgary) this song has been the last song every weekend night for the last 10 years. All the regulars drop their pants and do the "no pants dance" Quite a good time and a great way to end the night at a great bar.
  • Zeke from Washington, Dc All the lyrics say that the line is "Streetlight, people..." but if you listen to the song it DEFINITELY sings "Streetlights, people." Which do you think it is?
  • Kevin from Grosse Pointe, Mi Yeah, but who calls Windsor "South Detroit"? Nobody. I love this song, but that line always bugs me. Why not say "Just a city boy, born and raised in East Detroit" East Detroit is the former name of Easpointe, Michigan. Also, East Detroit is just considered the East side of Metro Detriot, so he could be from the eastern part of the city of Detroit or from any one of the suburbs that is considered East Detroit (Harper Woods, Roseville, Clinton Township, St. Clair Shores)
  • Emma from Palm Beach, Australia This song was performed in episode 403 of "The Family Guy" entitled "Don't Make Me Over" (original air date 06/05/05) by Peter, Cleveland, Quagmire and Joe. It's an enjoyable rendition, with pall bearers even dropping a coffin in order to hit "The Drunken Clam" to check out the performance.
  • Matt from Haddon Hieghts, Nj This song is great and i got my whole family to love this song its Steve Perrys voice thats just awesome and its one of my fav
  • Cindi from Vancouver, Canada OMG WHO care weather it is North, South. East or West it is a great song.....I can think about better things to debate than which way is up, down or left or right....I agree with who ever said there is N,S, E or West every where just get a compass and stand outside this isn't rocket science it's a Rock song.
  • Zeke from Washington, Dc Actually, Canada IS south of Detroit. The southern part of Ontario is actually south of Detroit. Check your map Jon from Regina.
  • Justin from Monson, Ma I think Journey's song "Don't stop Believin" is the greatest song in the world. I love it so much. Each time it comes on the radio, I turn it up loud. By the way, why does anyone care about how the city of Detroit is used in the song. The song's great!!!!!!!! -Justin Dubois,Monson,MA
  • Matthew from East Brunswick, Nj Great song, Journey is a godsend of the 80's!
  • Anwiya from Sterling Heights, Mi Hey John from Canada, you know nothing. A portion of Canada (city name: WINDSOR) is south of Detroit.
  • Sara Mackenzie from Middle Of Nowhere, Fl white sox have used it for their theme song, omg!! at least it kept them going on to believe that they could win, and they did, so this song is like, an inspiration.
  • Christa from Aurora, Il This was the song the white sox used for inspiration to win the world series 2005!
  • Jeff from Sothington, Ct this is an inspirational song that has a good guitar part in it...the family guy episode was funny and the fact that i knew this girl that would sing this song and now everytime i hear it i see her singing it..but i still see myslef playing guitar...nice solo though
  • David from Yosemite, Ca I heard this song sung a few weeks ago in San Francisco's North Beach--I was trying to sleep in the GreenTortoise hostel in the room above the lounge--and a chorus of girls was singing it. It must have been Kerioki night, but it was lovely. I couldn't recall the group (Journey), but heard a bit on the radio, and googled the lyrics. I've been googling lyrics all weekend--Napster's having free downloads, which brought me here--nice site.. I wish I could have recorded the girls singing. David Yosemite Sept. 4, 2005
  • Chase from Pasadena, Ca Most of the memories posted on this website are by a girl named "Stephanie."
  • Stephanie from Ellicott City, Md this song brings back some great memories .... reminds me of being just over the edge of 17, vacationing in Florida with my family. we were staying at this resort, and i was hanging out in the game room. i had been pretty bored, and i met this guy about 2 years younger than me. he was from a small town in Maine, while i was from the big city in Maryland. i was grateful to find someone close to my age, and we played airhockey, with us deciding to make a friendly bet, the terms to be determined after the game. he let me win, and the term of the bet was decided to be a kiss. we ended up making out for awhile, and when we parted for the night, we shared no pretense that we'd ever meet again. the next night, i heard this song, and it made me think of him - although it was reversed, he was the small town boy and i was the city girl, for a smile we shared the night, and the memories go on and on. i had been feeling pretty low about myself at this time, and feeling undesirable, and he made me feel like, hey, maybe there is something desirable about me after all. so, Matt from Maine, thank you.
  • Ryan from Windsor, Canada Amazing song, one of the best from the 80's. oh and Jon from Regina, check your map bro. I'm from Windsor, Ontario Canada and to go to Detroit I'd have to travel North, not South (one of those "tricky" geography catches).
  • Jev from Marietta, Ga Well does anyone know where I can get a good ringtone of this song period.
  • Patrick from Charlotte, Nc no.
  • Jev from Marietta, Ga Does anybody know where I can get a Don't Stop Believin ringtone that is reliable?
  • Jon from Regina, Canada This is a great song. By the way, who really cares if they say South Detroit? It's not the end of the world. And John from Scottsdale, I thought most people knew this, but Canada is NORTH of Detroit, not south.
  • Matthew from Marquette, Mi Ok... I don't know how many of you really know Geography, but there is a North, South, East and West of EVERYTHING! There is South America, Southern US, Southern California, South Detroit, my dorm room even has a southern part. While you may not find South Detroit on a map, there is in fact a South Detroit. The guy probably grew up near Michigan Avenue. As for the song... GREAT EFFIN' SONG!
  • Tatem from San Diego, Ca No matter the radio station I'm listening to, you can always tell that distinctive Journey-Steve Perry sound and instantly know a Journey song regardless of your knowledge of their song list. Steve Perry gave Journey their uniqueness. I had heard about the Monster movie thing, never saw the movie though. It's hard to believe how old these guys are now. Steve Perry was a hottie. Aging happens to the best of us!!
  • Perviz from Cochin, India Words can't describe the kind of feeling you get on hearing this song. Truly a masterpiece!!
  • Perviz from Cochin, India This is truly a super duper song. Thanx a million Journey.
  • Kevin from Grosse Pointe, Mi Yeah the whole South Detroit thing always bugged me too. Detroit is an East Side/West Side city, not a North Side/South Side city like Chicago. If the lyrics had said "East Detroit" it would have made more sense.
  • Ryan from Lansing, Mi There is no East Detroit however as everyone should know, they changed there name to Eastpointe. But yeah he should really have said southren Detroit.
  • John from Scottsdale, Az When I ever hear this song, I have to say "you've got it wrong, Steve, and sing "There ain't no such place as South Detroit." I grew up in Detroit. There's an east side and a west side. The dividing line is Woodward Avenue. South Detroit is..uh... Canada. Stand on the plaza in downtown Detroit, and look south. Oh, Canada. Otherwise, I like the song, but Steve and his buddies should hvae stuck to San Francisco or looked at a map
  • Tom from Alma, Ga Ack! Another cookie-cutter corporate rock band. Being a child of the 80's, however, they did have some good stuff.
  • Dawn from Highlands Ranch, Co Well, Neal Schon, Steve Perry and Jon Cain I think all take credit for the genesis of this song, which probably explains part of why they're not together anymore. But actress Charlize Theron really wanted this song for a scene in her movie Monster, so she and director/writer Patty Jenkins wrote a letter to Steve Perry begging him to allow them to use the song. He saw the scene they wanted it for, said it was perfect, through Sony contacts asked Jon and Neal if they were ok with it, they said yes, and Steve became musical consultant for the film, as well as the song being in the film. Steve is still traveling around the US and Canada with Patty helping her promote the movie and accepting awards for it.
  • Mooler from Detroit, Mi Nora hit the nail right on the head. South Detroit is just referring to the southern part of the city just as south west detroit or west side or east side or northeast detroit...etc etc. I should know...im from north east detroit. 7 and gratiot.
  • Paul from Greenwood, Sc Just a couple tidbits...in live shows, Journey frontman Steve Perry would insert the name of whatever city that would be hosting them, evidenced by the NFL films documentary of them from the late 80's where they are playing in Philly..."Born and raised in Phil-a-del-phia!"...also the guitar break between the first and second verse spotlights Schon at what he did best. Neil Schon was discovered by Carlos Santana and was playing on stage at the age of 15. He is incredibly fast and it shows on this classic.
  • Larry from Artesia, Ca Streetlight people, living just to find emotion Hiding, somewhere in the night
  • Angela from Santa Fe, Tx Does anyone know the lyrics to this song? I know most of them, however, there is one line in there where I can't seem to catch all the words. It is right after the line in the chorus "Streetlife people". Can anyone help me? Thanks.
  • Nora from Richfield, Mn The lyrics didn't say 'south OF Detroit', it said South Detroit. Big difference

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How did Raygun qualify for the Olympics? Is she really the best Australia has to offer?

journey song about a girl

By Mawunyo Gbogbo

ABC Entertainment

Topic: Olympic Games

Raygun performs at the Paris Olympics

Rachael "Raygun" Gunn did not score a single point at the Paris Olympics. ( Getty Images: Elsa )

Since Australian breaker Rachael "Raygun" Gunn failed to score a single point in any of her Olympic bouts, many have asked how she qualified for the Games.

Fellow breaker and anthropologist Lucas Marie says she won her qualification "fair and square" last year, but African American man Malik Dixon has criticised the Olympic body for letting her in.

What's next?

Breaking will not be an event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games — a decision made before Raygun's performance.

The 2024 Paris Olympics marked breaking's debut as a sport at the global event, with 36-year-old lecturer and breaker Rachael "Raygun" Gunn representing Australia for the first time.

Having failed to win a single point in any of her Olympic bouts, Raygun quickly became a viral sensation.

The question on many people's minds now is: How did she even qualify?

Lucas Marie is a breaker who has competed, performed, taught and judged breaking competitions over the past 25 years. He's also an anthropologist who recently co-authored an article with Gunn.

He says the answer to that question is simple.

A black and white close-up image of Lucas Marie smiling.

Lucas Marie recently co-authored an article with Raygun. ( Supplied )

"There was an Oceania qualifier in which any B-boy or B-girl from Australia [or] New Zealand could enter, and that was in Sydney in October 2023," he told ABC News.

"And leading up to that, there were a lot of other events in which breakers were competing.

"She won those battles fair and square and won the qualification in Sydney.

"And it wasn't really a surprise to anyone. 

"She's been fairly consistent, winning or coming second or third at a lot of breaking events in Australia for the last five to 10 years."

Marie said there was nothing out of the ordinary about Raygun's performance.

"It's not like gymnastics where there's this kind of agreed-upon standard," he said.

"It's always had a rawness to it. It's always had an improvisational kind of quality. And I think looking different and trying different stuff has always been celebrated.

"And I think Raygun, in a way, was just expressing a core kind of hip hop trait in a way a lot of breakers do."

He described her efforts as bold.

"I thought — and this is how I judge a lot of breaking events — I thought, 'Oh, she's making some really interesting choices to mimic Australian animals.' And you can kind of see the choices that she's making in the moment."

Is she the best Australia has to offer?

Team Australia chef de mission Anna Meares insisted after Raygun's performance that she was the best breaker the country had to offer. But is this true?

A man in purple pants doing a handstand.

Lucas Marie has competed, performed, taught and judged breaking competitions for more than 25 years. ( Supplied: momentsby.naz )

"It's sometimes just who's performing better on the day," Marie said.

"And at the qualification event in which she won, and other events in which she's won, she performed better on that day and won the ticket.

"That doesn't mean she's the best. It doesn't really work like that.

"I think she's a great breaker. She won the qualification. She's won other events in the past, and she was a good representative for Australia at that competition."

Asked whether there were B-girls in Perth, regional Victoria or rural Brisbane who might have qualified but could not afford to travel to Sydney for the tryouts, Marie agreed this was possible.

"Of course, there's breakers all over the country that maybe should have been in that event, but they weren't."

Breaking will not carry over to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, a decision made before Raygun's battle.

Marie described this as sad.

"Maybe, based on the ratings, they'll reassess that and maybe allocate some medals to breaking," he said.

"I really hope that's the case, and I hope that for other breakers who want to compete in it as a dance sport."

Marie said that at the end of the day people should remember they were dealing with a human.

"As a friend of Rachael's, there's a human being who's getting a lot of negative attention," he said.

"I think people kind of miss that sometimes and forget the human aspect of all this."

'Toying with the culture'

Malik Dixon is an African American who has been living in Australia for more than a decade and is a Sydney University graduate.

He said Raygun made a total "mockery" out of breaking at the Olympics.

A blurry image of Malik Dixon wearing a blue shirt reading "CHAPEL HILL".

Malik Dixon says too many people feel entitled to African American culture. ( Supplied )

"She was dressed like a member of the cricket team or an Australian PE teacher, and from that point it just seemed like satire," Mr Dixon told ABC News.

"It just looked like somebody who was toying with the culture and didn't know how culturally significant it was being the first time in the Olympics and just how important it was to people who really cherish hip hop and one of the elements of hip hop, which is breakdancing.

"It made me think, was Borat her breakdancing coach?"

Mr Dixon said too many people felt entitled to African American culture.

"The African American space has been one where we've shared our community so much and without any restraints, any barriers, roadblocks, obstacles, any gatekeepers, that essentially what should have been African American cultural capital is just shared, which is cool," he said. 

"We like to share, right? 

"We shared 400 years of free labour.

"To see Rachael in her attempt to be a part of the culture just be grossly underwhelming made it seem like she didn't take it seriously."

Olympics body criticised for Raygun qualification

Mr Dixon criticised the body that qualified Raygun, saying she devalued breaking with her performance.

"Whatever governing body nominated her as Australia's entrant into the Olympics either did not understand the assignment or didn't really believe in the integrity or significance of breakdancing, because if they did they would just say, rather than disrespect the culture, we're just not ready to send an applicant this year."

He said Raygun was extremely audacious and not self-aware.

"You've got to know your role, know your position, know your limitation," he said. 

"And I think that part of privilege is saying that there are no limits to what I can do. 

"Part of privilege is having the authority to say that there are no limits and there are no requirements, there are no prerequisites to what I can do."

Raygun's degrees do not hold much water with Mr Dixon.

"Due to consumerism, this Foundational Black American product, which is hip hop, is global," he said.

"And even people who have no connection to any African Americans or any local or regional things that come out in these songs, they have become a part of the whole experience now.

"If I came in and said that I was an authority on Greek music and I was going against the grain of what the mainstream Greek musicians thought, or the school of thought, and I've said that I was the authority, people would check me on that.

"If I had a PhD in sprinting, does that qualify me to go against Noah Lyles? No, it doesn't."

He also doubts Raygun was the best breaker Australia had to offer.

"[There's] got to be somebody out here that's better than that! The kangaroo! The sprinkler! She did the sprinkler out there, man!" he said.

Should everybody just lighten up?

Should we lighten up? Mr Dixon does not believe so.

"Larrikinism is used as a get-out-of-jail-free card and to escape responsibility of how words or actions impact a hurt person," he said.

"But when the majority culture is offended, there's no playing around.

"This is a part of my culture, and I don't think Australians are in a place to tell me how I should feel about breakdancing being mocked on an international stage.

"People who don't have any or limited access to black people or hip hop culture now may see Rachael and her buffoonery as a representation of hip hop and black culture.

"People who were already side-eyeing breakdancing as an Olympic sport, Rachael Gunn has put the nail in that coffin.

"This might be the most viral clip of the whole Olympics. From a comedy standpoint, she's got it, but from an Olympics perspective, its regressive."

IMAGES

  1. JOURNEY JUST A SMALL TOWN GIRL Journey Best Songs

    journey song about a girl

  2. JOURNEY Girl Can't Help It 1986 HQ

    journey song about a girl

  3. Journey

    journey song about a girl

  4. Journey Greatest Hits With Lyrics

    journey song about a girl

  5. Journey

    journey song about a girl

  6. Journey "Girl Can't Help It" Sheet Music in A Minor

    journey song about a girl

COMMENTS

  1. Journey

    Journey - Girl Can't Help It (Official HD Video - 1986) journey 2.16M subscribers Subscribed 64K 15M views 14 years ago #OfficialHDVideo #Journey #GirlCantHelpIt

  2. Journey-Dont Stop Believing (official song) with lyrics

    Watch the official song "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey on YouTube, featuring lyrics about a small town girl and a city boy.

  3. Journey

    #DontStopBelievin #Journey #ChoyLyrics 🎤 Lyrics: Don't Stop Believin' - Journey Just a small-town girl Livin' in a lonely world She took the midnight train goin' anywhere Just a city boy Born ...

  4. Journey

    Don't Stop Believin' Lyrics: Just a small-town girl, livin' in a lonely world / She took the midnight train goin' anywhere / Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit / He took the ...

  5. Journey

    "Girl Can't Help It" is the third single off of Journey's 1986 album Raised on Radio. The song tells the story of a guy and a girl who have feelings for each other, but can't start a ...

  6. Girl Can't Help It (song)

    " Girl Can't Help It " is a song by the American rock band Journey, from their 1986 album Raised on Radio. The song was released as the third single from that album, following "Be Good to Yourself" and "Suzanne".

  7. Journey

    Watch the official HD video for "Girl Can't Help It" by Journey on YouTube Music.

  8. Journey

    Music video by Journey performing Girl Can't Help It (Audio). (C) 1986 Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment

  9. Don't Stop Believin' by Journey: Song meaning, lyrics, covers and more

    Journey - Don't Stop Believin' (Official Audio) The theme also inspired the song's lyrics. Cain and Perry envisioned a narrative of two people leaving their pasts behind in their hometowns and catching a midnight train to anywhere else. Perry liked the idea of the characters being a girl from a small town and a boy raised in the city.

  10. Lyrics for Don't Stop Believin' by Journey

    Up and down the boulevard. Their shadows searching in the night. Streetlights, people. Living just to find emotion. Hiding somewhere in the night. Don't stop believin'. Hold on to that feelin'. Streetlights, people. Don't stop believin'.

  11. Journey

    Next ». Don't Stop Believin' Lyrics & Meanings: Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world / She took the midnight train goin' anywhere / Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit / He took the midnight train goin' anywhere / / A singer in a smoky room / The smell of wine and cheap perfume / For a smile they can share the night ...

  12. Journey

    Music video by Journey performing Girl Can't Help It (Audio). (C) 1986 Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment

  13. Don't Stop Believin'

    " Don't Stop Believin' " is a song by American rock band Journey. It was released in October 1981 as the second single from the group's seventh studio album, Escape (1981), released through Columbia Records. "Don't Stop Believin ' " shares writing credits between the band's vocalist Steve Perry, guitarist Neal Schon, and keyboardist Jonathan Cain. A mid-tempo rock anthem and power ballad, [ 3 ...

  14. Journey

    About Girl Can't Help It Not to be confused with the Little Richard song, The Girl Can't Help It."Girl Can't Help It" is a song by the American rock band Journey, from their 1986 album Raised on Radio. The song was released as the third single from that album, following "Be Good to Yourself" and "Suzanne." Like the previous two singles, "Girl Can't Help It" was a Billboard Top 40 hit, entering ...

  15. Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'

    Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'. " Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' " is a song by American rock group Journey released as a single in 1979 from the album Evolution. Lyrically, the song is about a woman who is cheating on her boyfriend, the narrator, but at the end of the song the woman's lover is cheating on her.

  16. 17 Best Popular Journey Love Songs of All Time, Ranked, Youtube Lyrics

    Here is the top Best Popular Journey Love Songs of All Time. So get ready to journey through the best love songs by one of the greatest bands ever.

  17. Journey

    Journey - Only the Young (Steve Perry & Bryce Miller Remix - Official Lyric Video)

  18. JOURNEY

    Journey - Small Town Girl Lyrics. She's just a small town girl, living in a lonely world She took the midnight train going anywhere He's just a city boy, born and raised in S.

  19. Journey alphabetical song list at Tunecaster

    Journey alphabetical song list Alphabetical order list Sort back into Tune Timeline order red # = weekly rock chart blue # = pop chart 1 After All These Years

  20. Journey

    Journey's official live video for 'Girl Can't Help It'. Click to listen to Journey on Spotify: http://smarturl.it/JourneySpot?IQid=JouGCHIAs featured on The ...

  21. 71 Songs About Journeys (Pop, Rap & More)

    The Journey is a song about the ups and downs of life and how God is always with us through it all. The song talks about how we all have a journey to take and how we need to trust God to lead us through it.

  22. Don't Stop Believin' by Journey

    Songfacts®: Journey's most enduring song, this track has a unique structure, which helps it stick in your mind. Where most songs have a chorus that's repeated several times, "Don't Stop Believin'" brings in its chorus (and title) only at the end - about 3:20 into the song. The structure goes: instrumental, first verse, instrumental, second verse, first pre-chorus, instrumental, third verse ...

  23. How did Raygun qualify for the Olympics? Is she really the best

    The 2024 Paris Olympics marked breaking's debut as a sport at the global event, with 36-year-old lecturer and breaker Rachael "Raygun" Gunn representing Australia for the first time.

  24. Small Town Girl- Journey

    Don't Stop Believin' aka Small town girl by journey..please Subscribe